Sucker Punched

(Photo: philadelphiaunion.com)

It was one crazy game filled with mixed emotions as the Union put forth a superb performance in a fruitless effort. After dominating the entire game DC scored a goal off a set piece on a suspect call. It was one of those games that left everyone in the stadium with a bad taste in their mouths.


The Union doubled the amount of attempts on goal, held more possession with majority of it in the attacking third. The Union had depth and fluid movement; they stretched the pitch, working the ball wide creating opportunities. The Union played an up-tempo attacking style that was easy on the eyes. Something that stuck out to me was the Union consistently played the ball into space and allowed a player to run onto the ball. They hardly ever had done under Nowak.


The Hackworth era is something to get excited about. He was greeted with a thunderous applause and over half the stadium rose to their feet (if they already were not standing) to cheer the Hack. The players at least the younger ones seem to enjoy Hack more than Peter and played harder for Hack. “I would say a lot of the guys are closer with Coach Hack than they were with Coach Peter” said Jack McInerney.


The players were invigorated Saturday night. The team looked like they cared, for the first time in a long time. Players were hustling and pushing themselves. They looked like they actually wanted to be their playing the sport. It was refreshing as a fan to see an effort.
 

 
© 2012 mlssoccer.com

NOT SOLD YET: It is hard to say whether or not it was a game against rivals United. When the Union played against NYRB they put forth the same effort and a similar result yielded. I cannot fully endorse Hackworth until I see result and a similar effort against teams not DC, and NYRB. If he can get this team to play motivated against the Toronto’s, the Columbus’s, and the Dynamo’s of the league then I will be convinced.


Also Gabriel Gomez, the Union’s big signing in the off season who has delivered is working his way back to health. When he is back most likely the Union are going to switch back to having 2 holding midfielders. That could drastically kill some of the Union’s offensive output.  


Strike Issues: The strikers up top did not pack enough punch; they created opportunities but did not capitalize. This appears to be a major problem because between (Hoffman, Martinez, Hoppenot, Mclnerney, Perlaza, and Pajoy) they have limited success and not a ton of experience. Also with the exception of Pajoy they are undersized and easily overpowered.


In the transfer window I would love to see Mclnerney moved from the team and a big name striker signing brought in. The Union need a finisher someone who can score big goals and mentor the younger players.


On The Flip Side: DC United were just the better team and Saturday night they showed it. The mark of a good team is to be outplayed and still walk away with the result. They find ways to win and that is ultimately all that matters in sports. United went into a hostile environment were outplayed and still won the game.


The Union created more opportunities but could not capitalize. The Union had seven corner kicks and Bill Hamid was hardly tested. Philly had set pieces in dangerous positions but they could not capitalize.


Kai Herdling: The Union have declined the option on the loan for Kai Herdling sending him back to Germany. Kai was unimpressive in his brief stint with the Union. Good news is the Union get another international player slot and a few extra dollars off the cap.