The Philadelphia Union are off to a 0-2-1 start which is the worst start in franchise history. The offense has gone stagnant only recording two goals in three matches. The Union currently sit at second to last in the Eastern division. The lack of results puts several key figures into pressure situations.
Zach MacMath: When goals are hard to come by every goal let in is a nail in the coffin. The young goalie has been thrust into a tough situation. His confidence was rattled after letting in a number of soft goals but rebounded with a strong performance against Vancouver. Zach has a ton of pressure on him and is going to need to perform at a very high level. MacMath must string together a series of outings like the one against Vancouver if the Union want to be in the playoff picture.
It is unfortunate that the young goalie gets hit with a trickle down effect of futility. The lack of offense, discord on the defense and a midfield that can’t keep shape makes MacMath’s job that much harder. If he does not get some goal support and allows a few goals it could be a blow to his confidence and possibly his career.
Danny Mwanga/Linoard Pajoy: The duo up top have been toothless in the attack to say the least. With a combine one goal between them and dozens of blown opportunities, the strike partners need to improve ASAP. The language barrier should not be this big of a deal, between two professionals who understand the game.
Aside from the lack of cohesion between the two neither has looked great individually. Danny has lost his confidence and is making a number of errors. While Pajoy has looked lost at times in attack, he struggles to keep shots on target and challenge the goalie.
Danny Califf: The captain has been having a year filled with turmoil but all seems to be well right now. Captain Ink needs to grab the reigns of the defense and be an imposing factor for the Union. Since McMath is an inexperienced goalie, who has had his confidence shaken, the defense needs to be better to make the goalie’s job easier. Danny is under a whirl wind of pressure to fix the problems in the defense and be a catalyst for the team.
Nowak: The center of attention, Peter Nowak, is currently barring the most pressure. It is safe to say that he is on the hot seat and his job is at risk. Too much tinkering with lineup, along with too much player movement, and not enough results, it appears that he rubs all the players the wrong way. He tinkers too much with the starting lineup and does not allow them to gain cohesion. He allows the Union to play a very predictable style of play.
Looking ahead
Zach MacMath: When goals are hard to come by every goal let in is a nail in the coffin. The young goalie has been thrust into a tough situation. His confidence was rattled after letting in a number of soft goals but rebounded with a strong performance against Vancouver. Zach has a ton of pressure on him and is going to need to perform at a very high level. MacMath must string together a series of outings like the one against Vancouver if the Union want to be in the playoff picture.
It is unfortunate that the young goalie gets hit with a trickle down effect of futility. The lack of offense, discord on the defense and a midfield that can’t keep shape makes MacMath’s job that much harder. If he does not get some goal support and allows a few goals it could be a blow to his confidence and possibly his career.
Danny Mwanga/Linoard Pajoy: The duo up top have been toothless in the attack to say the least. With a combine one goal between them and dozens of blown opportunities, the strike partners need to improve ASAP. The language barrier should not be this big of a deal, between two professionals who understand the game.
Aside from the lack of cohesion between the two neither has looked great individually. Danny has lost his confidence and is making a number of errors. While Pajoy has looked lost at times in attack, he struggles to keep shots on target and challenge the goalie.
Danny Califf: The captain has been having a year filled with turmoil but all seems to be well right now. Captain Ink needs to grab the reigns of the defense and be an imposing factor for the Union. Since McMath is an inexperienced goalie, who has had his confidence shaken, the defense needs to be better to make the goalie’s job easier. Danny is under a whirl wind of pressure to fix the problems in the defense and be a catalyst for the team.
Nowak: The center of attention, Peter Nowak, is currently barring the most pressure. It is safe to say that he is on the hot seat and his job is at risk. Too much tinkering with lineup, along with too much player movement, and not enough results, it appears that he rubs all the players the wrong way. He tinkers too much with the starting lineup and does not allow them to gain cohesion. He allows the Union to play a very predictable style of play.
Looking ahead
Next game is against the Crew who have two wins and three losses. Columbus is coming off of a 4-1 shellacking dealt by the New York Red Bulls. The Crew will be without goalie Will Hesmer, who underwent surgery on his right hip. The Crew will also be without striker Heinemann.
Similar to the Union, the Crew have had offensive struggles this season. The Crew have only netted four goals. They do have Emilio Renteria, who netted nine goals last season but has yet to find the back of the net.
The Union are a team with their backs against the wall and this game is a golden opportunity to pick up three points at home. Philadelphia need to create shots and test the backup keeper. This game is a must win in the early season and the perfect opportunity for a sluggish offense to show some life. With a backup goalie and a defense that is known for giving up goals should make for golden chances for the boys in blue.
Similar to the Union, the Crew have had offensive struggles this season. The Crew have only netted four goals. They do have Emilio Renteria, who netted nine goals last season but has yet to find the back of the net.
The Union are a team with their backs against the wall and this game is a golden opportunity to pick up three points at home. Philadelphia need to create shots and test the backup keeper. This game is a must win in the early season and the perfect opportunity for a sluggish offense to show some life. With a backup goalie and a defense that is known for giving up goals should make for golden chances for the boys in blue.
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