The Union scrapped to a 0-0 draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps on Sunday (photo credit: Hazel May)
The Philadelphia Union drew Vancouver 0-0 Sunday night, in the MLS opening weekend. Both teams are content, having held a shutout, but will be upset that they couldn’t score. While Vancouver recorded the best chance of the night, which was cleared off the line by Keegan Rosenberry, The Whitecaps also failed to hit the target again, despite having 12 shots. The Union, meanwhile hit the target with 5 of 7 shots. Keeper David Ousted was never stretched into making a difficult save, and Blake recorded no saves at all. Both teams came away with a comfortable performance defensively, but with much to be desired on offense.
Andre Blake:
Blake never seemed completely comfortable in net. He completed his ultimate goal of keeping a shutout, but having made no saves did so comfortably. In the few times he was called upon, he failed to gather the ball cleanly, and on several occasions bobbled the ball with a Whitecap player barreling down on him. He did well enough dealing with crosses, but perhaps decided to punch in times where he could have gathered the ball. On one such occasions his punch attempt hit the ball straight up, and Oguchi Onyewu was called upon to clear on the edge of the six yard-box. Despite a few nervy moments, Blake came off his line well and his decision making was sound. Since keeping a shutout is always his main goal he can be happy with the result, if not the performance.
Keegan Rosenberry:
Rosenberry was his consistent, reliable self on Sunday. He rarely was caught out of position, and dealt with the threat of Alphonso Davies, and later Brek Shea well. Neither winger had any joy on the left flank, as Rosenberry shut down any crosses and marked any runs. He was often tidy with possession and kept the ball even in tight spaces. Rosenberry will have to stay sharp mentally to avoid a sophomore slump, and if he continues to play at this level he will continue to star for the Union. Keegan also recorded the only save of the night, clearing the ball off the line after a corner kick. His presence, while not always obvious, in certainly palpable.
Onyewu (left) made his first professional appearance for any club on Sunday in over two years and performed admirably in anchoring the Union defense (photo credit: Hazel May)
Oguchi Onyewu:
The return of the ‘gooch’ to the MLS was a promising one for the USMNT veteran. His size and presence was something that was missed in the Union backline in 2016. Union fans can rely on the big center back to win any aerial duel, something that will be indispensable in set piece situations. Onyewu read the game to a tee, judging the Vancouver long ball well, and stepping in front of Kekuta Manneh, winning short balls as well. He misjudged a couple bounces on the BC Place turf, something that is to be expected for a player used to a slick grass surface. However in those situations he made a recovery and was able to clear the ball from danger. On a few situations Onyewu failed to read the long ball, and was caught out for pace against Manneh and Davies. Blake was able to cover the ground in these cases but Onyewu will have to be careful not to play to high, drop off when in doubt, and prevent 1v1’s with Blake. With the ball in front of him, count on Onyewu to get his big frame in front of any shots, or at least Blake for some acrobatics.
Richie Marquez:
Marquez was quiet overall Sunday night, something that you generally want out of a center back. Marquez didn’t give away any silly fouls in dangerous positions. His other 3 defensive partners both had their blunders in this category, something they will have to be conscious of against teams that possess a greater threat on set pieces. He didn’t get beat on the dribble or out wide, but will have to work on his communication with his center back partner. He failed to mark Manneh on a few runs straight through the middle, and also failed to pass the runner on to Onyewu. Luckily the ball ran to Blake on the small BC Place turf. Marquez has always been a solid defender, but his communication will have to improve for him to be Curtin’s bulwark in the back.
Fabinho:
Fabinho picked up where he left off in 2016. He was incredibly reliable defensively, and like Rosenberry, tidy with possession. Perhaps he could have gotten forward to better effect, but he likely was conscious of the threat Vancouver possessed on the counter. He did have a foul throw in the second half, resulting in a long throw opportunity for Vancouver. He looked to tire late in the second half, resulting in the foul throw and a few fouls. He is constantly running up and down the flank, so fatigue is expected, but the last thing Curtin will want to do is make a defensive sub late in the game.
In the beginning of 2016 Fabinho was more of a liability defensively, but more of a threat on offense, recording several assists in the first few games. Reliability and consistency and a requirement at the wingback position, and Fabinho has become much more of both. If he keeps up his form, competing left back will find it difficult to break into the first team.
Derrick Jones:
What a standout performance from the youngster. Making his first ever start, Jones looked like a seasoned veteran. He paid off Curtin’s faith and then some with his performance Sunday night. Defensively he was outstanding. He got back on defense, making clears in the box and overall shielding the backline. Meanwhile he made some phenomenal crunching tackles. He wasn’t afraid to get stuck in a challenge, and always came out victorious. He moved the ball well in the midfield, keeping possession and driving the ball forward on the dribble. As Jones gets more comfortable and gets more time in the midfield, he will certainly become a mainstay for the Union.
Harris Medunjanin:
Many of my readers will know that I attribute the loss of Vincent Nogueira into the primary reason for the Union’s fall from grace last season. After the first 90 minutes of the 2017 season it appears that Medunjanin is the spiritual successor to Noguiera’s role. Medunjanin has almost everything it takes to become a star in the midfield. His size makes him a formidable sight, and a useful addition in the air. Other than size he possesses a certain nonchalant attitude on the ball, and looks almost too comfortable while in possession. His ability to control the pace of the game and move the attack is impressive. Every attack for the Union that came out of the back went through him. While he does well to spray the ball wide and get each wing into the attack, he also didn’t play the ball positively often, instead opting for the simple pass to the defenders. With the pace of the game in the MLS the Union will find itself playing long balls far too often if each pass goes backwards.
The Union will need Medunjanin’s ball-playing ability to jump start its offense. His ability to play a final ball was obvious from the get go, and his deliver from set pieces and deep positions was also threatening. Hopefully he can get more comfortable playing positive passes and providing service to the forwards.
Chris Pontius:
Perhaps the most dangerous part of the attack, Pontius seemed like the only attacker willing to drive at the defense and take on a player. On a few occasions he drove into the box, putting the Vancouver defense on its heels and creating a good opportunity. Unfortunately for him, none of these situations resulted in a real great chances. Pontius continuing his good form will be a bright omen for Philly fans. The attack lacked any sting after Pontius was subbed off, and while openings arose in the Vancouver backline, the final product was lacking.
Alejandro Bedoya:
Coming in to Tranquillo Barnetta’s attacking midfield role, Alejandro Bedoya has some big shoes to fill. Barnetta was the creative outlet that pushed the Union into creating opportunities. Bedoya controlled bits of play well on Sunday night, but never looked to take complete control of the game. In future games Bedoya will have to lead the front line better, and take creative control. He didn’t make many mistakes, but sometimes it is important for players in his role to take more risks. Let’s hope he continues to grow into his role in the club.
Fabian Herbers:
Herbers had a solid game, but wasn’t much of a threat going forward. He worked hard to cover Keegan Rosenberry and the backline, as well as tucking in to support the midfield. Offensively, however, he was unable to find a lethal touch in the box. On a few occasions his final contribution in the box failed to find his target. Herbers deserves credit in his directness, however. His first look is often forward, trying to drive into the opponents box. He continues to link up well with Rosenberry on offense, as well. Their chemistry has improved since last year and they played out of tight situations on a few occasions.
Jay Simpson:
In his first MLS game Simpson provided much of what CJ Sapong did in the past. His hold-up play was strong, and he linked up with the midfielders to good effect. What Simpson failed to do, however, was look a real threat in the box. With his big frame he should be fighting in front of goal for close-up efforts. Instead most of Simpson’s involvement was farther downfield, linking up play. He shouldn’t take full responsibility for this, however. If he had more support from midfield runs, it would likely open up space for Simpson to get into more effective positions. Simpson looks strong out there. He looks capable of a 10 goal season, even splitting time with CJ Sapong.
Substitutes:
CJ Sapong:
Sapong never looked adjusted in Sundays match. Every time he was involved with a play it seemed like he was off-balance receiving a ball, or in poor positions. Coming as a second half sub, Sapong should have worked the defenders more, making runs and opening up the tired Whitecap defense. He will need a better performance if he wants to dispose Simpson of the starting role.
Fafa Picault:
Coming in at the 70th minute for Chris Pontius, Picault injected something new into the Union attack. His pace and dribbling looked to have potential, but never threatened the Whitecaps. Picault did well to get into positions to make service from the wing, but his deliver was lacking, and gave the Whitecaps respite with easy clearances. Picault looks a dangerous late game addition. As teams wear down and defenses open up, his pace could be key for getting behind enemy lines.
Philadelphia Union
