Philadelphia Union lost 1-0 to the San Jose Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday as another defensive lapse cost Philadelphia at least a point. Chris Wondolowski scored the only goal of the game, heading in a cross as central defenders Danny Califf and Michael Orozco Fiscal had first row seats as they stood and watched the play develop. Jordan Harvey can’t escape some blame, as he pulled his head back from blocking the cross. It was the one of the only real chances for either team in a game played out on a pitch that would have been more suitable for 10 v 10.

After keeping the Union’s first clean sheet of the season, Brad Knighton again got the start in goal. He was strong and can’t be blamed at all for the goal that was conceded. Sheanon Williams played all 90 minutes again at right back, bombing forward when possible and remaining dangerous with his long throw-ins. Danny Mwanga was forced into a substitute’s role with a sore shoulder and was missed as the Union lacked a bit of creativity in the final third for much of the game.

The first half played out with few chances going to either team. San Jose dropped deep to defend and while the Union kept the ball for large stretches, they failed to create too many clear cut chances. Stefani Miglioranzi’s two shots from distance were the Union’s best efforts, but neither was much trouble for SJ goalkeeper Jon Busch.

The second half started with much of the same. A series of three consecutive corner kicks failed to produce much for the Earthquakes on 55 minutes. Shea Salinas was brought in around the 60-minute mark for the always underwhelming Alejandro Moreno and was industrious in his efforts, but still the Union failed to create much going forward. Wondolowski’s goal came after some short sustained pressure by San Jose. Bobby Convey initially drove the ball into the box, where it was cleared out to Arturo Alvarez on the right side. He lobbed a cross to the top of the six yard box, where Wondolowski stole in to head home amongst four Union players. It was terrible marking on a cross that should have been dealt with. Knighton got his finger tips to the shot,  but it was not enough to keep it out.

The Union pressed for the equalizer, inserting Danny Mwanga and Jack McInerney, but Jon Busch was able to preserve the clean sheet making a few solid stops in the dying minutes and in stoppage time. Newly acquired designated player Geovanni hit a tremendous free kick from about 20 yards in the 89th minute that looked destined for the upper 90, but a brilliant save from a fully stretched Knighton tipped the ball away.

Jordan Harvey … meet the bench

With the emergence of Sheanon Williams as a strong option at right back, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jordan Harvey drop to the bench when Juan Diego Gonzalez returns with Michael Orozco Fiscal moving over to left back. Harvey again last night provided no service and very few effective runs forward. And let’s face it, he hasn’t been that solid as an out and out defender.  Harvey is not the worst outside back in the world, but I think his best role for this team might be as a backup.

Fred and Moreno … meet the expansion draft

I’ve heard the Pacific Northwest is lovely guys, seriously. Vancouver and Portland should have their pick of one or both of these guys in next season’s expansion draft. With the amount of young talent already on the Union roster, these two veterans should find themselves unprotected. For all of his cheeky moves, Fred gives up the ball way too much, lacks a serious sense of positioning, can’t shoot worth a damn, and takes some terrible dives. Moreno has convinced every ref in the league that he is also a serious diver to the point where the guy can’t even get a call when he is really fouled. And let’s not forget the guy has one goal on the season. Both of these guys probably could have been called above average MLS players for long periods over their career, but you’d be hard-pressed to find too many that would still say that.

Shea Salinas … meet the starting lineup

Salinas again was a spark for the Union when he came on with about 30 minutes to play. You have to think he will be able to crack the starting line up when he returns to full fitness (hopefully next game).  On a team that has a serious lack of dynamic outside players, Salinas is probably the best option on the wing. He takes people on one on one, can shoot from distance, and can provide service. He seemed to link up nicely with Sheanon Williams later in the second half as well. That could be a very dynamic right side for the Union given the chance to play together for a longer period of time.

San Jose’s stadium sucks

I’m out of clever “meet the…” options, sorry. But did you see that thing? A professional sports team plays there? Philadelphia is blessed with the lovely PPL Park as a home ground. There is tremendous support for the team there and it’s a great place to see a soccer match. Buck Shaw stadium looks like it would be a place to catch a division 3 college football game. There is a new stadium in the works for the Earthquakes, and I’m sure it can’t come soon enough for both the San Jose players and the rest of MLS. The pitch at Buck Shaw is narrow and short. It basically dictates the SJ game plan of sit in, play decent defense and hopefully counterattack for a goal. There is really no other way to play on such a small pitch. The Union’s possession passing game was completely ineffective.