Photo and video: Daniel Gajdamowicz
KYW’s Greg Orlandini and PSP’s Eli Pearlman-Storch come to you from the Union’s annual Meet the Team event at Dave and Buster’s, on Columbus Boulevard in Philadelphia, for the latest edition of the KYW Philly Soccer Show.
Greg and Eli break down the Union’s first three games, which put them at 0-2-1 after coming off a tough, 2-0 loss at PPL Park.
The guys then look ahead to Sunday’s road game in Chicago.
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To listen to the pod, click on the player above or visit the Philly Soccer Show iTunes page. Follow the pod on Twitter at @KYWPhillySoccer.
Spot on analysis Greg and Eli about the lack of QUALITY depth on the Union. Again it’s something so obvious but the Union never ever seem to get it done. When you look at the Union roster the majority of the depth players are borderline MLS in my opinion. Other then Edu, MBolhi, Noguiera, Maidana, Aristaquieta, Sapong and yes Vitoria(he’s got game but working with Williams, Gaddis and White?) where is the quality even at starting positions? Wenger(potential), Letoux(streaky at best and slumps at the worst times),Gaddis(potential), Williams(a health risk and a head case), Casey(no longer the go to starter) White(not a starter)..what is there? The depth is poor and there isn’t a whole lot to get exited about. In the back of my mind I’m thinking Curtin isn’t head coach material yet but he will be and Albright should not be tasked with GM responsibilities. The only way to get the defense solidified as it currently stands is by dropping Edu back to CB with Vitoria. If not then they’ve got to get a starting LB and a starting mobile CB and move Gaddis to RB. The entire mishandling of the Okugo situation (bungled by Curtin and Albright) is now even more asinine. Edu and Okugo could have played CB/DM and I honestly believe the Union would be at the top of the table in MLS…baring injuries of course. Build from defense out is spot on. The Union just never get it done. A GM is desperately needed but first the structure at the top has to change. We have to get financially competent and competitive ownership. The current ownership is not MLS quality which is not fair to this fan base. We deserve and should demand better.
Great points Greg, Eli. What’s most puzzling is that the FO were ok with starting the season with this squad of players. There has to be serious concern at this stage across the organization that the fan base they’ve gotten (but not worked hard for, that can’t be disputed) could exit in droves. The best move for the owners is to sign 3-4 players asap, and ensure we’re competing for a playoff spot and playing attractive football. Without those additions, they’re risking their investment as the league can’t be happy with the state of things in the 4th largest TV market, and a top 5 major city.
NO NO it’s all fine. Really. Nothing to see here. They’re good. Wait. Just a decade or so longer. It will be fine.
I am imploring the SoB’s to openly and transparently challenge this organization to do better. They should be leading this fan base in a demand for a more competent and financially competitive ownership truly representative of this market. This franchise should be one of the leaders in MLS not a mid level 2nd rate outpost. Write to MLS brass and all powers that be, and be as relentless as they were in the quest to bring an MLS franchise to Philadelphia. I for one am sick of the Union always being “that team” that rarely gets mentioned in MLS conversations instead of being among the top MLS franchises mentioned in conversations. Come on you SoB’s lead the way!
I love your pods, but I usually miss the first few moments because the intro music is so LOUD that it drowns out the voices. All audio mixing programs have a fade out option, please try it. I hate missing the start of the show. Or, wait for the music to stop before speaking. Thanks.