Photo: Earl Gardner

It may only be the start of his second season with the Philadelphia Union, but Maurice Edu has made quite the name for himself both on and off the field. He first arrived to Philly with extensive national team experience, European pedigree, and a tremendous off field personality that captured the attention of both Philadelphia and Major League Soccer as a whole. But despite his popularized entrance, Edu has struggled to consistently play like the elite MLS talent that so many expect him to be.

After an up and down season in which he was juggled from midfield to the back line and back to midfield by two different coaches, Edu is still working to establish his role as a defensive midfielder behind the unpredictable jack of all trades that is Vincent Nogueira. While their chemistry is still developing, the duo put up a solid performance against RSL and were well poised to face a tough home test against FC Dallas.

It was in the 42nd minute against Dallas that Edu found his role in a flux yet again. Zach Pfeffer’s red card left the Union with no No. 10 and a central midfield partner whose struggles high up the field are well documented.

In stepped Edu, who served the dual purpose of a defensive minded ball winner and creative attacking force going forward. Down a man, Edu and his teammates were in for a difficult half of soccer against MLS’s hottest team in what was ultimately a losing effort. But Edu continued to lead the fight with 2 key passes, 1 shot on target, 5 tackles, and 8 successful duels. It was an all around performance that might have ended in a winning effort had Pfeffer and the injured Sheanon Williams remained on the field.

Maurice Edu deserves a great deal of credit for leading his team in an ultimately futile cause, and for that, he is our player of the week.