Jordi Quintilla converted Kansas City’s eighth penalty kick after Andrew Wenger’s shot was saved to make Sporting KC the 2015 U.S. Open Cup Champions.
Sebastien Le Toux gave the Union the lead in the 23rd minute, finishing off a brilliant 50 yard pass from Vincent Nogueira with a cool finish.
But Sporting would answer back in the second half with Krisztian Nemeth finishing off a flowing move with a brilliant curling effort into the far corner of the goal in the 65th minute.
Philadelphia would have plenty of chances to find a winner both in regular time and the extra period, but Kansas City battled until the end, eventually forcing the spot kicks that decided the contest.
First Half
Jim Curtin went with his preferred starting lineup from the win over Houston 10 days ago, with the only change to that team being Andre Blake starting in goal after a strong performance against New England on the weekend.
The Union started brightly and had their first opportunity in the second minute. Fabinho played a perfectly weighted ball beyond the Kansas City backline on the left side that Cristian Maidana was able to run onto. The Union midfielder crossed from the endline that forced Matt Besler to put the ball out for a corner kick.
Maidana took the corner and Maurice Edu met his cross on the bounce and put his shot goalbound, but Sporting keeper Tim Melia did well to get a hand to the shot.
Kansas City grew into the game quickly and had a great chance to open the scoring in the 11th minute. Benny Feilhaber outmuscled Maidana on the right touchline and drove toward the Union box with the ball. His cross found Paulo Nagamura on the back post and the midfielder did well to collect and fire a shot to the far post. He beat Andre Blake but the ball came straight back off of the post into the goalkeeper’s hands.
CJ Sapong would get the next Union opportunity in the 15th minute. Kevin Ellis misplayed a long ball into the Kansas City box and the ball fell straight to the feet of the striker 12 yards from goal, but he could only hit a soft shot on target from the volley.
It would be Sapong with another chance just 4 minutes later. Tranquillo Barnetta’s flicked on header went straight up in the air eight yards from the Sporting goal and Sapong attempted a sensational bicycle kick that found its way straight into the hands of Melia.
Philadelphia would take the lead in the 23nd minute. Vincent Nogueira played a sublime ball over the top from near the midfield line that Sebastien Le Toux was able to run onto from the right side. The U.S. Open Cup all-time leading goalscorer caught up to the pass near the edge of the box, took one touch to settle, and finished into the far corner beyond Melia with his second.
Philadelphia would get two more great chances to score in the 36th minute. It was again Nogueira serving a delicious ball from the midfield line to Le Toux cutting in off of the right wing. Le Toux did well again to collect and shoot, but this time Melia was up to the task and saved with his right hand. Le Toux would collect the rebound and lay a pass off for Barnetta near the top of the box. The midfielder cut inside and fired a curling effort with his left foot that Melia did well to save at full stretch.
Kansas City would find one more chance right before the half as Dom Dwyer won a header at the back post before Krizstian Nemeth could only head over from eight yards near the center of the goal.
Second Half
Kansas City would have the ball in the net in the 53rd minute, but the goal was disallowed for a foul on Andre Blake. The Union goalkeeper grabbed a bouncing ball in the box after a Sporting corner kick, and Chance Myers came in with his boot raised and kicked the goalkeeper in the head. The goal was rightly disallowed, but somehow Myers escaped a booking.
Philadelphia would have a goal disallowed shortly thereafter in the 57th minute. Cristian Maidana found himself in on goal alone and did well to beat Melia and finish into an empty net, but the Argentine was correctly ruled offside.
Kansas City drew level in the 63rd minute. Graham Zusi did well down the Kansas City right side and slid a great pass to Krisztian Nemeth on the left side of the box, 17 yards from goal. The striker took one touch to bury a curling effort with his right foot beyond Andre Blake.
Conor Casey was brought into the match in the 77th minute and almost made an immediate impact. Barnetta found the big striker wide open on the right side of the box but Casey couldn’t beat the onrushing Melia, who did well to save with his shoulder.
Regular time would end with a half chance on a bouncing ball in the box for Kansas City, but none of the men in white could find a touch to turn the ball goalward.
Extra Time
The Union would get the first chance to break the deadlock in extra time. Barnetta squibbed a free kick into the turf just in front of Melia from 35 yards and the goalkeeper couldn’t handle the bounce and coughed up the shot. But Maurice Edu was judged to be offside as he tried to follow up the play.
Edu would stay down in the Kansas City box after the whistle ending the first period of extra time. The center back tried to crash the box on a Union corner kick and got tripped up running forward. After some treatment from the medical staff, he was able to continue.
Philadelphia would get another chance to take the lead in the opening minute of the second period of extra time. Maurice Edu found himself unmarked on the far post after Conor Casey flicked on Barnetta’s deep free kick. The Union captain fired a low shot on goal that Melia couldn’t hold, but no one from the Union was on hand to knock home the rebound and the chance was cleared.
It would be Philadelphia knocking on the door again in the 110th minute. It was Edu again, meeting a Union corner kick this time, and turning the ball on goal, only for Melia to save at his feet yet again.
Edu again would have a chance to give the Union the lead from a set piece in the 116th minute. Le Toux floated a lofted ball toward the back post that Edu rose highest for, but he could only direct his header just wide of Melia’s post.
Jim Curtin would make a bold move with time running out in the match, substituting Andre Blake for John McCarthy. McCarthy’s saves in the penalty shootout with New York in the quarterfinals were seemingly enough to tip Curtin’s hand enough to put the goalkeeper in.
Penalty Kicks
The spot kicks themselves were of the highest quality. Sebastien Le Toux, Benny Feilhaber, Vincent Nogueira, and Dom Dwyer would all score before Maurice Edu and Krisztian Nemeth both had their shots saved. Tranquillo Barnetta, Matt Besler, Conor Casey, Paulo Nagumara, Michael Lahoud, Graham Zusi, Ray Gaddis, and Kevin Ellis would all find the back of the net before Andrew Wenger had his shot saved by Melia. Jordi Quintilla stepped up with a chance to win the match and did just that, sending McCarthy the wrong way.
It was a cruel ending to a fantastic Cup final, and the Union will rue their missed chances both in normal time and in the extra period.
The announced attendance at the match was 14,463 with a solid group of Kansas City fans taking up sections 131 and 132.
Penalty Kicks
PHI: Sebastien Le Toux – goal
KC: Benny Feilhaber – goal
PHI: Vincent Nogueira – goal
KC: Dom Dwyer – goal
PHI: Maurice Edu – saved
KC: Kriztian Nemeth – saved
PHI: Tranquillo Barnetta – goal
KC: Matt Besler – goal
PHI: Conor Casey – goal
KC: Paulo Nagumara – goal
PHI: Michael Lahoud – goal
KC: Graham Zusi – goal
PHI: Ray Gaddis – goal
KC: Kevin Ellis – goal
PHI: Andrew Wenger – saved
KC: Jordi Quintilla – goal
14,463 attendance
Philadelphia Union
Andre Blake (John McCarthy 120′), Fabinho, Richie Marquez, Maurice Edu, Ray Gaddis, Michael Lahoud, Vincent Nogueira, Cristian Maidana (Conor Casey 77′), Tranquillo Barnetta, Sebastien Le Toux, CJ Sapong (Wenger 115′)
Unused Subs: Warren Creavalle, Steven Vitoria, Brian Carroll, Eric Ayuk
Sporting Kansas City
Tim Melia, Chance Myers (Jacob Peterson 112′), Matt Besler, Kevin Ellis, Seth Sinovic (Saad Abdoul-Salaam 78′), Soni Mustivar (Jordi Quintilla 66′), Benny Feilhaber, Paulo Nagamura, Graham Zusi, Krizstian Nemeth, Dom Dwyer
Unused Subs: Jon Kempin, Erik Palmer-Brown, Bernardo Anor, Miguel Lopez
Scoring Summary
PHI: Sebastien Le Toux (Vincent Nogueira) — 23′
KC: Krizstian Nemeth (Graham Zusi, Chance Myers) — 65′
Disciplinary Summary
PHI: Michael Lahoud (foul) — 21′
KC: Kevin Ellis (foul) — 29′
KC: Seth Sinovic (foul) – 90′
PHI: Tranquillo Barnetta (foul) – 58′
KC: Jordi Quintilla (foul) – 72′
KC: Matt Besler (foul) – 87′
PHI: CJ Sapong (foul) – 90+1′
KC: Paulo Nagumara (foul) – 94′
KC: Graham Zusi (foul) -104′
KC: Chance Myers (foul) – 107′
| Philadelphia Union | Sporting Kansas City | |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | Shots | 13 |
| 8 | Shots on Target | 6 |
| 4 | Shots off Target | 5 |
| 2 | Blocked Shots | 2 |
| 10 | Corner Kicks | 6 |
| 31 | Crosses | 21 |
| 5 | Offsides | 1 |
| 18 | Fouls | 24 |
| 3 | Yellow Cards | 7 |
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 |
| 406 | Total Passes | 457 |
| 70% | Passing Accuracy | 75% |
| 47.5% | Possession | 52.5% |
| 80 | Duels Won | 68 |
| 54% | Duels Won % | 46% |
| 24 | Tackles Won | 26 |
| 5 | Saves | 7 |
| 20 | Clearances | 36 |
Gutted.
In a word. Crestfallen.
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I believed unflinchingly from Sec 127 – despite all the missed opportunities- all the way up to the moment when I saw Andrew unable to place the ball to his comfort and I knew he didn’t believe and then I too could no longer believe…
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This is a devastating loss
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and I’m signing off for awhile friends. Be well.
Fare thee well brotha!
Why do we keep doing this to ourselves? And fuck that helicopter while we’re at it. Fuck Taylor Twellman too. Insufferable prick. Jo..el P talk me down..
That. Was. Brutal. Period.
Maurice Edu should never be allowed near the penalty spot. He did the same stupid stutter step as when he had the PK in the regular season with the exact same result. That was what lost the game, not Wenger.
Please stop. Maurice Edu played his a$$ off for 120 minutes and kept the defense together, even when Ray was off his game. He didn’t play particularly well, but the guy is a warrior. The game was a tightly fought contest, could’ve gone either way. No one lost it, it was a team effort for both sides all the way around.
Sorry, but we should let Edu go. the dude’s ego is clearly so far up his ass that it kind of cost us the game. Near the end of the match he was trying to push forward like he loves doing and lost possession and he tried being cute with the ball when getting pressured in the back. for one thing, He is way over paid. I said to myself before he took his pk, “I don’t think Edu should be taking any ‘Pks right now due to his performance in the last five mins. of the game, and if he tries to stutter step he will miss.” Low and behold he fucking stutter steps……… He thinks he’s hot shit when he is a has been.
Edu overall has been fine. And I understand he was the MLS designated USMNT player given to the Union… but he had a bad game tonight. He had a clear look at goal late (he hit the keeper square on), he consistently kicked the ball away to no one – or the other team, and he missed the PK that (assuming things played out the same way), wins us the Cup. He had a bad night.
That’s my thought. He was also coming in off an injury. When he hurt himself late in the game, the gods were telling Curtin to sub in Vitoria. Somehow, Curtin heard Wenger instead of Edu, and that should never happen. the gods would NEVER say wenger–unless it’s in a trade talk…the other way.
I agree, I said to my wife as Edu was approaching the PK spot “If anyone is going to miss a PK it will be him”. Sometimes I hate when I’m right. He does have an over-inflated ego, God knows why, and he’s a average center back that wants to be a mid-fielder. I hate when he tries to take on players instead of passing the damn ball. He did that a few times last night and lost possession.
Form is temporary, class is undeniable. He has the class. Yes, I’d agree his form might have dipped and that’s a good reason not to select him for a pk, but he stays. No need to start talking about moving on from him based on the pk lottery.
No way. I’m not blaming Edu or Wenger on PKs. I’m blaming Curtin a little for letting Wenger put a kit on, but Wenger’s short pass to the keeper was expected. I walked away when he walked to the spot. I turned, and saw what I expected.
Edu, on the other hand, was HORRIBLE tonight. How many turnovers in or near our box did he have?
But for me, and I know it’s the “same old”, but the ref really jobbed the Union. Maybe they should have started hacking at KC in the first half, but the ref allowed SKC to play such a sinister game, it was disgraceful. EVERY time the Union beat them on the ball they fouled. At some point you’ve got to send a message. Well actually he did. He sent the message that his balls were in the back pocket his red card was supposed to be in.
Congratulations to KC. Hat tip to their supporters who made the trip. The equalizer was like a thousand balloons all deflated at once. Pffffft. Better luck next year.
F KC. Yea great performance with them climbing all over our players and impeding the progress of play all night. Of course once again we have the best refs this sport can offer…. Lost a lot of respect for that team….and of course our own as well.
they won, we lost there you go.
I’m with you. I had pegged them as a team I’d root for in the playoffs, but not now. I lost no respect for Seattle last year. They played a better game. KC did not. Granted, it was really the ref allowing the crap, but the team just kept upping the unnecessary “physicality” and were borderline dirty on almost every play.
Was that KC or Colorado?
Edu may have had his worst game in a long time. Whatever. I… love this team… I love the idea of this team… I just don’t know how much more I can take… Let me be clear, I’m not going anywhere, but GOD DAMN… WHY NOT US?! WHY NOT EVER US?! TWICE?!… BOTH AT HOME?!… I’M JUST ABSOLUTELY COMPLETELY DESTROYED… sorry for all caps… felt it was necessary 🙁
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Be well El P… catch you on the flip side…
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GOD FUCKIN DAMN IT… smh
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PS – El P I’m in 127 too. If you heard a clear “you suck Feilhaber” in the 2nd half… that was me 🙂
So sad. I don’t know why I even had hope. Agree Edu is terrible at penalties has been all season. And Wenger is overpaid. Saw Sak told him to spend some fucking money. Told garber to get quality refs,but none of it will matter we are what we thought we were. Very sad so very difficult to be a fan of this team with such a horrible FO even when most of the players bust their ass. Just can’t say much such a sad day. This may be the last straw not even worth it anymore 15,000 fans and 1000 were from Kansas City.
Yea why the F does Curtin bring in a player(Wenger) who hasn’t played in what about 2 or 3 months????? He expects him to just suddenly be the perfect player when its the most important moment of his career??? Curtin can gtfo of here too. Sick of this (must have philly coaches and players). Bring me a coach with a goddamn record and start looking over seas.
The right sub was Ayuk who has what 3 goals in open cup play and inserts energy into the team when things seem at their worst like the times they were down to 10 men.
The right sub was actually Vitoria. You used the last international spot on him rather than Nando and he’s a PK specialist (at least that’s what we were told when they got him). So bring him in for the PK’s.
Yep, this. Edu was clearly feeling the effects of his injury.
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Also, I know hindsight is 20/20 and all… but what a stupid fucking move at the end with the goalie switch. (To be fair, I didn’t like it from the start; I just like it less after sleeping on it.)
I’m OK with the keeper switch. It wasn’t like there were any that Blake would have stopped. What the switch could have done was play with the heads of the KC players. It turns out it didn’t but if one of the early shooters had sailed one over the bar, that could have contributed.
KC likely assumed Blake was starting, even if Curtin was being coy about it. But they had to play it safe, just in case. And so they certainly watched tape on McCarthy. Especially PKs. Alicat says McCarthy has shown the same tendencies during PKs since high school. I’m not capable of being in the know on that subject, so I’ll take his word on it. Thing is, if Alicat can pick that up, you can damn well bet professionals are seeing the same things – and probably more, as well.
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And… there isn’t there isn’t tape on Blake. Not all that much, anyway.
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KC knew exactly what they were doing with every shot against McCarthy. Would Blake have saved any that McCarthy missed? Who knows. The more important question: would the KC shooters have taken those same shots with Blake in goal?
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Hindsight is 20/20. And it’s really easy to second guess coaching decisions when they don’t work. I get that. I just really think Curtin out-thought the situation, and made a move that wasn’t necessary.
I can agree with Vitoria for Edu at that time of the game with more time I would’ve gone with Ayuk (maybe say when extra time started.
+1
Heal, mighty elephant, heal.
Leave analysis for later. Unwind. Mourn.
Honor courage.
Folks, I’m sorry if it’s too soon, but the better team won. It would have been great to get a result here, and quite a consolation on a total shitshow of a season, but it would have been an upset. Maurice Edu, while top notch, is just not a franchise player. We’ve all feared it, but I think a difference maker gets at least one of those chances tonight to convert. And if the best you can bring off the bench is Wenger, well…
When healthy, the Union have a starting 9 that are competitive to be mid-table, nothing more. Until that changes, losses should not be surprising or disappointing. I wish there was more there there with this club, but there just isn’t.
Don’t know what else to say. Demand more from your club. Demand more from your front office.
I yelled. I cheered. I believed. I have nothing left to give. I surrender.
Anybody know what/who the helicopter was for?
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And shouldn’t Benny’s kick have been illegal? Didn’t he stop?
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ARRRGH! I feel like Charlie Brown after trying to kick the football…
Heard the helicopter was Sugarman,but dunno.
I heard The Don hitched a ride too.
It was Sugarman.
Nice of him to be there to watch the game… Oh, wait. That was after the game. Never mind. Guess he couldn’t be bothered…
First helicopter came just after 5pm and dropped him off.
Ah. See, I was still stuck in traffic on my way home from work at that point. I only saw the one after the game.
I’m positive it was Sugarman.
Gotta say it somewhere, and here is as good as anywhere…Vermes is a douche.
That’s the start of my healing.
Yep. Him and Feilhaber just bitch and moan non-stop.
Agreed, assholes
Vermes is a tool. But he knows how to put teams together and win. I would gladly take him in Philly any day of the week. He demands the best out of his players and typically gets the job done.
I wouldn’t want Vermes anywhere near my team. His SKC teams consistently take cheap shots, dive, fake injuries, waste time, and just play dirty. That’s not how I played the game, or how I coach the game, or how I want my team to play, results be damned.
I can say that same thing about current and past Union squads. Literally all of those things last night…
yeah, well….that douche wins a lot of hardware! I would take that douche as our gaffer in a second. Funny, people always said the same thing about Arena, he seems to win a lot too…….
+1 Half the Union fans are blind to some of the same “artistry” that SKC pulls. Just watch Sapong, Fabinho, Casey for 10 minutes. Hell I’ve watched half our team dive in the box this season
God this game, this fucking game.
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Here we go.
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This game shows the future potential of the Union and the horrible present. We certainly have something to build on but our preset is lacking. Just not good enough.
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Man of the match is a split for me Nogs gets it in the first half, Lahoud gets it for the second. Dude was everywhere.
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Even before the missed PK I thought Edu was having a horrible game.
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A lot will be made of Curtins decisions tonight but I think his most glaring error was Leaving Aristagueta off the 18 and subbing Casey. Casey is all or nothing if you bring him in the 77th minute he either scores by the 90th or he doesn’t score at all. Curtin at his core is very conservative he goes with what has worked before but the odds that lightning strikes twice with Casey were very low. Also being conservative he was never going to let a wild card player like Ayuk on the field. I think Aristigueta would have offered more going into an overtime.
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Vermes is like fucking soccer dark arts Voldemort out there. The trench coat only emphasized that
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Subbing in Macarthy was a mistake. yea he stopped a shot, but it was a weak shot I am sure Blake could have stopped too. And not only thst he bit on stutter step moves EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. it was maddening.
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Letoux gave it all, I’m gutted for him.
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Thats it the better team won.
Don’t forget Fabinho as well. Once again great play by him and he should be safe for next season.
Yeah, the turnaround Fabinho has had this year is really quite incredible.
+ 1 regarding Fabinho. He was playing like he’s out of contract come November. Left it all out there.
McCarthy looked horrible during the PK’s. This is a tough one, we are not at training each day to see who is better at PK’s…..Blake or John. McCarthy, since he was in high school….always went down early. I saw Archbishop Ryan put 5 in against him when he was at NC……the same way…..get him to bite, and put it high…..he guessed wrong on most of them….went early. Nothing has changed there with him. SKC clearly watched tape….look how they approached their PK’s. Blake, had some huge saves tonight….is the better athlete….is a bigger presence in goal…..something tells me he should have had the PK’s last night. But, I have seen coaches switch keepers for PK’s and be successful……..tough one.
Most were upper corner where no keeper is going to get them even when he guesses correctly.
Possibly, but Blake has a bigger frame than McCarthy……and crazy hops….might have been able to get a piece of one of them……but your right, most were pretty crazy shots. But on a couple….McCarthy just got faked out of his jock!
It looked to me that the SKC scouting report on McCarthy was that he guesses low on Pk’s and to get their shots up. The only shot he saved was a low one. All the others were high shots. That’s not a coincidence.
except the match winner……McCarthy went left and the SKC player trickled it down middle-right….out of McCarthy’s jock
Bah, I’ve grown quite tired of this nonsense. The more things change, the more that they stay the same and if the Union aren’t going to change, then I need to.
Don’t re-Doop.
My STH renewal was riding on that match and the Union made my decision for me. Disappointing.
funny: two seasons ago i told them for me to redoop they had to win just one game in Sept. just one.
they did. the last game, at the end of the month, against Kansas City.
like a sucker, i suffered though last season’s many lows and brief high leading to the Final.
i didn’t renew after the He Who Shall Not Be Named’s debut
really? I get the result, but what about last night’s match would make you not want to come back? Effort was there across the board, and it was one of the better games they’ve put together this year. Only mistake from where I sat was going with Wenger off the bench – Ayuk would have been my preference.
I didn’t mean that I was no longer be a fan of the team or even go to matches, I’m just not going to renew my season tickets.
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The financial committment v.s the enjoyment factor just doesn’t add up for me. I’m tired of hearing how close we are to being a really good team yet we’re the 2nd worst team in the entire league on a PPG basis.
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Sure, maybe we’ll improve next year, but I guarantee you that Orlando and NYC will be vastly better next year. Also, if Nelson Rodriguez gets free rein, Chicago will be improved as well. We can’t get over the bar now and it’s only gonna get higher as MLS continues to grow. Without major changes, we’ll be left behind.
+1
I did this two years ago…..was a founding member….I’m not going to pay to have the wool pulled over my eyes….saw it for what it was then…..and I don’t think twice about it.
My feelings exactly. The Orlando game will be my last as a STH. I’ll go to some games, but will not renew my commitment for the full season.
Nothing will change. Sugarman leaving via helicopter as fans that SKC owners bought tickets for cheered says it all.
With Sak and Sugarman, this team doesn’t have the money, leadership, or public relations ability to succeed. Hopefully we stop punching above our weight in the USOC so we can be spared this pain.
I’ve said it before I’ll say I again. I think I can do 10 years and if things haven’t changed by then I’m prolly done… with season tickets that is. We’ll be entering season 7… odds are seriously against me being at PPL for season 11… The stadium tonight was unreal. Amazing. It can be like that consistently. Hopefully soon…
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The better team did win, but this was a one off game and the Union played decent enough to steal a win. Had chances, created chances, needed some luck, and a few saves… and got them. It’s easy to second guess but Mo Edu was bad tonight and shouldn’t have been in the first 5 takers… period. And Wenger before Fabinho?!? That’s tougher to swallow. The McCarthy for Blake change doesn’t bother me… it was fine. I don’t think Blake was getting any of the shots that went in anyway.
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This team has a core that can compete. But the bench must be better next year. They need a direction and an identity.
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Sad for LeToux… great goal though… what a ball from Nogs too, wow. What was up with the early Chaco sub? And Nando wasn’t available due to nationality, right?
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Enough for now… I’m going to bed.
Players that must stay next season:
Nogueira, Barnetta, Fabinho, Sapong, Lahoud, Blake,
Am I missing anyone?
I’d say Chaco, Marquez, too
Yea, I wouldn’t disagree with those choices.
Quite the change of sentiment on Fabinho, isn’t it? It’s really amazing, to me, the turnaround he’s had this season – from being a strong candidate to be launched into the sun, to being on the list of must-keep players.
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Anyway, on your list… Ayuk needs to return. He’s young and cheap, he showed tremendous flashes this year. Even if he’s loaned to LV, he needs to be part of the picture.
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Also, and I know I’ll catch shit for this… I’m in the camp that says Le Toux is here as long as he wants to be. That said, he needs to understand that he can’t start every match, and when he starts he’s not guaranteed 90 minutes. (I’ve been curious all year about what Sapong and Le Toux could do working together up top as a forward tandem, rather than leaving Sapong isolated as they do.)
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But beyond Ayuk and Le Toux (plus Wolfie’s list of Chaco and Marquez) I can’t think of anybody I add to your list.
At the end of the day I think Fabhino is a bench player. Don’t let a handful of good games make you think he is the answer at Right Back.
Well, you mean left back. But point taken. That said, he’s certainly worth keeping around at this point. If the sum total of players we’re keeping are: Blake, Marquez, Fabinho, Lahoud, Nogueira, Barnetta, Maidana, Le Toux, Ayuk, and Sapong then that leaves an awful lot of holes to fill. If you fill the LB hole with Fabinho for another year and focus on fixing other positions, I’m OK with that.
There are a handful of players out of contract at the end of this season. Curtin said as much himself. I imagine a major overhaul.
I haven’t had a chance to read transcripts. Did he say who? (I doubt it, but…)
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Carroll, Casey, and Fred are all more than welcome to join the coaching staff, but shouldn’t occupy a roster spot next year.
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I would be surprised if Vitoria is purchased out of his loan; his play has gotten better, but his price seems too high, especially if the U view Edu and Marquez as their CB pair.
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I’m torn on Fernando. I like the dude quite a bit. I’m just not sure he fits in the current system. If they’re going to switch to a formation that uses 2 forwards, I’d be intrigued to see him and C.J. together.
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Hoppenot? See ya.
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MacMath, I believe, is officially out of contract at the end of the year. I have to imagine he’s gone.
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*sigh*
14000 for a cup final, soccer is dead in philly.
Once the striker starts his/her approach toward the ball, he/she may not interrupt his/her movement. This rule is never enforced. But Keepers get called for jumping off the line early.
The woman sitting next to me was repeating this every time KC took a PK.
If by better team you mean the team who was grade A diving, impeding the our players of going forward, and climbing and pulling on our players all night and who achieved 7 yellows bc they were getting torn apart by our offensive play?
If you think the opponent being physical is why this team is a cut below I know a front office that will be happy to keep taking your money.
That’s 7 yellows plus a kick to the face of a keeper who was standing up.
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Plus a bunch of plays that would have been holding in the NFL or 2 points in college wrestling that weren’t called.
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No way was KC the better team tonight. Dirtier yes, but on the pitch the two were probably about equal. Both keepers were forced to make some tough saves.
its all part of the game….the dark arts can win you matches!
Frustrating game to watch between KC flopping and diving along with the Union combination play. Anticipation of the 2nd ball was there, but width and playing balls against the grain were lacking. Plenty of wasted serviced balls in the final third.
Was 100% positive McCarthy was gonna mind the net for PKs. KCs shots were unstoppable. For those that doubted the move, he stood on his head several times vs NYRB throughout the game and came up big in PKs.
The bold move was Connor Casey for Maidana. Was not really happy with that tactical change. His heavy touch within minutes of coming on probably cost them the winner.
Tough loss. Tough crowd. 14000 attendance is mind boggling to me.
Yeah, I thought if he strikes that shot first touch rather than pushing it ahead, he gets a goal. He pushed it so far away from himself that it gave Melia time to come off his line and get “big” to take away the shot.
I was there. I thought they were gonna win. They didn’t. There really isn’t much else to say.
It’s easy to blame edu but he was far from the problem during the game. Before the last 10 mins he was playing very well on defense, then he slipped. The problem is, we played our best game we probably could agreed? And we still only had the one goal. It’s the fsmeplan and style, it just doesn’t consistently work. We’ve had more than enough chances to see that is the case. You know why they grabbed us? Bc it works to stop the counter! Also as much as KC is a bunch of bitches, we complained a hell of a lot too. Except for Vermes, you sure are an Asshat.
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We were doomed from the start with Curtins plan. There are many things that happen during games, but look at his conscious decisions. Blake and Lahoud were big positives. No Nando on the bench, saving two (!!!!!!!) subs for the last 6 OT mins and a GOALIE, short corners, all were huge negatives. Casey cannot play the 60 mins he was asked, no more legs to him. I like Jim Curtin a lot personally, but he just isn’t a pro coach, period.
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How disheartening, I didn’t even want to come here to read the review and comments, but I could only hold off so long. I will try to look at the upside and say that at least this season can’t be presented to us as anything more than abject failure and big changes need to be made. I don’t think Curtin should stay, his ceiling is clear.
Yes I agree during the first half and beginning of the second half edu wasn’t the problem but you have to be at your best for the full 90 and not an idiot when taking pks
I agree, horrible PK, they’re definitely not his thing at all. And holding the ball at the end was careless and stupid. I will argue his one or two forward runs were intelligent and pushed the ball. The main thing though is that really either him or even Wengers PK were the reason we lost the game. The coach player for PKs and didn’t make any tactical changes.
What is wrong with short corners?
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I suggesting reading “The Numbers Game: Why Everything You Know About Soccer Is Wrong” by Chris Anderson.
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I don’t have it on me to pull the exact number but I do recall that it was less then 1% of corners result directly in a goal.
Wenger for Sapong?!? WENGER FOR SAPONG?!?! Curtin should never coach another game for this team and his man-crush Wenger should never play another game in MLS.
+ 100
I know it was US Soccer and not the Union or MLS, but…
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Holy fuck, I hate 7pm starts. We were scanning our tickets to get in right as Doop started playing for Le Toux’s goal. It was at 7:26pm. This is the second straight Open Cup final where we were forced to miss the first 20 minutes or so of action. It took 50 god damn minutes to get from Street Road to Callowhill / Vine Street. It’s 15 miles! 50 minutes!
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Bah!
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edit: what the hell? How did this get here instead of at the end as it’s own comment. I blame Vermes.
And that 7:00pm start is the exact reason why about a half-dozen or so people that I encouraged to go – who would have like to have been at PPL – could not or would not go. Whether it was work related, traffic, or family related.
It’s brutal. And there really is no good alternate route for me. I’ve thought of going into NJ and going down 295, but they’re doing all that work at 295 and 42 (thankfully!) so I’m sure that’s typically a mess as well.
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And the worst is that there was no reason for the backup. None. My best guess is the rain, coupled with a Phillies and Flyers game.
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I know television rights holders prefer 7pm over 7:30, but sometimes a thing just doesn’t work in a specific market. And 7pm weeknight games just don’t work.
John, Going into NJ, but using NJ Turnpike to Exit 2 would work. I take 295 for weekend but turnpike for weekday games.
Oh, hmmm… there’s an idea. How’s traffic?
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I could, in theory at least, shoot north a little bit and head across the Burlington Bristol, then catch the turnpike in Burlington. Or, traffic permitting, go over the Tacony and catch the turnpike on 73.
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Hmmm…
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I may have to experiment on the 25th for the Orlando game, even though I shouldn’t have any trouble actually getting there via 95.
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Thanks.
I could be wrong, but wasn’t the date and time known for a month? I don’t get how 99% of season ticket holders wouldn’t be at the game.
Even knowing well ahead of time doesn’t mean that people can leave work 2 hours early etc to get there. And frankly when a team is playing like shit, these matches do not become priorities
Yeah, this. I usually don’t get off work until 6:30 – so I’m already leaving 90 minutes early when I bolt at 5pm. 45 or so minutes to get home, pick up my daughter and change, and then back out the door… to sit in the I-95 parking lot…
i say the same thing for Flyers games but i can at least mass transit to them. driving, i left CC at 5:15 and walked through the gate at 7 while the fireworks were going off.
7:30 is a compromise. 8pm preferred. but this is moot because we hosted two effin times in a row. we won’t be doing it next year.
My kids have gotten the chance to grow up watching professional (if you call it that at its worst). I never got that chance. Sure, we watch a losing team, but in 25 years my kids will remember everything else about it.
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All four of us are horse. We screamed until our voices were gone.
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The team is not good enough. The product on the field is bad. The roster is not deep enough to compete at the professional level. There are a few players who should not be on the team and I hope they are gone for next season.
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We’ll keep going to games because there are only 30 something MLS teams and one is 15 minutes from my house. It would be silly not to go see my favorite game live with my kids. It is something I dreamed of doing myself as a kid in DELCO.
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Meh, still pretty gutted about the loss and not going to complain about anything from the game.
That was soooooo Union …
hahahaha….I was waiting for that! +10000
I hate this team. And want to hug them. I’m furious and feel bad for them at the same time. This is not a team for the faint of heart.
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They didn’t deserve to go down on PKs. By they had 60 minutes after KC tied it to get the winner. They could not find the goal. It sucks because I don’t think KC played like the better team.
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Why Wenger came on is a mystery to me. Why not Ayuk?
+1
TSSM – That sucked so much.
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I was there with two of my kids (11 & 9). It was an indoctrination for them to life as a Philadelphia sports fan. I so hoped that it would be different for their generation, but that doesn’t look to be the case.
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I’ll rank this loss right up there with the Eagles playoff loss to Tampa Bay in the final game at the Vet. This game’s Joe Jurevicius –> Krisztian Nemeth.
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TSSM
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I was at that game too. Eerie silence walking out of the Vet for the last time.
Someone said it above. Curtain has a ceiling. This is it. Everyone here knows he isn’t being fired, so even with better players next season… assuming we acquire such a thing… will we be better? It’s hard to say yes.
Agreed
This loss is on Curtin. As is the entire UNSUCCESSFUL season. If your “strategy” is to win a lot of games 1-0 then you leave yourself vulnerable to losing games 1-1 (6-7). If you want to play “Philly Tough” then get a coach who can coach a bunch of physical fast strong players, like Vermes (who’s a jerk). The abortive short corners, and inability to score on any corner, are evidence of a poorly-coached team. Blaming any player -including Edu – who gutted himself for 120 minutes is nonsensical. (Edu shouldn’t have been taking a PK though, based on his recent history.) LeToux is my hero. Sadly he’ll probably never play for a Union team that wins anything.
The Union doesn’t have a true goal scoring option on the team. What would you like Curtin to do? I’m sure if we had Robbie Keane, Kei Kamara, or Giovinco, we wouldn’t be playing a 4-2-3-1. We don’t even have a player in double-digit goals, and it’s not a function of the strategy. We just don’t have anyone who can consistently finish.
Sapong is solid. He missed a ton of time compared to the above mentioned players. He’s not as lethal as they are but he’s still in the top 15 for goals per 90 in this league (players having played more than 1000 minutes)
See my post above regarding short corners. Reading the book I recommend changed my opinion of them.
we started playing for a 1-0 win after 30 minutes, instead of going forward. We started playing for a tie at 1-1 when Casey came in. We still had two subs left deep into extra time – I can see keeping one. I cannot see saving one to take off Blake, who I have seen stand on his head in PKs, because McCarthy deserves a chance. We played to win on Pks. My crew left at the end of PKs as they are an artificial end to the game. some may like the theater, drama, etc. but its nothing to play for. It means you don’t think you can win the game.
I thought I would feel better today, but no…
Andrew fucking Wenger. Seriously! I’m so disgusted. Andrew fucking Wenger. Why would you bother playing him? Why?????? What is wrong with Curtin????? What’s wrong with this????? Everyone around me was saying “oh no”. To let an injured Edu take a kick?!?!? Why?!?!?!? And news to Jim Curtin, we’re not the Dutch national team and the goalie switch was madness. I don’t think I even want to drive down there for those last remaining games. This sucks.
I’m done . . . not with The Union but with the MLS as a whole. The refereeing is the worst of any league in the world. Win or lose there is now way KC should have still had 11 guys on the pitch at the end of the game. I don’t want to win a cup that way, but even if the outcome were the same the thing that has me apoplectic 12 hours later is that KC still had 11 guys on the pitch for the penalties. By my count 5 KC players should have seen 2nd yellow or direct reds and been gone. In no particular order:
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Graham Zusi – pulls back Barnetta on a clear break 30 minutes in and though that is a guaranteed yellow in every other league in the world and every game I’ve ever watched somehow does not get a card. I guess being a US Team member like having the American Express card has it’s privileges. His later yellow on Barnetta would have then seen him sent off.
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Seth Sinovic – already cared for impeding Maidana . . . pantsing him in the process . . . does it again 10 minutes later and does not get called. Clearly he didn’t get the message ref, perhaps his second yellow would have given his the proper message. Or maybe forcing the KC players to wear mittens might have been the way to go. In either case if you’re pulling someone jersey where it is so stretched I can see it 90 yards away then surely unless you are Mr. Magoo you and your linesman had to see it.
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Chance Myers – probably should have been sent of twice in this game and additionally be suspended for 3 matches for a reckless tackle. Lets start at the beginning. He kicks Andre Blake with his studs in the face when Andre’s got the ball and the ball is 2 yards away from his foot. Is it a red . . . maybe . . . but if CJ Sapong gets a yellow for a 50/50 later in the game then by the ref’s own standards that’s a minimum yellow. I’ve do doubt that in any other game this year if Casey does that he gets yellow or red. No doubt! Myers later picks up his “first” yellow for kicking LeToux on a follow through (though i thought that was a soft yellow) Finally in the 90+ minute he commits the cardinal sin of footballing a two footed lunging scissors tackle in the box on the free kick where he takes down Edu. Foul in the box (penalty and likely card) ankle breaking scissors tackles (automatic red + suspension). I can only assume the ref didn’t see it since he was clearly focused all night on calling Sapong and then Casey for going over the back of their 5’9 CB (ie standing upright while Ellis jumped into them)
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Kevin Ellis – already on a yellow for obstruction in the first half, commits not one, not two, but three further fouls forcing the ref to blow the whistle and give Union a free kick. Um the word “persistent” comes to mind here
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Finally the most galling to me of all Jordi Quintilla . . . he of the final shoot out goal comes on and seeing that everyone else is playing like the Broad Street Bullies of the 70’s decides within 2 minutes to do a sliding tackle from 5 yards directly behind on Lahoud with absolutely zero chance to win the ball. Maybe I’m being harshly critical but I’ve seen that called a red plenty of times in my life
I agree, but people shouldn’t blast SKC for playing that way…they did what they had to do and played within the parameters of what the ref allowed…….thats on him. Probably should have been a second yellow in there…..but if the ref won’t throw it…do you blame SKC? I would do the same……
I played hockey as a youth, not soccer. There are actually a lot of similarities, I’m learning. And this is one of them. Take what the ref will give you. That means if the ref will let you physically beat up the other team without any serious repercussions, and you think that tactic helps you win, then you do it.
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If Unkel controls things correctly early, SKC stops. They only continued to do it because he allowed them to do so.
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You take whatever advantage the other team – and the ref – gives you.
“That’s how winning is done.” To coin a phrase.
Take what the refs give you. To be fair the calls were wildly inconsistent on both sides of the pitch. I remember Lahoud had a nasty tackle in the first half that he was carded for and some refs may have shown a red for it.
For the record, you could add Nemeth to your list. I think he was on a yellow already when he did his absurd dive in the penalty area.
Couple of thoughts…
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That was one of the worst ways to lose I’ve experienced live ever.
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Nogs, Quillo, and Chaco are going to be scary good next year…regardless of coach.
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FKC is always a dirty, classless, shitty team to play against. That all stems from Vermes. Dude doesn’t know how to coach the beautiful game of futbol, but Goddamnit he gets results playing the ugly game of American Soccer.
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Ted Unkle is an idiot…he is a knife salesman’s dream… Dude will buy anything…especially FKC’s horrific diving.
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Fabinho- I apologize for the things I said last year dude. And I said a lot… You were a fucking boss last night.
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Raymo- shape up bro…we can still finish construction of the Sun rocket. Take care of the ball!
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Edu- smh…do what your told. Stay at the center, distribute, don’t be cute, finish chances, and put PKs in corners…that’s what captains do…you were our overpriced headcase last night…jog on… Nuff said.
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I <3 Richie Marquez and so do you
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FKC didnt know what to do against us in the first half (good job curtin) but then they adjusted and we had absolutely no answer besides the long ball we have seen all year (goddamnit Curtin! Dont you know that 1-0 games quickly turn into ties and/or losses because the other team only needs to score one fucking goal to change the outcome?!) I dont blame Curtin for the subbing in this game… I didnt agree but I understood the rationale. But his inability 2 years in a row with this match that the other team adjusts and he does nothing is the surefire sign the dude cant hack it yet.
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My chest still smolders with the embers of inevitable Union defeat…
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Union 'til I die…. God help me
“Nogs, Quillo, and Chaco are going to be scary good next year…regardless of coach.”
Well not if the coach’s strategy is to play the ball over their heads as was the case from the 60th minute on during this important game. “Hit-and-hope”… “Boot-and-chase”… “50-50 ball” all of those terms describe American high-school soccer tactics circa 1990 which Coach Curtin seems to be stuck in.
Given the quality of our mid-field it was inappropriate last night and will be as ruinous to the eye as the results as long as Curtin or another paleonostalgic like him is trusted at the helm.
Spot on. We are of one mind on this topic.
“We can still finish the sun rocket” — this is so good +1
I want to be angry, and keep looking for someone to blame and keep coming up with these half-hearted “If only Edu slotted that…”, “if CJ finished that early one….”, “if SKC finally got that red…” It’s all bullshit. It just sucks. It’s sad. Especially because that trophy would have meant more to the Union and the Philly fanbase that SKC could ever have appreciated it.
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Now it’s this arduous march to next year, “maybe next year they can build…” but I don’t even know how the guys can recover for the remaining games this season. It’s tough cheering for guys who are underdogs who do try so damn hard, and just never have that “Rudy” ending.
+1. The blame game and accompanying anger is simply sadness misdirected. Be sad, everyone. They fought hard and lost. God, that was painful.
+1 One of the best comments I’ve seen with regards to the this game.
Does this sound familiar:
-Union take early lead
-Union lead at half
-Opposition comes out stronger in the first 20 mins of 2nd half due to adjustments
-Curtin makes none
-Equalizer
-Union lose
-From minute 46-60, we could barely string together 3 passes. They bottled up Nogs and changed the game. Curtin made absolutely no adjustment. Instead, at 65 minutes, he’s trying to get to PK’s instead of trying to win it at home in regulation. I’m at a loss.
Agreed. It was really he same game as last year, it’s just KC scored a little later than Seattle. A lot of talk months back about winning games 1-0… this team has no idea how to do that… and that’s on the coach.
PK’s are a lottery, and for the most part all were well taken. The 8th guy on a PK list is like a reliever you use in the 14th inning, you kind of get what you get. The fact it was Wenger is just rough for the kid.
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This is more frustrating than last year because SKC was not Seattle. Union needed that second goal in the first half and didn’t get it. The ability to finish off an opponent when they have an advantage is something the club has always lacked, and the only way to address it is to upgrade the roster.
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Of course, that requires money be invested in the club. And the optics of an owner who cries poverty every chance he gets flying in and out via a helicopter should sicken everyone who sat in the rain and cold for almost three hours last night.
+1 for the name. i laughed.
also saw comment today about how that copter looked bad after a loss. that’s how i felt after hearing it was Sugs
I’m fucking so disappointed…this team is Philadelphia and I hate it. This team is the walking living breathing embodiment of Philadelphia. The pathos of almost. The Art of Almost. The neurotic angst of failure.
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You had a chance to be different. You had a chance to think outside the box. You had a chance to rewire the neurosis… and you have failed miserably Jay Sugarman and Nick Sakiewicz and Jim Curtin. Yes this is ALL on you.
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Dear Jim …. You can go.
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Dear S&S….bring me this new Sporting Director. Bring me a new coach that fits the Sporting Director’s philosophy of play. New Sporting Director…convince me you have sat devising a plan and philosophy that roots down to the Academy 12 year olds. Make me believe you have what it takes to create a quarry. Build a team capable of scoring more than one goal in successive US Open Cup finals.
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For all you fans down there last night wrenched and walking in a haze to your cars…a 1000 yes’s….. for the two young boys I witnessed sitting in a corner with your heads in your hands a 1000 yes’s….for the rest of you standing around and laughing and joking with your buddies….go shit in your hat… for the rest of you I continue to argue…leave the seats empty. Last night was the exception. I am wasted and truly truly disappointed.
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Love,
el P
Agreed. Still so sad. And I was hoping something might change overnight. I would prefer that you added Dear S&S……get out of town and sell the team, but as we all know it won’t happen. So, your statement at least would be the best hope. Alas, I have no more hope.
“The art of almost” Dude that is fantastic I’m gonna steal that if you don’t mind… And I said the same thing last night…. This team is Philadelphia personified its uncanny well minus the great food, music and beers part
In all honesty, I stole it from Wilco… a dark and brooding song.
doesn’t look good not having a sell out for a Cup final…..and over 1,000 from SKC making a lot of noise…….not good. Where was the advertising? Where was the radio slots, hell….not even something on the information signs on 76, 95. I don’t think they did enough to market this match……
I actually heard a few ads on 97.5 during the evening drive time leading up to the game.
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Somebody at the U needs to convince 97.5 (and WIP, but it’ll never happen) to include the Union in their news. Imagine if every “Sportscenter News Update” on 97.5 for the last week mentioned the Union playing for the Open Cup Championship.
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That’s what they need. They need Comcast Sportnet and 97.5 and WIP to begin mentioning them in the news, regularly. They need those outlets to mention the CHAMPIONSHIP game being played in our city.
Hell, I thought I would’ve heard Preston and Steve plug the game.
Yeah, that’s another. They’ve been pretty Union friendly. Why not arrange to get Le Toux and another player in studio again to talk with them?
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They absolutely need to advertise. But they also need to learn how to play the media so they can get the free advertising that comes from interviews and such.
They did mention it Wednesday morning….well…Cathy did in her sports report. And again this morning. But no lengthy discussion or anything.
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On a side note, I almost called in a few times because they overlook or forget to include regular season games often. It is weird to me because they have had people from the Union and SOBs on the show. I remember Le Toux playing bubble soccer at a fund rasier for them.
Where were the STHs? Some of the emptiest sections are heavy season ticket holder sections. They wouldn’t need to crazy on advertising if the season ticket holders came through. There were plenty of empty seats around me, and in other midfield-ish sections.
Website snafu? I’m a STH, but waited until after the deadline to buy tickets, so I assumed my seats went up for grabs. When I went online to buy ‘my’ tickets, the website said they were sold, so I bought seats a few rows lower (sorry, those in Section 125 rows T, U and V who aren’t used to my horrible singing). But I checked at game time, and there was nobody in ‘my’ seats.
I can’t speak for other season-ticket holders, but after enduring a season full of poor performances by our favorite MLS club, my wife and I decided that we didn’t want to spend any more money on Union soccer in 2015.
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If the team had looked better this summer, we probably would have been in our regular seats last night. Instead, we watched the match on TV.
This loss is on Curtin and the team. Curtin obviously had the right plan going in. I think putting Cassey on was the right move. Putting Wenger in at all was the wrong move. Failing to adjust in the second half was, again, a mistake/lack of coaching ability that’s on Curtin.
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Players played hard. I agree. But these players can’t score goals. They just don’t score goals. It’s as if they have an allergy. If Sapong or Barnetta or Casey or Edu managed to put a good shot on frame last night and score, we’d be spared this shared exercise in misery.
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Why can’t we have nice things?
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Best players last night: Lahoud and LeToux. Hon. mention to Fabinho.
I agree about the Casey move. I think it was a smart play, to be honest. It was a direct response to SKC’s physical play. Barnetta is more physical than Maidana, so it gave the Union a center mid playmaker who wasn’t afraid to take – or give – a hit.
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If Casey volleys his shot first touch rather than attempting to push forward, we’re very likely singing a different tune today.
Mike, FYI, Chaco is from Argentina not Colombia.
Look at the bright side. At least thanks to KC we got to see Chaco’s underwear
Coppertone should give him a call.
I really don’t know why I expected a different result. This team has proven again and again that it’s incapable of actually competing at a meaningful level. To watch a team get chance after chance and scuff it away with a poor touch over and over. To watch a coach continue to play a player that has contributed nothing this season when so many other players have looked much better. To sub him on for one of our better players. I literal said out loud when he was subbed on “He’s going to lose us the game in penalties.” To go up a single goal and then try to defend that lead when that has NEVER WORKED with this team. I don’t even have to look at any game history except the VERY LAST GAME we play against SKC to know that’s a failing strategy. I have nothing left to be optimistic about. We’re not making the playoffs. The USMNT is playing horribly. The Eagles are terrible. The USWNT is the only team I have supported that EVER won anything. I don’t know why I would even hope the Union would be different. Losing is just how they operate. Shame on me for believing different.
+1 and that’s why we didn’t sell out the match. The fans are losing faith in this team. Has nothing to do with lack of advertising. When they were winning, Phillies had years of straight sell outs. Now never. Union suck so no one comes to games. Except Sugarman in his fucking helicopter. It may be too late. I hope not.
I have to agree. If this team were winning games at a Red Bulls pace, the city would have responded with better attendance. Last year’s very nice showing for the Open Cup had a lot to do with the fact that the Union went into that match riding a great streak of play. This year, there was no reason to think they’d win. (Though, tbh, I really thought they were going to do it this time.)
Exactly…we have cornered this in previous posts…at least I have tried to…people blaming eagles games and sunday night games. It is a joke.
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The product dictates the demand.
agreed
unfinished business huh…I can’t believe I actually thought this team had a chance when it has shown a complet inability to win at home, no I’m sry, just win in general. Two subs deep in to extra time and one wasted on a keeper…you play to win the game not take it to pks use the damn subs asshole.. Then you want to put in wenger for sapong where the hell was ayuk that’s the sub right there..and let’s not forget our heralded big bad US national teamer who just continues to not be the guy we where lookin for sry he isn’t he’s a center back of the worst defensive team in the league I mean it is what it is he’s not that good sure he’ll flash but what the hell your a captain put away a penalty one time please.. Unfinished business ppffff… Well one persons is
Still feel just as gutted as last night. Not a word was spoken in section 127 after the game ended, but I’m glad we all applauded the players’ efforts after a minute or so of being too stunned to do anything but shuffle down the steps.
I don’t know what’s wrong with Andrew, but his confidence is gone. Maybe he should go to Lehigh next year until he gets his mojo back. Until that happens he’s a liability.
We need a new captain. I know Edu’s a great player, but his character is weak. We needed a captain last night – not someone trying to exorcise personal demons. Who was the one encouraging the team, the first one to meet each player after his PK, whether it was successful or not? Seba. There’s our new captain, and the player who best personifies who we want the Union to be. Seba never gives up and never leaves anything on the field and doesn’t care who scores the goal as long as we win. Mo is out there for Mo – I’m not sure if he’s also out there for the Union.
+1
That was agonizing. But perhaps the loss is for the best. Nobody can dillude themselves into thinking “we’ve finally arrived!” The fact is we need a sporting director and another striker…just for starters. Our core has improved greatly over last year but unfortunately we have not kept up with the rest of MLS. So we are better but not nearly good enough. I’m ready for the new sporting director. Make the damn announcement before I lose my freakin’ mind.
Flight# 93015
Aircraft: helicopter
PHL (practice field) to NYC (Manhattan iStar)
Departure 9:00pm
Passenger: Open Cup (never showed up)
outside the box thinker. you win.
Listen up KC, the game you played last nite,(allowed by the F*%#ING IDIOT) that was called the referee… was THE MOST disgusting combination of cheap shot take downs I have ever witnessed in a soccer match. It can NOT be counted how many times our players “schooled you” in the art of skillful technique and your response was to grab our jersey and ‘VIOLENTLY’ take us down, COMPLETELY ACCEPTABLE BY THE IDIOT WITH THE WHISTLE. KC, your lack of sportsmanship is soooooooo classless you should be embarassed to even have been a part of that shit show you called soccer. Between the ref watching from 5 feet and Zusi falls down himself and lands on top of the ball ‘WITH HIS HAND’ and nothing called showed again how HORRIBLE THAT IDIOT with the whistle performed last nite. The whinning that went on from Feilhaber (spelling?) is soooooooooo childish someone should have changed his diaper at half time WWWWAAAAHHHH!!!!!! AGAIN KC that was THE MOST disgraceful soccer match I have EVER witnessed, Obviously classless and talentless players resort to that type of game and with AN IDIOT WITH A WHISTLE combined you get the perfect storm, hey KC GO F#%&* YOURSELF, YOU DO NOT DESERVE THE CUP, & DID NOT EARN IT, YOU STOLE IT WITH ALL 12 PLAYERS YOU HAD ON THE FIELD… To our team, thnx for putting EVERYTHING you had out on the pitch tonite, well done… UNION UNION UNION UNION UNION UNION !!!!!!!!! P.S. hey KC, check websters dictionary, look up ‘SCUMBAG’ you’ll see your team photo inserted by the description… with your coach FRONT & CENTER… FRICKIN’ DIRTBAGS… AHHHH… OK, I’m good for now… YYYEEEEEHHHAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!! UNION UNION UNION UNION UNION UNION UNION UNION
I think its the uniforms. The Union must change the uniforms
You know….some say it is a Charmin toilet tissue…but the white kit is absolutely the way to go for home games. It is IMPERIOUS… but like most things Union…the club has it backwards… you wear the blue and gold on the road FO and the white at home, third kit with the sky blue – which is lovely btw- and retire the black for good now that you do not need it re: USL team…
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… Los Merengues Americanos. That, is, So Union.
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Please, in my opinion, I am right about this one too.
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Sincerely,
– – – – – – Smiley face emoticon.