What is Albert Einstein’s definition of insanity? Is it watching the Philadelphia Union every weekend after they struggle for results, and continue to expect them to win? Well, something like that.

Einstein’s actual definition of insanity is continuing to do the same thing and expecting different results. We all know that if something isn’t broke, you shouldn’t fix it. But what happens when that thing is broken or it isn’t working? Do you toss it with last night’s leftovers? Or do you make small changes to see if that impacts anything?

A few weekends ago, the U hosted Montreal. At this point, I thought we stood a legitimate chance. Montreal was a team that was still riding their high from last year’s semifinal MLS Cup run. They were struggling along with the Union and I thought maybe we could squeeze out a 1-0, rain soaked victory. Short answer: MAN, was I wrong. Now if you didn’t know the result of the game, it probably sounds like Fabinho scored two own goals in the first 5 minutes of the game. Wrong. We actually  went up 1-0 in the first 5 minutes. “Ok,” I thought. “We may finally be in control.”

Then in the 23rd minute, we go up 2-0 off of a CJ Sapong header. Then, 39th minute we get a lucky penalty via our rookie CB, Jack Elliott.  Alberg converts off of the keeper’s hands. 3-0 up with about 50-55 minutes left in the game. The ball was finally bouncing our way! I looked at my dad. We both took deep breaths. “Finally, a WIN.” But for the second time that day, I was wrong. Horribly. Nacho Piatti quickly dribbled through the whole team and left the ball in the back of our net. 3-1. “Ok, we still got this though, surely.”

Second half starts and the game was calm. We were still up 3-1 at about the 65th minute and Montreal looked sluggish. On came their substitute, Anthony Jackson-Hamel. AJH is a presence and a big man. The Union couldn’t keep their door closed and he scored in the 70th minute, to make it an interesting 3-2 game. I cannot explain my mixed emotions at this point. I was still optimistic we would win. Who cares about the scoreline? I was also feeling a nice pit in my stomach (that could’ve been that night’s Mexican, though). Overall, I was still feeling good about the game. After all, we deserved the win. I should know by now, I’m 15 years old, that the game of soccer doesn’t always care about what you deserve. If you don’t work, it’s not gonna happen. The Union looked like they had lost the game when it was 3-2. It’s been a rough start to the season and it must take a toll on you mentally, when you leak goals like a rusty pipe.

Fast forward to minute 87. Shot comes in, rebound given up and AJH scores his second of the night. 3-3. Montreal (or AJH, however you look at it) clawed back into the game and rescued a cold, wet point in Philly. 90+ minutes are up. Whistle blows. Boos rain down. I look at my dad and we are in utter shock. I go up to my mom and lay in the middle of the floor in the living room. “No way they lost.” “No mom, they tied.” We remain winless. That night, I saw a quote from Albert E. “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” I refuse to watch until they get that first win.