Photo: Earl Gardner

A shorthanded Philadelphia Union suffered their heaviest defeat of the season, losing 4-0 in Salt Lake City. Kai Wagner and Jamiro Monteiro were clearly missed as the Union midfield looked tired and the back line disorganized. Philadelphia will hope a little home cookin’ against a Chicago Fire squad that’s yet to win on the road this Saturday will right the ship.

Player ratings:

Andre Blake – 3

Never going to be a good score for the goalkeeper when the team loses 4-0. Probably could have done better to keep out the second RSL goal that came from distance. Savarino’s opener was certainly well taken, but also straight through the gloves of the sure-handed Blake.

Fabinho – 2

Clear miscommunication between Fabi and Trusty on RSL’s opener. The Brazilian certainly looked the part of a player who hasn’t suited up for much game action this season. Hopefully Kai Wagner is back shortly.

Auston Trusty – 3

A rock in the back for almost all of 2018, it’s clear that Trusty has taken a step back in 2019. Failed to track the run of Savarino for RSL’s opener.

Jack Elliott – 4

Probably had the soundest match of anyone on the back line. Took a chance trying to step up to break the counter on the fourth and was punished for it. Finished with five clearances and three recoveries.

Ray Gaddis – 3

What in the world was Ray doing on that third goal? Just kick it anywhere!

Haris Medunjanin – 3

Got tangled up with Fafa Picault on RSL’s second goal. Got nutmegged in the buildup to the fourth goal. A mixed bag of passing on the night for the midfielder where he moved the ball well but missed on a number of his long passes. After a ton of soccer in the last two seasons, Medunjanin looked tired in this one.

Brenden Aaronson – 3

Moved over to the left in Monteiro’s absence, the youngster failed to have much impact. While he continues to show promise and a handful of really positive touches almost every time out, his end product has been lacking almost since that magical goal in Atlanta.

Alejandro Bedoya – 3

A lot of running and not much else for the Union captain on the night. Probably could have pressured Aaron Herrera a little faster on the opener.

Marco Fabian – 2

Is it chemistry? Fitness? Whatever it is, it’s not working. The Union simply need more from the playmaker. Fabian found his touches too few and often in the wrong direction, as he played backward more than in any other performance this season.

Fafa Picault – 3

Poor mix up in the build to the RSL second goal. Picault, like Przybylko, just didn’t have the service on the night to get himself too involved. Might just be the odd man out if Wooten is going to start.

Kacper Przybylko – 4

Not much service to the big man in the blow out.

Subs

Sergio Santos – 3

Only completed 6 passes after replacing Aaronson at half time. Adding that to just two completed dribbles, it wasn’t the impact that Jim Curtin was hoping for in 45 minutes of playing time.

Anthony Fontana – 3

Replaced Fabian in the 65th and only completed three passes in almost a half hour of game time.

Andrew Wooten – 5

Almost had a goal in his first match with a really clinical finish off the half volley. If he can continue to shoot like that, won’t be long until he’s starting.

Geiger Counter

Silviu Petrescu – 3

Damir Kreilach should have been sent off for his tackle from behind, which would have considerably changed the match. The other two VAR decisions were probably correct, as the ball was likely out on Wooten’s goal (though really tough to say that he was conclusively out looking at the replays given that the goal was initially counted).

Man of the Match : Jefferson Savarino

A brace for Savarino that included a great control and shot on his first goal.