Photo: Paul Rudderow

With a chance to finish first in the East still available going into the second half against Columbus last night, the Union failed to muster almost any offense and dropped a disappointing 2-0 loss on the road to the Crew.

Playing their third road game in a week, the team looked tired and failed to create much of anything going forward. The loss leaves them in third place in the East after Atlanta moved ahead of them with a draw in Montreal. The Union will have to better Atlanta’s result next week to have any hope of finishing second. Mostly though, Philly will be hoping that Alejandro Bedoya’s quad strain isn’t too serious.

Player Ratings

Andre Blake – 4

Hard to blame Blake too much on either goal. The first did go under him, but it was a decent finish from close range on the counter. The second came through a maze of bodies and nestled into the corner.

Ray Gaddis – 4

Another match where the opponent allowed Gaddis to pass out of the back, and another match where he failed to complete many meaningful passes. Perhaps could have done more to defend on the first goal, but it was a good cut back from Mokhtar to find an angle to shoot.

Jack Elliott – 4

Terrible header from the corner in the build up to the second Columbus goal. Finished with six clearances and six recoveries.

Mark McKenzie – 5

Looked himself after a short injury layoff. Finished with a team-high seven clearances.

Kai Wagner – 4

Looked stuck in second gear all match. For a guy who has seemed to have endless engine at times this season, the left back looked tired after three away games in a week.

Haris Medunjanin – 4

Like Wagner, looked tired. In a match that felt similar to the loss to the Red Bulls last weekend, Medunjanin struggled to find the ball in decent areas and therefore found the match difficult to influence from deep.

Alejandro Bedoya – 5

Left just before halftime with a quad strain. Let’s hope it’s not too serious.

Fafa Picault – 4

Quiet outing for Picault, who never looked dangerous on the night.

Jamiro Monteiro – 4

Just hasn’t looked the same since he came back from injury. Utilized as the 10 in a 4-2-3-1, the diminutive Monteiro failed to connect the midfield and Przybylko. Missed the best chance of the game for the Union from close range.

Brenden Aaronson – 4

After a few strong performances, a bit of a regression for the teenager over this road trip. Failed to involve himself down the left in the offensive third. His defensive work rate continues to be strong, but the Union need more from him going forward when teams bunker.

Kacper Przybylko – 4

Did force Room into a decent save in the 50th minute, but generally found the ball hard to come by for most of the match.

Subs

Warren Creavalle – 4

Typical workmanlike stuff from Creavalle who got a little over 45 minutes of work.

Ilsinho – 4

With the team looking like they needed some Ilsinho inspiration, the Brazilian didn’t have his whole bag of tricks on Sunday and failed to make much of a mark. Probably still should have had an assist when Monteiro skied his chance over the bar.

Marco Fabian – 3

Late cameo for Fabian, who’s biggest contribution was a shot from distance that didn’t come close to troubling Room in the Columbus goal.

Geiger Counter

Rubiel Vazquez – 7

Not much to notice about Vazquez’ performance.

Man of the Match – Pedro Santos

Scored the second goal with his sixth goal in 12 matches, a clever half volley.