photo: Marjorie Elzey

Kacper Przybylko spared Union blushes with a goal in the 85th minute to grab a point as Philadelphia was largely outplayed by league-worst Miami on Sunday night in Florida. Quinn Sullivan nabbed an assist in another impressive performance off the bench, but it wasn’t enough to turn around what was a listless performance in Philly’s third game in a week.

Jamiro Monteiro was ineffective at the top of the diamond and the Union attack sputtered for 85 minutes before Przybylko’s goal. It was clear on Thursday in Orlando that Sullivan and McGlynn brought much needed energy to the Union and it was true again on Sunday. Jim Curtin’s squad looked tired in the July heat and it should be music to Union fans ears that reinforcements could be arriving soon.

Player Ratings

Matt Freese – 4

He should have stopped the Miami goal, which while from close range, was from an acute angle and at a comfortable height for the goalkeeper. Robinson had too much space to shoot in the box, but a save you’d think Andre Blake would come up with. Otherwise, 5 saves. A little reluctant to dominate the penalty area, but not to be unexpected from the young goalkeeper.

Olivier Mbaizo – 3

Frustrating night down the right side as Mbaizo struggled to get forward. Did find a few opportunities to serve the ball into the box but failed to find a teammate. Caught napping on the Miami goal as Robinson drifted beyond the right back.

Jakob Glesnes – 6

Stalwart effort from the Norwegian. Pinged a number of fantastic diagonal passes, particularly toward Kai Wagner. Six clearances on the night, all from within his own six yard box.

Jack Elliott – 6

Solid in the center of the park. Did well to find a pass into Sullivan in the build up to the Union equalizer.

Kai Wagner – 3 

Still lacking in chemistry with Flach down the Union left and we’ve failed to see Wagner get into the crossing positions he’s found the last two seasons.

Jose Martinez – 3

Consistently pulled out of position and failed to get on the ball in the build up on a difficult night in the center of the park. On the plus side, didn’t pick up his 5th yellow card of the season to earn a suspension.

Alejandro Bedoya – 3

Watching the game against Orlando on Thursday, my wife commented, “Man, Bedoya looks tired and sweaty.” He looked similar in Miami and Jim Curtin can be questioned for not giving his captain a breather. Missed a terrific chance when he whiffed on Monteiro’s best pass of the night in the first half.

Leon Flach – 3

Easily Flach’s worst performance of the season in which he failed to get involved offensively in any way, but also seemed neutralized in his defensive abilities to break up play and turn the opposition over.

Jamiro Monteiro – 3

Looked surprised to be subbed but shouldn’t have been. Feels like he’s taking an extra touch or making an extra move too often as the Union look to break.

Daniel Gazdag – 5

Struggled to get involved, particularly in the first half playing as a second striker. Found a bit more of the game after Santos arrival and looks more comfortable in the role at the top of the diamond. Cheeky backheel in the build up to Przybylko’s goal.

Kacper Przybylko – 6

Boosted a point surely because of the goal. A less than convincing finish into the empty net, but they all count for one and the Friendly Striker will be pleased to have grabbed his team a late point. Otherwise, a languid appearance where the striker’s touch more than once failed him and he couldn’t find the game for much of the first half.

Subs

Sergio Santos – 5

With Miami doing well to keep the ball, the game seemed primed for Santos to get in behind the home team’s defense in the second half, but the striker failed to find much time on the ball in the offensive third.

Quinn Sullivan – 8

Lively after coming on for the second straight performance and rewarded with an assist on Przybylko’s goal. There’s an energy that has come on with Sullivan the last two matches and he’s earned more than 10-15 minutes, particularly on the nights where Philly needs a spark.

Ilsinho – 5

Good to see the Brazilian finally make his return to game play. A couple of cheeky moves down the right side playing at right back, but the bar is high for Ilisnho substitute appearances and in only 7 minutes,

Jack McGlynn – n/a

Late cameo for McGlynn, who probably should have been introduced sooner.

Geiger Counter

Joseph Dickerson – 2

If a player is going down, Dickerson is buying it for a foul. Consistent all night in giving almost anything.