Photo: Ron Soliman

The Union were embarrassed in Pachuca on Tuesday. It was the heaviest defeat in the team’s history and the most lopsided result between a Liga MX and MLS team in CONCACAF since 2003. Altitude notwithstanding, the performance on Tuesday was unacceptable. Let’s get into the ratings.

Player Ratings,

Andre Blake – 4 

Made some stellar saves in the first half, particularly on Rondón around the 18th minute. Could’ve done better on Deossa’s goal, but can’t fault him for the loss as the defense was constantly giving up open looks in dangerous positions.

Kai Wagner – 2

Not a great night for Kai. He got beat, then trod on the foot of Rodríguez, which was enough for VAR to work its magic and award a penalty. Uncharacteristically poor with his touch and passing. Seemed unsettled by Pachuca’s press.

Damion Lowe – 2

Not good enough on Tuesday. Poor passing led to at least one goal for Pachuca. Ball watching on Rondón’s second exposed the give-and-go that led to the goal. 

Jakob Glesnes – 2 

Another tough outing for Glesnes. Less impactful on both sides of the ball than he normally is. Frequently turned inside out by Pachuca’s attackers. 

Nathan Harriel – 3

Like many other Union players he continually got beat on the dribble. Struggled to win his tackles. He was able to involve himself in some of the only decent passages of build-up play the Union had, especially towards the end of the first half.

José Martinez – 5

Before being withdrawn at halftime due to illness, José was one of the only positive factors for the Union. Despite similar issues to his teammates, it seemed like he was starting to grow into the game. His dribble forward and cross to Gazdag was the only true chance the Union created. 

Jack McGlynn – 4

Too many turnovers and losses of possession. Didn’t connect on passes that he normally makes. That being said, his long range shot was the most effort Pachuca’s GK had to exert on the night. Made it through the full 90 which is not something he would have been able to do last season. 

Alejandro Bedoya – 3

Too many missed tackles. El Capitán made plenty of runs on attack, but the long balls were always just out of reach. Clearly gassed by the second half. Hooked before an hour. 

Quinn Sullivan – 4

One of the only guys who looked close to his ‘sea-level’ self. His fitness and workrate are remarkable as he sprinted all the way back to his own box to put in a tackle and regain possession. However, too many misplayed balls meant he was unable to create anything tangible. 

Daniel Gazdag – 3

Unable to put his stamp on the game. Did well to draw a yellow card on Pedro Pedraza. Wish he’d scored his header but it feels like it wouldn’t have mattered much anyway.

Mikael Uhre – 2 

Didn’t have many significant touches or create any plays in the final third. He provided no service, but he also didn’t get open or involve himself in the build-up. Uhre’s skill set isn’t that of a ‘lone striker,’ but he was almost entirely anonymous on the night.

Substitutes

Julian Carranza – 4

Had a tame header and almost caused a spill for Anderson to tap in. Glad he seems to have recovered from his injury as it’s clear we desperately need him on the field for all 90.

Jesús Bueno – 3

Fresh legs brought on for Bedoya, didn’t do much better. Tough defensive assignments that he was unable to handle. 

Markus Anderson – 4

Seemed to possess more pace than most of his teammates on the night, despite the altitude. Almost got a tap in rebounder as a consolation goal but it just wasn’t in the cards. 

Olivier Mbaizo/Jack Elliot – N/A

Game was already over when Curtin switched formations to the 3-5-2 in an attempt to stop the bleeding. Pachuca did get their sixth, which solidified the worst margin of defeat in Union history.

Geiger Counter 

Bryan Lopez – 6 

Some of the usual CONCACAF antics but the refereeing crew didn’t let things get out of hand. Penalty might have been somewhat soft, but that’s not why the Union lost. Seemed to issue bookings when appropriate.  

Player of the Match – Salomón Rondón

The former West Brom man’s quality shone through on the night. His touch and physicality proved impossible to deal with for any Union defenders unlucky enough to try and mark him. Single-handedly beat Harriel, Bedoya, and Glesnes for his second goal. Bagged a hattrick and an assist. Since the Union might be in the market for a striker soon, maybe it wouldn’t hurt to give Pachuca a call about him?

What’s Next

The silver lining is this: reduced fixture congestion and travel. Early season losses and draws cost the team vital points last season. Many were due to the balancing act that so few MLS teams can handle between CONCACAF and league games. At least the grind has been reduced to the regular trials of MLS. Hopefully, this result adds some fire to the squad’s collective bellies and they get some wins racked up starting with Austin this Saturday.