Photo by: Marjorie Elzey

The Union conceded two first half goals (again) before Alejandro Bedoya stole one back just before half-time. However, it took a “goal of the season” calibre blast by Jack McGlynn with about 10 minutes remaining for the Union to match DC’s tallies.

But how did each player fare in their matchup in the nation’s capitol?

Oliver Semmle – 6

He was unlucky enough to be hung out to dry by poor defensive play ahead of him on the first two goals. He played mostly well, cashing in a few good saves. He was fortunately bailed out by Nate Harriel’s head in the second half, as Harriel covered for him astutely on a shot that had Semmle beaten.

Kai Wagner – 7

A mostly solid game from Wagner with stout defensive play and strong service from restarts. His low ball into the box on the set-piece for Bedoya’s goal was a really smart play by the German.

Damion Lowe – 5

Lowe had some trouble marking Benteke, and that can be exhibited on DC’s second goal. The CB got pulled out of position to try to win a header over Benteke. The Belgian’s aerial ability and recognition of space was clearly on the mind of Lowe for most of the night. Lowe did have some really nice blocks and interceptions that kept his team in the game to help earn a point on the road.

Jakob Glesnes – 5

Nothing too notable about Glesnes’s play in this one. He and Lowe had some miscommunication at times, but overall, it wasn’t a poor outing for the Norwegian.

Nathan Harriel – 7

Harriel played well on Saturday. His 1 v 1 defending and improved ability going forward were on display against DC’s left wing back, Dajome. Harriel had an opportunity to play Carranza in for what may have been the winner, but his header was a bit too strong.

Leon Flach – 3

It was a welcome sight to see Leon Flach return from a nine month injury lay-off. Unfortunately, his play was fairly rusty, which isn’t unexpected after missing so much time. He has never been the best player in possession, but he truly struggled in possession on Saturday. He also was perhaps a culprit on DC’s first goal – failing to follow Mateusz Klich, allowing Klich to leak into the box while McGlynn took the overlapping runner out-wide. Here’s hoping there is some WD-40 somewhere to be found for this rust as the season wears on, because his pressing capability, alongside some improved play in possession, will be needed in the heat of the summer.

Jack McGlynn – 9

At the expense of not gushing about this kid’s play relentlessly, I will just leave it at “best left foot in MLS.” Simple as that.

Alejandro Bedoya – 8

Bedoya remains the heart and soul of this club. His first-time finish at the end of the first half on Saturday was such an underrated bit of skill. A bouncing ball into the box that he catches with his weaker foot as it rolls past him, just enough to get it over the keeper but soft enough to keep it under the bar… a truly world-class finish from the captain. Him turning in 90 minute performances definitely wasn’t the intention this year, but it goes without question the Union are a better team when he is on the field.

Quinn Sullivan – 5

Sullivan was less active than normal down the right hand side, and his service provided into the box was lacking in his 65 minute run. He came very close to chipping DC United’s GK Alex Bono early in the second half which would have certainly changed the complexion of the match, but Bono was there in time to just tip it over his bar.

Daniel Gazdag – 6

Gazdag was active in this one. His movement is so underrated for this side, and his impact often goes unnoticed until he isn’t on the field. He played as the second striker until Uhre was subbed on, and he played well.

Julian Carranza – 5

Carranza struggled to get involved as much as he normally does on Saturday, but he wasn’t necessarily helped by the service from his teammates. His first half blast from an indirect free kick that smacked the cross-bar still has the woodwork ringing like a tuning fork in the key of C. His yellow card may prove to be costly, as now he will miss the next match vs. Orlando due to yellow card accumulation.

Substitutes

Jose Martinez – 6

Martinez came on for Flach and was able to provide defensive stability, along with ability in possession that simply wasn’t there for the first 65 minutes. His long ball to Bedoya that switched play to the right flank led directly to McGlynn’s wonder-strike. His blend of defensive prowess and ability to play forward is vital from that defensive midfield role. He should be starting every game, even if he fires off a divisive half-time tweet here or there.

Mikael Uhre – 2

There isn’t much to say about his play right now. He just isn’t what he came to Philadelphia to be. He will likely start next weekend vs. Orlando with Carranza’s suspension. But if these are the types of performances that Uhre is turning in, it really makes one wonder what Tai Baribo needs to do to get on the field. Practice player or not, games are where the money is earned. Maybe giving Baribo a shot to earn his way out of the doghouse could give the team a spark.

Geiger counter

Ismir Pekmic – 7

As compared to MLS refs’ impacts in previous games, Pekmic’s impact on the scoreline was minimal, if that. I didn’t love the yellow card Carranza was the recipient of – it seemed like simulation to me, but ultimately Carranza needs to be smarter there. And if that is the only qualm, that is a pretty good night from the head referee in my book.

Player of the match

Alejandro Bedoya

The captain continues to prove to be the glue that keeps this side together. His impact shines brightest in the most decisive moments of the match. His goal before halftime was a huge momentum swing for this side that was well on its way to conceding its third straight loss. It’s worth a wonder that had he retired last offseason, or the contract he signed wasn’t offered, where would the Union be this year without him?