Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union

Saturday’s match against CF Montreal marked yet another defeat for the Boys in Blue, this time coming away from home. Playing with a depleted squad due to injury and international tournaments, Philadelphia was able to take a 2-1 lead into the break. The second half was all Montreal however, who put away three unanswered goals to take all three points.

Onto the rankings…

Player ratings: 

Andrew Rick – 4

Not much Rick could have done on three of the four goals, but his one mistake was a massive one. Anticipating a shot that never came led to Rick jumping over the ball resulting in the goal. A deflating moment that haunted the side the rest of the match.

Kai Wagner – 5

A quieter night for Wagner, who was pushed up into the midfield later in the match. Not very many crosses delivered in the attacking half, but did well defending one-on-one.

Jack Elliott – 3

Four goals against will never show well for the starting centerback pairing. Lost a man on the first corner kick on the first goal and was slow to react on the third and fourth goals.

Jakob Glesnes – 3

Similarly to Elliott, just seemed slow to react to any Montreal attack or anticipate any passes.

Nate Harriel – 3

Harriel did well getting into advanced positions to swing some crosses in, but needs to more dynamic one-on-one. His defending was poor on the third goal.

Leon Flach – 5

There’s nothing flashy about Flach’s game, which we’ve know for a while now. Covering ground, putting in tackles and connecting passes is what he provided all night.

Jesus Bueno – 5

Similarly to Leon Flach, Bueno doesn’t provide too much flash. Did well covering ground and making passes and finished off a loose ball for his goal.

Quinn Sullivan – 6

Another great strike from Sullivan to give the Union the early lead. Was the attacks most dangerous player throughout the night.

Jack McGlynn – 4

McGlynn is great with free kicks and unlocking defenses. But in this game his lack of speed and physicality was a liability. To be effective as a starter the Union need more possession with McGlynn, not a battle of endurance and speed.

Chris Donovan- 4

A pretty quiet evening for Donovan. Usually brings high energy and pressing but didn’t seem able to find opportunities to do so.

Tai Baribo – 5

A pretty solid outing from the man up top. Found some good chances and was pressing hard early in the game despite suffering a back injury in warmups. Hopefully another performance to build on.

Substitutes:

Olivier Mbaizo – 4

Not much chance creation for Mbazio and was brought on as a defensive sub late in the game.

Daniel Gazdag  – 4

Unable to find any service or create much of anything with his 30 minutes on the field.

Geiger Counter:

Jon Freemon – 6 

Typically, if you don’t notice the referee, it means they’re doing a good job. No complaints about the center man on the night.

Player of the Match: Dominik Yankov

A great individual effort to go through the Union defense and score the game winner in the 89th minute.