Photo Marjorie Elzey

The Boys in Blue shored up their defense at the expense of offensive production against rivals New York Red Bulls. While they might have erred on the side of boring, they got a result and their first clean sheet since May 29th, against one of the better teams in the East right now. 

Let’s see how the players did:

Player Ratings:

Andrew Rick – 7

This performance was a lot better from the young keeper and displayed what he has been showing for Union II earlier in the year. He did his job, made a few key saves from close range, and even had some good passing under pressure. Earned the clean sheet.

Kai Wagner – 5

Somewhat low-key on the night from the German defender. Played higher up the field in possession than usual and got caught out of position on at least one threatening NYRB attack. Several dangerous crosses from open play and corners though. After playing 90 minutes in the last 2 games it wasn’t surprising to see him slow down earlier than usual in this one. 

Jack Elliot – 5

Solid showing from Elliot- after a shaky first 20 minutes. Two miscommunications with Lowe gave up breakaways in the 2nd and 22nd minute. Recovered and saw it through for the clean sheet. Had some important clearances and some good forward passes that started attacks. Should’ve done better with his header in the 59th minute though.

Jakob Glesnes – 5

Grew into a defensively sound performance from on the night. Glesnes kept it simple and tried to limit turnovers- if also looking or venturing forward less than usual. Had some trademark long balls later in the match but overall focused on defensive duties to help keep a clean sheet.

Damion Lowe – 4

Lowe made a welcome return to the team after featuring for Jamaica in the Copa America. Same story as his compatriot CBs, he made a few mistakes in the beginning of the game but got through it. He was terrific in the air but only OK with the ball at his feet. It might not have been his best performance in a Union shirt but he gutted it out and helped earn the clean sheet.

Nathan Harriel – 5

Got back to basics on defense. Made some good clearances, drew a few fouls. Perhaps had a bit more license in possession as a Wing Back. Did well when carrying the ball into NYRB territory- almost put Gazdag in on goal but over hit his pass. Showed that he still has room to grow offensively. The Union will likely miss his presence while he is away with the Olympic team. 

Leon Flach – 5

Flach kept it simple, he got his defensive stats and usually made sure he kept possession first and foremost. Boring but effective enough. No assists this time – but he might well think Gazdag should have done better off his header in the 33rd minute. 

Jack McGlynn – 7

Good game from the youngster. He was able to connect on several dangerous long balls fired from the apparent cannon he has for a left foot. Forced a diving save from Coronel with his only shot. He’s earned his spot on the Olympic Roster but the team will miss him while he’s gone. 

Daniel Gazdag – 6

The Hungarian midfielder had a number of good opportunities on the night. While he got into good positions, he was unfortunately wasteful with his best looks, particularly on a close range shot in the box in the 56th minute. 

Tai Baribo – 6

Good workrate on the night finishing with 2 tackles and 1 interception. His runs are dangerous and he seems to be linking up well with his teammates. Had a number of shots in NYRB’s box but saw them all either blocked or saved. Feels like he should’ve scored from at least one of those- on the other hand, Coronel and the NYRB defenders had to make big plays to keep him off the scoresheet. 

Chris Donovan – 4

Ever the willing runner and good in the air, Donovan’s work ethic and speed were evident. But, he couldn’t finish his only shot on the night after Tolkin’s misplaced clearance. Unlucky not to get an assist after doing well along the endline to set up Baribo in first half stoppage time. Subbed at 53 minutes.

Substitutes:

Quinn Sullivan – 6

Sullivan might not always make the best decisions in the final third but man is he fun to watch. He invigorated the attack when he came on. Part of a beautiful move to get through 1v1 with Coronel but he couldn’t quite pull off the chipper. 

Alejandro Bedoya – 5

Brought on to close out the game as well as set and enforce the tone. It worked well enough as El Capitan secured the draw and even earned his customary yellow card.

Olivier Mbaizo – N/a

Brought on after Elliot started cramping. Nothing noteworthy either good or bad from his cameo.

Geiger Counter:

Filip Dujic – 5

Hardly noticed the ref honestly, aside from some ticky-tacky fouls called, which is basically the best case scenario. The officials didn’t have many major decisions to make, but they didn’t let what has been a feisty matchup in the past boil over.

Player of the Match: Andrew Rick

A bounce back performance from his last outing and was rewarded with his first MLS clean sheet. Had to make some big saves. 

What’s Next

The Union will have the full week to prepare for their next game- a Saturday matchup with Toronto FC at BMO Field. A win could see them climb as high as 9th, but a loss could see the Boys in Blue hit bottom of the East.