Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union
On a 70 degree summer night in Columbus the Crew hosted the Union in what was a game that was an uphill battle from the start, given only a 16% chance to win from Apple TV (not exactly the highest vote of confidence).
First Half
From the opening whistle, Columbus set a brisk pace, exploiting space on the far right side of the pitch. The Union opted against an early press, aware that doing so would play into the Crew’s fluid and dynamic style.
The match’s tempo slowed due to a few early fouls, either tactical or accidental, leading into the 11th minute. Despite this, the relentless Crew broke through when a whipped shot, saved by Andre Blake, fell directly into the path of Diego Rossi. Rossi, who slipped behind a sluggish Jack McGlynn, headed in the opening goal.
The Union’s first significant opportunity came in the 15th minute, with a corner from Kai Wagner to the far post. Mikael Uhre managed a glancing header, but it bounced harmlessly into the ground and out of play. Within the first 20 minutes, the Union held just 32% possession, a statistic that severely hampered their play making.
Without Baribo, the Union lacked a key dimension that had made them so lethal in the Leagues Cup—a dynamic, pressing forward who thrives in build-up play. As a result, Uhre’s preference to “get on the end” of plays (as Taylor Twellman described during the broadcast) left a gap in the Union’s ability to create chances in the opponent’s half.
Up until the 32nd minute, the match had followed a familiar pattern. It was almost poetic when Taylor Twellman, just five minutes earlier, remarked on the Crew’s greatest weakness: their tendency toward self-inflicted wounds. Credit to Nathan Harriel, who forced a poor touch at the edge of the 18-yard box. The ball found its way to Daniel Gazdag, who skillfully pushed it past Schulte’s outstretched glove to secure the equalizer.
The Union breathed new life into their approach, boosting their possession to 42% by halftime. However, their momentum was cut short in the 43nd minute when Diego Rossi latched onto a perfectly floated ball over Elliott’s head, effortlessly sending a one-timer that deflected off Elliott and into the net.
In what felt like a half dominated by the Crew, the Union were undoubtedly relieved to go into halftime down just 2-1.
Second Half
The Union came out with renewed intensity, creating an early chance for Uhre, who struggled to bring down a Bedoya pass in the box before defenders swarmed him. The third goal resulted from what could have been an incredible save by Blake, but Glesnes, with seemingly cement feet, failed to clear the ball. By this point, the Crew were running wild, confident that they had done enough.
The remainder of the game saw back-and-forth action, even with late substitutes like Adeniran, who managed to get a shot on target, and the debut of Danley Jean Jacques, who impressed with precise passing and his physical ability to track down opponents.
Pressing Points:
- The Starting XI: When the lineup was announced, it was clear what the Union’s approach would be, with Flach positioned at CDM and Bedoya on the right. These choices signaled a defensive, sit-back strategy. I had hoped to see the new signing, Jean Jacques, in the CDM role, with perhaps Bueno or Sullivan on the right to add some pace to the wings.
- Debut: Speaking of Danley Jean Jacques, he looked impressive in his debut. I think Union fans will quickly grow to love him for his size and football IQ.
- 3rd Place Game: The Union will now host the 3rd place game, with a chance to secure a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League at home this weekend—a small silver lining to an otherwise disappointing Leagues Cup conclusion.
- Return to form: Prior to this match, the Union were unbeaten in their last seven matches, something that they have not done since the beginning of the year. This happened just in time to make a late season playoff push–something I am sure Baribo will be itching to contribute to.
Rossi and Kamara both were available I think for any team to sign heading into this season; fitting that they would be scoring for the teams that were able to, for whatever reason, sign players to push the team into a better competitive place
Rossi was signed last year by Columbus. Kamara didn’t sign until the season almost started and I thought he would have been an excellent pick up just for CONCACAF Champions Cup. It’s the argument my Liga MX buddy makes that MLS really isn’t interested in wining CCC because you never see MLS teams in the competition load up just for the tournament. I think he has a point.
We were totally dominated as predicted. Since ownership doesn’t get us key difference players, we were always going to be underdogs to teams like Columbus and LAFC.
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Upstairs not letting Martinez finish playing out LC even though deep in the knockouts and last week’s garbage referee redding Baribo put the nail in the coffin. Pox on them for that.
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LAFC smoked Colorado. We have a decent chance against Colorado to pick up a CCC slot again. That’s the only bright news, even though we won’t win CCC or apparently any other kind of championship for the foreseeable future until there’s a true commitment from upstairs to produce one.
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We’re often in close proximity of a trophy, but it’s Lucy with the football again for the same reason.
So, Union.
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Let’s defense mechanism it this way…. the tournament is dumb, didn’t want them to win anyway.
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There. Nah.
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I don’t feel any better.
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Let’s try it this way then-
– Close ——- yet again. And just as far away- yet——- again.
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One team brings an Obafemi Martins level talent on the field in the penultimate moments of a Cup final those years ago- the NYCFC conference final missing 11 players when they were so so good. The post on a PK in PKs what seems a Cup final forever ago. A slip on a PK in THE final -> hauntingly close to winning The Cup and consummating a narrative of excellence.
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Back to Back MLS Cup Champions /Supports Shield winners? But alas. Now closer … arguably the best HDM in MLS -who in a fever dream of ineptitude for the first part of season — comes back from Copa just totally DIALED in and all cylinders preparing to click again … “Then off he goes”… and
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…”Nothing’s changed
But the surrounding bullshit
That has grown…” … thanks Eddie, couldn’t possibly have written it better.
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This is their lot and by extension our Lot. So close to being a dynasty level franchise but instead a franchise lumbering along with its ‘3rd place home game’ celebration, Cross of Close- Calvary Rd Passion bleeding. Bleeding us. Bleeding hearts. It has become a singular cruelty supporting this team.
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So Union.
it’s the hope that kills you
Most dangerous “drug” on Earth
“It’s like déjà vu all over again.”
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What’s there to say? Ownership is content. They’re never going to buy a guy like Cucho. They’re not going to sell the team. They’re not going to bring in other investors with deeper pockets. They’re going to waste the career of Andre Blake.
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They’ll point to the training fields. They’ll point to training facility. They’ll point to the Academy. They’ll point to the new sports complex. They’ll point to total points of last 5 seasons. They’ll point to their transfermarkt total value.
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They’ll never point to the trophy cabinet.
I am afraid you are correct Andre Blake the Ernie Banks of MLS. (Still love him though).
+1 Well said.
This Leagues Cup seems like it has made a point for so many people. Good enough to beat Liga MX teams in the US in a one off knock out tournament.
Third place game: MLS 3.0 teams
Small Stadiums outside the city.
Low tier DP players, homegrown players & MLS quality vetrans.
Owners that don’t spend big.
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Leagues Cup final: MLS 4.0
over 20K stadiums inside the city.
Top tier DP players, homegrown players, young foreign talent & MLS Quality vetrans
Very rich owners that are invested.
Philly Philly Philly.
More like silly silly silly last night,
From player management to referee performance we were off it all over the pitch.
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Once again we’ve been embarrassed off the park by a lower class, beatable side.
How long will we allow this nonsense to continue?
I personally think we should put our name in the hat for a manager like Michael Beale, experienced in European football and domestic success at the Glasgow Rangers, QPR etc.
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That’s all for now, signing off.
PhillyBear1872
Columbus is the current MLS Champion so I’m uncertain , “lower class’ is the wording you’re looking for.
Yeah Columbus is not lower class at all. They have an excellent team and an excellent manager.
Pressing Points
Flach is not Martinez and never will be. Our new Haitian player needs intense English lessons or we will never see his potential and before he kills Glesnes or someone else.
Love Bedoya but sign another versatile talented midfielder. He will retire this year for sure. We certainly have the money for that. Preferably someone who is multi lingual.
Baribo was so missed in this game. He makes this offense so much better and Uhre a better player.
Blake is amazing. This game could have easily been 6-1 without him. He is the best investment this team ever made.
The only way this team will ever reach another level of play is if Sugarman accepts a new business partner with deeper pockets who has a different business model. One that includes buying top quality players from other leagues who not only complete the team, but take it to the next level.
One can only hope………
Language can be solved given time.
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I laughed out loud when the commentators said Olivier Mbaizo was translating between Jean Jacques and Curtin on the sidelines.
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When Olivier Mbaizo arrived in Philadelphia however many years ago now, I spoke to him in English on the late January open practice day before the team went to Clearwater, and Mbaizo had not a word of English. NOT A Word.
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Danley Jean Jacques will learn. Mbaizo clearly has done so.
DJJ is going to be good for us, maybe even this season, and this response made me smile.
Mcglynn and Sullivan had really bad nights. Harriel kills me with so many stopped attacks, but then it’s him that creates the goal as well as him totally failing to mark on the 3rd.
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Without Baribo and Brujo I didn’t hold much hope of beating the champs. I mean, on their best days Cucho and Rossi are the best in the league. Better than anyone on LAFC. And … well… they were dialed in last night.
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But seeing Danley close down Cucho with literally shocking speed. And his clean tackles. I mean. Wow. There is something to hope for there. Hope he’s full fit soon so we can shake his nerves out this season and be ready for next.
Yeah one game makes no one, but DJJ seems like he’s gonna grow into a good player. I had zero optimism that we’d win the game last night, but we did play well in stretches and missing Baribo definitely hurt. I suppose it’s a success to qualify for CCC, if we win Sunday, but we all know we can only ever go so far.
Well…. That first game Jose Martinez played against LAFC before the league shut down for covid…. Sure made him. He was projected as a project and after that he was a starter.
NOTHING NEW HERE FROM ME – BUT I WANT TO KEEP SAYING IT – There is a next step to be taken by ownership and it’s not a giant leap. It’s the next logical step. The Cucho’s of the world exist, cost more, and make good teams great. We are a good team. Not a great one. Without the additional investment, any trophy won – assuming that does happen at some point – will have basically been by accident, or in spite of. I am not trying to knock the players effort or anything, but it’s obvious the this team is constructed, it will only go so far. It’s beyond frustrating. Just give us a season or two of investment and go for it, for real, while you still have guys like Blake, Gazdag, Glesnes, etc. Instead of wasting them by consistently finishing 2nd or 3rd.
+1
It was a predictable road result against a very good team with a very good coach. It was going to take a lot of luck to win or get it to penalties. It didn’t happen.
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The referee did a good job. Maybe he didn’t call as much as I would like, but he was consistent. Hat tip.
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On the first one Andre “saved” a ball that wasn’t going in and “saved” it to an opposing player. Not particularly good.
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The 2nd was a collection of the typical defensive errors we see these days.
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The Andre of 2 or 3 years ago probably saves the 3rd one, and maybe Glesnes could have done better. Que sera sera.
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Leon just isn’t good at the 6. It might have been better to swap him with Elliott. Would have been interesting to see. Nope, I do not want Jack at the 6 with Lowe/Glesnes. Those 2 together are a disaster waiting to happen.
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Neither winning the 3rd place game nor making the playoffs will salvage this season. I’d like to see some major moves NOW. Sell Gazdag now before the Euro season cranks up. His value will be much lower in December. DG just isn’t a 10, and his production isn’t good enough considering what the club pays him and how much they paid for him.
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Play Cavan at the 10. Will the team really be that much worse? It might be better.
When Brenden Aaronson was first breaking in with Bethlehem Steel, they played FC Cincinnati (still in USLC) and he went up against a moose of a center back. Aaronson bounced off, hit the grass, and had to be taken off in an ambulance to the nearest hospital since he greensticked one of his collarbones and the splintered ends were threatening to puncture the skin and turn a simple fracture into a compounded one. (The danger is infection from exposure.)
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Aaronson was 17 or 18. He lost two months. The Cincinnati player was not overly aggressive. The youngster hit him, bounced off into the air, and fell unluckily.
Cavan Sullivan is more than two years younger than Aaronson was then. They are roughly the same physical size.
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Is not your suggestion a bit risky to the boy physically? He turns 15 at the end of next month.
I agree, Brendan was a twig when he started with the first team. Cavan’s body shape is distinctly different from Brendan’s.
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As a first team member, Cavan has already appeared in an MLS game and in numerous Next Pro games. Some next pro sides have a more developmental approach like ours, but some have many more grown men and go about it differently. So Cavan already regularly appears against grown men.
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Finally, I believe his awareness, which is already better than many players’ he plays against, will help him escape/avoid potentially harmful situations.
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Am I concerned about injury? Yes, always, but I don’t think his risk is significantly different from the risk other players face.
Oh FFS. The Union DO NOT PLAY A TRADITIONAL #10!!! Their style of play is not conducive nor a fit for a “traditional #10.” Also, Brenden Aaronson still to this day does not produce enough end product (goals and assists). Gazdag when it’s all said and done will be the Union’s all time leader in Goals scored and assists. What more do people want?
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If we want to bitch about last night’s starting 11, that’s okay. However, the argument should have been Big Sam starting up top with Uhre. Flach on the left side of the diamond and either Bueno or DJJ at the base. I’m fine with Ale starting on the right for veteran leadership. That lineup IMO would have fared better, and also would have allowed Uhre to play to his strengths.
Columbus salary 15.2 Union salary 14.9. It aint the money
Yes, it’s the transfer fees.
It is the elephant in the room. and it is a BIG elephant.
For interest’s sake, over the last three seasons (2022-24) Columbus spent $24,828,643 on transfer fees alone per Transfermarkt. For the Union, that number is $14,797,204… OVER THE LAST SIX! That’s all the way back to bringing in Jamiro Montiero.
This situation exemplifies the clash between system and talent. The Union, with their well-executed system, typically perform strongly during the regular season, often outperforming other system-based teams whose talent and execution are on par with theirs.
However, in tournaments, where the Union consistently advance, they face teams in peak form. At this level, it’s not enough to rely solely on a system; talent becomes the deciding factor. Talent Win!!!!
As union fans we have experienced this over and over and will continue to do so until the organization commits to a higher level of talent. I am not saying a Messi type approach as they will never do that. I am saying they are not going to win-big with such a high dependence on the academy-sell approach (yes I said it) or high risk player purchases. While I enjoy watching the academy players progress – we sell off the really good ones and are left with average to slightly above average players until they are good enough to sell. The consistently good teams have a philosophy to win-big vs win-some/sell.
So the path of the Union fan is destined to repeat itself.
As the saying goes, “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
With all the pain I remain a fan but have tempered my expectations.
I accepted the business model a while back and chose to dial back my expectations and actions accordingly.
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For example, I used to organize groups of people to caravan to Chester from 2+ hours away. It’s now been 5 years since I’ve been to a match in person, and I’m in essence a casual fan now.
This is nonsense. A large sample size is far more representative than a small one: seasons matter more than playoffs. It’s why every league in the world does it this way, except the American one. You want to see who the best teams are? Look at points. You want to see who the luckiest teams are? Look at playoffs.
Thank you for agreeing with something I’ve been saying for years, usually getting shot down by commenters saying that this is the US and we do things right regardless of the rest of the world.
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(It’s even more the case in a sport like baseball where during the regular season you need 5 starting pitchers to be a quality team whereas in the postseason you only need 3. Two totally different things which is a major reason why I stopped watching/following baseball around 1994.)
The ROTW model doesn’t work here, and I’m not saying that due to cheap nationalism. It’s our nation’s size and format.
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We have far more teams in MLS than top divisions elsewhere with no relegation. We’d have to play each team home and away.
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Teams play in an East/West regular season format. Only a few one-off crossover matches are played per season by each team. Home and away matches against each team aren’t done, and who plays who in the few ctossovers varies.
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That’s why the SS isn’t a championship and is usually considered the next to least important award.
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My award priority rank:
MLS Cup
CCC
LC
USOC
SS
East/West Conference winner cup
+1
So we lose a striker and a CDM and we don’t compete with the best. This seems ok to the ownership, and that’s why they weren’t prepared for either Carranza or Martinez to leave without damaging team results. In the town hall the u leadership kept talking about making the playoffs, and they will emphasize it continually,not atrophy but just playoffs . We will make the playoffs just like 60% of the league, not a big accomplishment really. Fans like me want more but it is just doesn’t seem this club really knows how to or cares to take it to the next level. It’s shame really..
It’s the players with aspirations to win trophies that I feel bad for.
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At least the club has been honest with us, the fans. We have to wrestle with this reality and decide whether we will adjust our expectations. At some point, and it’s already happened with some, the club will lose passionate fans and their finances.
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I don’t write that with negativity, but rather objectivity. It is what it is, and the transparency is appreciated. But it does change the relationship.
Just maybe the most thoughtful comment I’ve read here in years.
Well said. I am unfortunately one of those loyal fans that pulled the plug. Nothing to look forward to really, they have reached their peak with their current strategy. Hope I’m wrong but…
Management did replace Carranza. It’s not their fault that the ref in the quarterfinals decided he didn’t like Baribo.
Meh. Welcome to the new Union normal. Just 20 months ago, they were at the front door of the MLS penthouse. And they ain’t going back there anytime soon with the current coach and current ownership still in place. This is a USL side masquerading as a pro team. Get used to it.
Spoken like a true rube.
+1
I think your being overly negative. Their results over the past years prove they are an above average MLs team. Their stategy prevents them from being a consistent top tier club.
As far as the coach goes, I don’t always alwsys agree his tactics, player usage but realize he is playing with one hand tied behind his back.
He does not have the talent. Other clubs do and he is forced to use younger talent that is maturing against more seasoned/talented playes.
Have you even watched USL recently? The Union as currently constructed would waltz to the title in the USL-C.
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Winning on the road in MLS is very difficult. They just lost to the defending Champs, and one of the best teams in the region.
KING ( SOLOMONS) SUGARMANS SOCCER MINE as someone said earlier and in several other posts. Sugarmans business model is to build the accademy find the unpolished gems shine them , sell them and increase the teams value then start all over again. Keep the fans interested by making the playoffs and giving them false hope knowing we will never have enough diamonds on the 1st team to win a championship.It’s kind of weird version of Serfdom for the fans where nobody starves but nobody ever has full bellies. The only one fat and happy is KingJay and few of his nobles