Photo courtesy of Union Communications

On a night where Jim Curtin said his team needed to be “perfect” to get a win against a formidable Columbus Crew team, the Boys in Blue were anything but. Lackadaisical defending from the Union allowed 3 goals to get past Andre Blake. A vintage Gazdag finish briefly brought things level but ultimately, Philadelphia fell short in yet another semi-final. Time to get into the ratings.

Player Ratings:

Andre Blake – 5

Conceded three goals. Might want the first and third ones back, as each of those came from a deflection after Blake made the initial save. The flip side is that the Union defenders should have been more alert to the danger. Still managed one or two good saves. Certainly not the reason his team came up short on the night.

Kai Wagner – 5

Not as involved as in prior games this season, but still created chances. The Crew seemed to attack down the right and center more than Kai’s side. Good ball to Uhre from a corner kick in the 15th minute that should have been a goal. Should have passed from the FK in the 57th, as the cross was on. Big block in the box in 2nd half stoppage time, but it didn’t change the result.

Jakob Glesnes – 4

Not as good as the recent performances have been from the Norwegian defender. He didn’t cover himself in glory in front of the firing squad that makes up the Crew’s front three. Slow to react to a couple loose balls in the box, most notably on the 3rd Crew goal. Still found the time to grab some defensive stats but couldn’t get anything going offensively either.

Jack Elliot – 4

Similar to his compatriots in defense, Elliot was caught flat footed a couple times, most crucially on the second Crew goal. Did make up for it with a great interception late in the game that saved a goal but overall unable to affect the game on either side of the ball.

Nathan Harriel – 5

The young American was the subject of more attention from the Columbus attack than some of the other Union defenders. While he was able to hold his own for the most part, he was at fault on the 3rd Crew goal when he lost a header against Cucho. However, his pressure led to the turnover that caused the Union’s only goal, even if he won’t be credited with the assist for it.

Leon Flach – 4

Flach has been consistent of late, and that continued on Wednesday. Again tasked with running the 6, he kept it simple, and completed the majority of his passes while winning possession back a few times. That being said, his best role is at the 8. His movement seems to leave gaps in the base of the diamond. Also, his passing is not as ranged as Martinez’s was, which limits the team on the attack. He CAN do it but it isn’t his best spot.

Jack McGlynn – 4

He struggled to put his stamp on the match. He’s capable of changing games but couldn’t produce any moments of magic on Wednesday. What’s more, his inconsistency on defense came up again, as he got caught napping at the back post on the first goal (The flip side being Blake gave up a tasty rebound for Rossi). Really feels like McGlynn shouldn’t be at the 8 when Flach is at the 6… just a thought.

Alejandro Bedoya – 5

Not much to talk about even though El Capitán went 90 minutes, only being relieved in injury time. Did well to help set up Adeniran for a good chance near the end of regulation. Limited turnovers, got caught offside a lot. 

Daniel Gazdag – 7 

On a night when the Union were without Baribo, they needed something from Gazdag. He delivered with a neat little recovery, dribble, and finish after a Crew defender turned the ball over (thanks Nate!). Unfortunately, it was not enough as the Union surrendered the lead about 10 minutes later. 

Mikael Uhre – 3

Didn’t do enough. In fairness, Uhre is not a ‘Target Forward’ which the Union’s system requires.  He really shouldn’t be asked to do much aside from getting on the end of through balls. Ended with one shot, a headed ball right into a Crew defender from a tight angle in the 15th minute.

Quinn Sullivan – 5

Sullivan is so good when he’s in his preferred position in midfield. But, he struggles to affect the game in the same way as a striker. He did lead the team in shots with 3, but only forced one save out of the Columbus GK, a long ranger that took a deflection off a Crew defender. Thankfully, he should be able to return to his preferred position this Sunday.

Substitutes:

Sam Adeniran – 6

Lively after coming on, used his body well and took a good shot in the 87th minute. The goal is coming (I can feel it). Still gelling with some of his teammates. But, his early work on the field shows shades of Cory Burke making him a potential Super Sub. He just needs to get the first one, and the rest will follow naturally.

Danley Jean Jacques – 6

Debut for the new Union signing! In his roughly 30 minutes at the 6 spot, Jean Jacques demonstrated defensive tenacity and speed. Some rough moments though, namely slamming heads with Glesnes after sombrero flicking the ball backwards. Want to see what his passing ability is. While he has some big shoes to fill, it’s an exciting signing at a position of need, Danley clearly has potential. 

Jesus Bueno – 6

Very aggressive after coming on. Won possession back several times. Wish he could’ve popped up for a trademark set piece goal. Only Union player to be booked despite being on the field for just about 30 minutes.

Olivier Mbaizo – N/a

Not much to say about a short sub appearance. Pushed high on the right side, and completed passes in the final third. Calm and composed. Didn’t make any massive mistakes.

Jeremy Rafanello – N/a

Cameo after coming on for Bedoya.

Geiger Counter: Armando Villareal – 10

An MLS refereeing crew (and opponent) just so happened to coincide with a much calmer, and consistent, experience from an officiating standpoint. 17 fouls in all with the Union at fault for 10. Only 1 yellow card was issued to each side. 

Let’s be honest: the Union aren’t afraid to get physical and toe the line. Love it or hate it, it is a part of their identity. The Union have been in heated games within MLS, in part due to the actions of some of their own players.

But shockingly, when the other team isn’t committed to winding up their opponents, diving, and generally trying to get someone sent off and the referee doesn’t indulge that kind of playacting, the match actually resembles a soccer game instead of a broadway play. Everyone can just enjoy the soccer and not waste time criticizing the ref. Credit to Armando Villareal and his officiating crew. Rant over. 

Player of the Match: Diego Rossi

2 goals on the night for the Uruguayan forward. The first was an opportunistic diving header, and the second was a strong finish after a quick 1-2, which left three Union players stranded. Rossi’s effectiveness was on full display. He is now tied for top scorer in the Leagues Cup with LAFC’s Denis Bounaga, each on 6 goals (Tai Baribo remains in 2nd with 5 and can still win the Golden Boot!).

A little about Rossi:

After two seasons in the Turkish Süper Lig, the Crew acquired Rossi last summer for a transfer fee of just over $5.5 Million. He played a key role in them winning the Cup last year, and now totals 39 games/14 goals/16 assists in MLS.

Bear in mind that Rossi is not even Columbus’s record signing, just a DP. The Union’s highest transfer fee (Mikael Uhre) comes out to a little less than half of what the Crew paid for Rossi at $2.8 Million. Uhre’s fee is also the lowest reported ‘record transfer for a club’ according to Transfermarkt. 

The Crew have now won 2 MLS Cups in four years, while the Union are still looking to get over that particular hump. 

Interpret those facts in whatever way you want.

What’s Next

The Boys in Blue will look to regroup and grab a win against Colorado Rapids in the 3rd Place Match this Sunday at Subaru Park. Notably, a win would qualify Philadelphia to a spot in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup. This will be the first time the Union and Rapids clash in a non-MLS competition. The most recent meeting between the teams featured multiple red cards in a 2-1 league victory last season for Philly.