The Union returned to MLS action against theColumbus Crew in a rematch of the Leagues Cup semi-final, this time time at home in the confines of Subaru Park. The result, however, was once again the same as the Crew dispatched the Union 1-0. The Union outplayed the Crew’s B-team for the first five or ten minutes (maybe twenty, to be generous), but could not beat the MLS Cup and Leagues Cup winners. Despite hitting the word work twice, the Union showed how much they trail the league’s elite teams. A formation change to a flat midfield did nothing to help this team. (Though the goal was scored with the Union back in the diamond shaped midfield.) The Union are uninspiring. I could almost cut and paste from the last time I wrote the Player Rankings (I will, in fact, for comparison purposes). It was a dispiriting game to watch, and these ratings reflect that. 

Player Ratings

Andre Blake, Kai Wagner, Jack Elliott, Jakob Glesnes, Nate Harriel (Olivier Mbaizo– 22’), Danley Jean Jacques (Jack McGlynn– 72’), Alejandro Bedoya (Mikael Uhre–72’), Leon Flach, Quinn Sullivan, Tai Baribo, Daniel Gazdag

GK Andre Blake – 6

A normal, average game for Blake. Made some saves when needed. He was not at fault on the one goal Columbus scored. He did enough to keep the Union in the match, but even an MLS goal keeper of the year cannot win the game for the Boys in Blue. That said, he was outclassed at the other end by Patrick Schulte (the save on Quinn Sullivan was reflexiveness at its best). The boost the Union enjoyed when he returned from an injury layoff has evaporated.

CB Jack Elliott – 4

A better game from the veteran center back than either the semi-final against the Crew or the third-place game against the Rapids. Did enough to keep the Crew off the scoreboard for 75 minutes. Won less than half his duels (at least he had some, compared to his fellow center back) and made some clearances when called upon. Whether it is the length of the season or age (or both), time seems to be catching up with Elliott.

CB Jakob Glesnes – 4

This is what I wrote last time I ranked the Union: “Not a poor game by the center back, but not a stirring performance either, particularly bringing the ball upfield. Was not very accurate on long passes forward. Won less than half his aerial duels, but was better on the ground. His score is dragged down by the team’s defense on the whole.” Glesnes had no aerial duels this game, but was slightly more accurate with his passing this time around. He made clearances on the ground and in the air, but failed to command the defensive center with his partner Elliott. 

LB Kai Wagner – 5

Quote about last game  I ranked him: “A decent game from the left back.” The same is applicable here – a decent game. Last time I meant it as a compliment. This time I admit it is more of a backhanded compliment. Defensively he did a good job shutting down Columbus’ right-sided attack. But this team has come to rely on only a handful of players to make big plays in order to win games, and Wagner is one of them. He didn’t make the plays this game, though neither did his compatriots. It’s not his fault he is ranked this low, but rather a reflection of the team.

RB Nate Harriel – n/a

Went down in the 17th minute and was subbed off for Olivier Mbaizo. Harriel was holding his lower back on the way to the locker room.  Completely unrelated (I think) to Harriel’s departure, the game went downhill afterwards.

LM Leon Flach – 4

From last time’s Player Ratings: “Flach’s lack of offensive capability (through he did create two chances) is to be expected, but his relatively quiet night defensively was also brought into focus. He won only one tackle on the night and won only half his duels. Not a poor night by any stretch, but more is expected of this once defensive stalwart.” When others were criticizing his lack of offense, I was a longtime Flach defender. No more. If the team is going to trade McGlynn’s offense for Flach’s defense, Flach needs to be outstanding. He was not.

CM Alejandro Bedoya – 4

An average night at best for the midfielder. Age is catching up with the Captain. It’s not his fault that he is not as fast as he once was, but sending balls over the top for Bedoya to run onto doesn’t work when he’s not as quick as he was in years past. His few chances – long balls and crosses – were more often off-target than on. Did not win a contested header on the night.  

CM Danley Jean Jacques – 4

The newly acquired midfielder did not play poorly, and has extremely large shoes to fill, but his play in this one game did not excite me. Allegedly Bedoya started beside DJJ so they can speak French and Bedoya can assist his integration into the team and MLS. The problem is that neither he or Bedoya played particularly well in the center of the field. Again, neither played poorly, but neither played well. This team cannot afford that.

RM Quinn Sullivan – 6

FWD Dániel Gazdag – 5

If the Union are going to play Gazdag up front, he needs to play up front. Not dropping back into the midfield. Granted, the midfielders did little to assist him. I can understand his desire to revert to playing the 10. But every time he dropped back, he left Baribo along up front. 

FWD Tai Baribo – 6

Last time I wrote “He scored. Enough said.” This time he hit the post. Enough said. In this starting 11, Baribo needs to score if the Boys in Blue are to have a chance. He did play well, but the lackluster team around him drags his score down. 

Substitutes:

(59’) Alejandro Bedoya – 5

Brought on to replace what looked like a Bueno injury, one would have thought this was an upgrade for the final thirty minutes. While neither Toronto goal was his fault, both started in the midfield wile Bedoya was out there.

(59’) Quinn Sullivan – 5

Was less impressive off the bench and in a forward position than he normally looks. Was dispossessed on two of this three dribbles and only had one successful cross in the 30+ minutes he played. At least he tried his chances with two shots, but both were off target (one greatly so).

(83′ ) Chris Donovan – 5 

Donovan wasn’t on the field long enough to earn a lower score, but let’s be honest – his skills are not those of an MLS-caliber striker. He is best when brought on with fresh legs to tire a defense out, not score a needed goal.

Geiger Counter

Referee Allen Chapman – 7

An evenly called match, with only one card on the night. 

Player of the Match – Deandre Kerr 

Tore in on goal from the left side to sneak the winning goal past Rick.

What’s Next…

The Union are back at Subaru Park on Wednesday July 17 at 7:30 pm to host Nashville.