Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union
Saturday’s match against the New York Red Bulls saw the Philadelphia Union extend a run of now 14 games unbeaten against New York. Philadelphia also picked up their first clean sheet in 6 games.
Onto the rankings…
Player ratings:
Andre Blake – 8
A great outing by Blake making a couple of big saves and getting some help from the post. A clean sheet will help boost defensive confidence in a time where Philadelphia needs it.
Kai Wagner – 7
A good night for Wagner who was effective getting into the attack and recovering defensively.
Jack Elliott – 8
Did a good job limiting opportunities and blocking shots. A needed clean sheet adds a point.
Jakob Glesnes – 8
Similarly to Elliott, blocking shots and clearing danger. Also gets a boost from a clean sheet.
Oliver Mbaizo– 6
An okay outing for Mbazio. Does well getting into the attack but can be more responsible defensively.
Danley Jean Jacques – 7
A clam and cool 2nd outing for the new man in a rivalry game. Did well connecting passes and pushing the ball forward and shielding the defense.
Jack McGlynn- 7
A nice assist on Mikael Uhre’s goal to start the game. Does well unlocking bunkered defenses but lack of athleticism is still a concern.
Alejandro Bedoya– 6
A good shift of putting in runs and linking passes for about 60% of the match. Not much more you could want from the elder captain.
Daniel Gazdag – 7
A good night of linking passes together and getting the attack going. Chemistry is starting to build with Tai Baribo.
Mikael Uhre- 9
Lots of attacking runs provided by Uhre and good link up play. Capped off with a beautiful strike to get Philadelphia going early.
Tai Baribo – 8
Another goal for the striker who continues an excellent run of form. Has developed good chemistry with Gazdag and Uhre.
Substitutes:
Leon Flach – 6
Not much chance creation for Flach and was brought on as a defensive sub late in the game.
Quinn Sullivan – 6
Brought on new energy into the midifield to secure the result.
Jeremy Rafanello – 6
Another late sub to see out the result and get some minutes against the organization that let him go.
Sam Adeniran – 6
A short cameo up top for the attacker with not much to show for.
Geiger Counter:
Jair Marrufo – 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: Mikael Uhre
A beautiful goal early in the match set the tone for the night. Uhre has slowly grown into the dependable second striker the Union have always needed.
McGlynn’s cross to Uhre that did NOT result in a goal was absolutely MAGESTERIAL!
+1. That was top shelf.
Think about it: The woodwork saves may actually be an extension and result of Blake’s excellence. Players know he’s so good that they try to beat him at the margins, which result in shots going off posts instead of in the net. Blake- as other GK masters – just might be so good that the posts are in fact part of his de facto toolbox. Causality or coincidence, we’re watching one of the best in the game. He deserves to play on a team that wins silverware. If only the organization supported him.