Photo Credit: Marjorie Elzey

For the second game in a row while on the road, the Union scored early to put the home team on its back feet. This time, however, the result was different as Lionel Messi showed again why he is the world’s best player in a generation. Two goals in four minutes from Messi were enough for the Boys in Blue to fall to Inter Miami. Objectively, the Union played well enough to hang in there against the likely Supporters’ Shield winners. Subjectively, as a team the Union just aren’t good enough, and these player ratings reflect that.

Here are the ratings.

Player Ratings

GK Andrew Rick – 5

It is hard to fault Rick, who ended last season as fourth on the depth chart, for the loss. Injuries and a benching have thrust him into the starting role again. Giving up two goals to Messi and one to Luis Suárez is hardly a poor showing, particularly for an 18 year-old keeper (who is half the age of Messi). He did, however, give up three goals.

CB Jack Elliott – 5

An OK game from Elliott. Defensively, center back was average numerically, winning half his duels, and also making numerous clearances. He recovered nicely when he needed to get back on defense. Elliott was not dispossessed on the night. His long passes were accurate slightly more often than not, and he had a nice dribble upfield. An average game mostly because the defense as a whole gave up two goals in four minutes to the best player in MLS. 

CB Jakob Glesnes – 6

Glesnes also had  slightly above average game, with the exception of the defense being at fault for two goals that mattered (and one that did not). He won most of his tackles and was perfect in winning all his duels. The center back made clearances when necessary. Perhaps a better score by a point than is warranted, but Glesnes looked the best of the defenders on a night when the team gave up three. 

LB Kai Wagner – 5

A quiet night offensively drops this score by a point or two. It was Wagner’s pressure that led to a turnover and the Union’s goal, but after 62 seconds his offensive contribution was almost non-existent. Wagner tried to help the attack, but was stymied by the Herons. His crosses were not accurate and his corners were all dealt with. Was also quiet, though less noticeably, on defense. Was lucky to escape a card on a rash challenge late in the game.

RB Nate Harriel – 6

Defensively held his own against Miami’s oppressive attack, and like his compatriots was not individually at fault for Miami’s goals. But three goals is still three goals. Was responsible for creating more chances (tied for three) than any other player on the field not named Messi. Unfortunately, those chances went unfinished. 

DM Leon Flach – 6

A better game from the defensive midfielder given the unenviable task of replacing one of the best 6s in the league. Perhaps his rating is a point higher than deserved, but he made no obvious mistakes defensively while being tasked with marking the best player in the world. That alone grants him some leeway this week. Offensively, Flach was found wanting, particularly as one service went over the heads of three Union players straight to Miami, leading to some exasperated looks from teammates.  

LM Jack McGlynn – 6

Objectively, based on the numbers, McGlynn played an above average game. But he was quiet for long portions of the night, seemingly disappearing at times. The Union’s attack down the left was just flat-out disappointing on the night. Subbed off for a defensive-minded Alejandro Bedoya in the 63rd minute.   

RM Quinn Sullivan – 7

Sullivan also created three chances for the Union, tying teammate Harriel. The attacked midfielder was dangerous up the right side, and as usual hustled on defense. He showed how dangerous he is with the ball at his feet. A lack of finishing by his teammates took away from what was a decent game from the midfielder.

CAM Dániel Gazdag – 6

Gazdag hardly had a poor game, and perhaps deserves a rating that is higher by a point. However, similar to Wagner, he is being graded on a curve. The way The Union are built, contributions from designated players are a must, and a quiet night from the 10 is the part of the difference between a point and no points. Missed some big chances, as Miami’s defensive scrambled when needed to deny Gazdag.   

FWD Tai Baribo – 6

Looked dangerous coming up the right side along with Sullivan. Baribo had an incredible cross across the six-yard box that went untouched by his teammates (Gazdag in particular was a step behind). A lack of finishing by Baribo himself and his fellow teammates was the difference between a loss and what could have been a closer game. 

FWD Mikkel Uhre – 7

For the second game in a row, Uhre scored early. This time he intercepted a poor headed clearance from the Miami D and took a long range shot through bodies that Miami keeper Drake Callender was unable to reach out for. Probably should have had a second from a shot from just outside the 6 yard box, but shot wide of the far post. In fairness it was a tough angle, but one that could have been made. 

Substitutes:

(63’) Alejandro Bedoya – 6

Brought on to provide a spark, Bedoya did have five passes into the final third, but unfortunately only created one chance. Was attacking to the very end, as usual, and giving it his all. 

(63′) Samuel Adeniran – 5

A decent night from the forward  in terms of completing passes, however, was found wanting in front of the goal. Missed a big chance and had a shot from close range saved. 

(82’) Danley Jean Jacques – 5

Including injury time DJJ played 18 minutes and 14 touches, though his time on pitch seemed quieter than the numbers reflect. 

(88’) Olivier Mbaizo – n/a

(88′) Jeremy Rafanello – n/a

Geiger Counter

Sergii Boiko – 7

A relatively evenly called match. Liberal use of cards, though Wagner escaped what could have been a booking. VAR and Boiko got offsides correct and overturned a Miami goal.

Player of the Match – Lionel Messi

Was there any doubt?

What’s Next…

The Union head up the turnpike on Wednesday, September 18, to face NYCFC at Yankee Baseball Pitch. 7:30 pm on Apple TV.