Photo: Ron Soliman

An impressive first half saw the Union capitalize on several NYCFC defensive miscues to score 3 goals. Despite a late 1st half goal for the Citizens, the Boys in Blue battled through the 2nd half pressure and were able to rout the Pigeons in the Bronx. Let’s get into the ratings. 

Player Ratings:

Andrew Rick – 9

Pickle Rick was out in full force on Wednesday. Good 1v1 save on Parks in the 30th min, not much he could have done on Martinez’s goal. In the second frame of action he donned the Superman cape and made a number of fantastic plays, the standout being a ‘Rick-diculous’ diving save on Bakrar to get a lofted ball that was behind him off the upright in the 66th minute.

Kai Wagner – 7

Back to vintage Wagner on Wednesday. The German fullback was involved in the attack and shutdown on defense. His corner kick to Glesnes marked his 11th assist in MLS on the year and his 50th career assist for the Union. Kai is now level with Sebastien Le Toux for all time Union assist leader, and has done it 8 fewer games with 167 compared to Le Toux’s 175.

Nathan Harriel – 5

Nate had a tough assignment for this game, playing out of position and on his weaker side. Limited mistakes on ball, and was able to progress it forward. Two defensive miscues stood out: He lost Martinez on the City goal and got beat to the ball by Bakrar in the 66th minute. Led team in interceptions with 6. Did well enough for not being in his natural role. 

Jakob Glesnes – 9

One of Glesnes’s best performances in a Union shirt. The Norwegian was everywhere in the defensive third, winning big challenges including some important sliding tackles. Led team in clearances with 8. Not at fault for the lone City goal. Scored a powerful header and followed this up with an amazing goal line clearance.

Olivier Mbaizo – 7

With Elliot’s suspension, Mbaizo drew the start at right back. The Cameroonian defender played a good game, assisting the opening goal with a reset header to Baribo. Limited mistakes and turnovers for the most part and did a good job of playing safety first defense in his own third.

Leon Flach – 7

Good game at the base of the diamond from Flach. I have doubted his ability to play defensive-mid in this column before. so I’m happy to get proven wrong. Ended with 25 completed passes out of 29 attempts. Add a couple tackles and interceptions and you’ve got a strong game from the German.

Jack McGlynn – 7

McGlynn was essential to the Union’s game plan on Wednesday. He led the team in touches and pass attempts. There seemed to be an effort to have the home grown drop deep to receive the ball.  He rarely put a foot wrong in possession and had a great cross in the build up to the 3rd goal. Finished with an 89% passing accuracy going 49 for 55.

Alejandro Bedoya – 6

Typical gritty, understated, veteran performance from El Capitan. Filled his role to a T even if he wasn’t able to get on the scoresheet this time. Led team in tackles with 4, winning back possession 3 times. Also did well advancing the ball in the buildup.

Daniel Gazdag – 7

Good positioning and instincts (plus some luck) to be right on the doorstep for the 3rd goal. Other than that, didn’t see too many fireworks from the Hungarian maestro, but that was because he was focusing on holding onto the ball for his team. 

Mikael Uhre – 7

Wow. The Danish DP has been locked in the past three games. A true striker’s finish from inside the box on the 2nd goal. That’s now goals in three straight games for Uhre. He’s hot and at the perfect time to help the Union in the playoff hunt. 

Tai Baribo – 8

Good awareness to score the opener. He was alert to the reset header and did well to put it low and in the corner. Good vision on the turn to bag his first career Union assist on the 2nd. Great to see him find the back of the net after not scoring in the past two games. If Uhre and Baribo stay hot, the Union are in good shape down the stretch.

Substitutes:

Samuel Adeniran – 4

Mixed bag from Adeniran. He had some good ideas, like usual, but just wasn’t able to execute them. Misplayed a pass to Gazdag that would have put him in on net. Was involved in the buildup to the 5th goal and will be credited with his first career Union assist. Still need to see more end product from him. 

Quinn Sullivan – 7

Did well to get an assist in his short time on the field. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him start on Sunday with DC in town. 

Jesus Bueno- 7

Great work to find a goal with limited minutes. Helped close out the win.

Cavan Sullivan – 6

While some Union Phaithful have been anxious to see Cavan play for the Union first team again, Curtin has been vocal that every player’s minutes need to be earned. On Wednesday, it appears the youngest player in MLS history had done enough to earn another appearance. It was just a cameo, but Sullivan the Younger drew a yellow after forcing Kevin O’Toole to bring him down after blowing past him with some real speed. 

Geiger Counter: Pierre-Luc Lauziere – 8

Always a good referee performance when the officials aren’t at the center of discussion. Thankfully, Lauziere and his crew didn’t have many difficult decisions but the Canadian and his co-workers handled every decision well and with authority. Lauziere in particular did well in deciding when to administer bookings and made sure that emotions never got too heated. He remained in control of a fixture that has been known to boil over in the past.

Player of the Match: Jakob Glesnes

Many might feel that Rick deserves the honor, and he did have an incredible game. But, looking at what Glesnes did on the night, it only seems fair to have him as the POTM. The Norwegian hasn’t played at his best level for a lot of this year but recently the Rocketman has found some good form. On Wednesday, he was nearly immaculate, making play-after-play, even scoring an important goal to kill City’s 2nd half momentum. He made some fantastic sliding challenges and topped it all off with a great goal-line clearance. Can’t ask for much more from a CB. (Don’t worry, I’m sure Rick will get his fair share of POTM honors in the future!) 

What’s Next

Next, the Union will host rivals DC United in a 6:15 PM soccer Sunday showdown at the Soob. The two teams are currently level on points with the Union just edging them out to the 9th place ‘Play-In’ spot. It will be a massive game that is a must win for the Union’s playoff hopes.