Photo by Marjorie Elzey

Despite a well-earned goal by Quinn Sullivan, the Union fell 2-1 to Orlando City in the first of two road games leading up to Decision Day. The Union continue onto Ohio to take on defending MLS Cup Champions Columbus Crew on Saturday. Kick off from Ohio is set for 7:30PM ET on MLS Season Pass.

Without further ado, the ratings….

Starting XI:

Andre Blake – 7

A couple of good saves by Blake, but it’s no secret that he hasn’t been 100% this season. Orlando had the chance to score at least 4 goals, but through a combination of their own mistakes and the Brick Wall, had to settle for 2.

Kai Wagner – 5.5

Wagner had a decent game, but his antics have put him right back into yellow card accumulation watch after a brief respite of just one game.

Jack Elliott – 4

Elliott and Glesnes played farther back than usual, and still, it felt like they were too slow to defend every single time.

Jakob Glesnes – 4

(see above)

Olivier Mbaizo – 5

Mbaizo and Bedoya have been fairly successful on road games, but the first Orlando goal came down their side…granted the second happened when they’d been subbed off, so not sure we can pin too much blame.

Danley Jean Jacques – 6

Coming back from an injury, I’m sure Danley did as best as he could for 90 minutes in Florida heat. Not sure that should have been asked of him, though, and it showed.

Alejandro Bedoya – 5

Listen, I value respecting everything Cap has done for us more than most, but how does he get this start over Sullivan? It’s obvious Bedoya plays a strong role for the team, but that role is best utilized coming off the bench to keep energy (and spirits) high.

Jack McGlynn – 5

Grew into the game as time went on, but what he lacks in defensive abilities is starting to become too costly to overlook as we play fast-minded offensive teams.

Dániel Gazdag – 6 

Had an okay game, but it was obvious that he started to slow down late in the second half. Not surprising, as Uhre and Baribo tend to get subbed while Gazdag is left playing all 90′ every game.

Mikael Uhre – 7

Uhre gets bonus points this time around for his antics playing the ball when it clearly hadn’t gone over the line, despite whatever Gallese thought. And, of course, for basically picking an Orlando player up and throwing him to the side amidst the ensuing antics.

Tai Baribo – 6.5

I’d like to say a very disrespectful “seriously, dude?” to the MLS Soccer reporter who asked “Tai Baribo has to be slowing down eventually, right?” because….seriously, dude? Way to jinx it. 

Substitutes: 

Nathan Harriel – 5.5

Part of me contemplated giving Harriel a lower score, but you have to have sympathy for the guy when none of those headers made it into the net. Given that he’s the best at headers on the team (per Curtin’s remarks), he should have finished at least 1, but kudos to him for bringing the energy and trying to create some magic.

Quinn Sullivan – 8

Feels like this kid is the only consistent spark of hustle lately. Glad to see his work paid off and he got the goal he’s been desperate for the last few games.

Samuel Adeniran – 3

I tried to give Adeniran time to adjust, but I’m still not seeing what the vision is–or why we keep subbing him on for Baribo.

Jesus Bueno – N/A

Andrew Rick – N/A

Leon Flach – N/A

Jeremy Rafanello – N/A

Cavan Sullivan – N/A

Chris Donovan – NA

Geiger Counter: 5

Armando Villarreal could have had a better control on the game. While the Union might have gotten away with 2-3 calls, Villarreal might want to go back and review fouls.

Player of the Match: Quinn Sullivan

Does this even need explanation?