Photo Kyle Grantham

In a game where the Union struggled, the Crew were largely in control. Despite Jack McGlynn’s strike giving the Boys in Blue hope, defensive errors and missed opportunities on attack foiled the Union on the night. Let’s get into the ratings.

All stats sourced from Football Reference unless otherwise noted

Player Ratings:

Andre Blake – 7

He’s still not taking goal kicks as Curtin said he’s “not 100% yet”, but was capable of making some trademarked spectacular saves. Without Blake, the Union lose this game by 2 or more goals. Ended with 7 saves.

Kai Wagner – 6

The German fullback put in a solid shift on Saturday despite the result. Led the team in Pass Attempts with 57 and added 3 Key Passes*. Assisted McGlynn’s goal after a great challenge to dispossess Crew’s AZ. He should’ve had another with his pinpoint cross to Gazdag in the 88th minute. Too many of his corner kicks were claimed by Crew GK Schulte. 

*The pass directly leading to a shot

Jack Elliot – 5

Jack had a lot to do as the Union were under constant threat from Columbus. Led team in Clearances and Interceptions with 6 and 5 respectively. Well struck free kick that forced Schulte to cough up a rebound, leading to the first Union goal. But, he stepped too early to Mo Farsi in the build up to the 2nd Crew goal, and then switched off, leaving Farsi open to score.

Jakob Glesnes – 4

The Norwegian also had a lot of work to do on the night. He led the team in Blocks with 4 and won some headers. Had a few moments where he lost focus, including a blown chance to win the ball back in the build up to the corner that led to the first Crew goal.

Nathan Harriel – 4

Another up and down game from the young defender. Despite some good moments on the ball, especially in combination with Sullivan, Harriel continues to struggle on defensive headers. He was beaten at the near post twice by Cucho. Did well to crash the far post and open the scoring for the Union, but it wasn’t enough.

Danley Jean-Jacques – 4

Seemed to struggle with his positioning at times, no doubt partially due to the language barrier. He also showed grit, defensive tenacity, and pace. Starting to show more of his passing range. 3 tackles and 3 interceptions. He missed an opportunity to win the ball back in the lead up to the first Crew goal. Then got beat by Cucho’s run on that first goal.

Leon Flach – 5

I think Curtin’s idea was to have Flach and Danley provide defensive cover which would allow Sullivan to get forward more. Unfortunately, the Union were consistently overwhelmed in midfield and this led to everyone having to drop. Flach did his usual thing and covered a lot of ground. Ultimately, he was subbed out in the effort to go for the win.

Quinn Sullivan – 6

I keyed Sullivan as the ‘Player to Watch’ in the Match Preview. He wasn’t able to add another goal contribution, but his creative importance to the Union was clear. Had multiple crosses and passes into the Crew’s penalty area. Nearly scored a spectacular strike from about 50 yards out that barely went over the bar. At times he was slow to step to the Crew’s midfielders, which led to several attacks and shots.

Daniel Gazdag – 3

It was a tough night for all the Union attackers but particularly Gazdag. The Crew were able to keep him out of the game for large stretches. He was forced to drop very deep to get on the ball, and was put under pressure frequently. Struggled to connect with some passes. Good run and foul suffered to set up the free kick that led to the first Union goal. Blew the best chance of the game in the 88th minute which would have tied it up.

Mikael Uhre – 4

Uhre was also the victim of little service. He worked hard all night but was forced to rely on taking the ball wide to look for cut-backs. This led to some close calls but nothing concrete. 0 shots. 

Tai Baribo – 5

While Baribo was also kept off the scoresheet he at least threatened to score. Took 3 shots with 2 on frame. His workate and particularly his movement in the box is good but that doesn’t mean much if the ball doesn’t get to him. Could’ve done better with his shots as both were comfortably saved by Schulte. 

Substitutes:

Alejandro Bedoya – 4

Brought on for Danley in a move that dropped Flach to the deeper mid position. Bedoya’s hustle was evident, winning a corner immediately after coming on but he was unable to greatly impact the match. Got beat by Cucho’s run on the third Crew goal. 

Jack McGlynn – 6

Brought on by Curtin for an offensive spark. He provided that with another long range goal. Came ever so close to doubling that feat and tying it up minutes after scoring. Didn’t like his decision to shoot directly from the late free kick as it seemed an unfriendly angle for him.

Geiger Counter:

Allen Chapman – 8

Chapman made consistent calls on both teams throughout the duration of the match. Not much to complain about and in fact, the quality of both him and his crew’s performance should be acknowledged.

Player of the Match: Cucho Hernandez

Who else could it be? Cucho was everywhere and the Union were barely able to contain him to just the 2 goals. His performance, and the result, are a stark reminder that Philadelphia lacks a player not named Andre Blake who can consistently perform at that high of a level

What’s Next

Despite the loss, Philly are not eliminated from the playoffs just yet. They’ll need some help on Decision Day but if the Boys in Blue can beat an FC Cincinnati team – which they match up well with – they still have a chance to get into the Wild Card round.