Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union

A still-short-handed Philadelphia Union dropped a narrow match in Columbus. Despite only registering 1 shot in the first half, the Union upped their game in the second frame of action—following several Homegrown debuts—but were ultimately unable to earn a result. Let’s get into the ratings.

Player Ratings:

Andre Blake – 6

Big save to keep the Union in it late – though an offside decision would have favored Philly. Showed some downright good long passes, but nearly made a terrible error when Diego Rossi blocked his distribution attempt in the 85th minute. Didn’t have much to do in this one honestly, but good to have the Jamaican superstar back.

Kai Wagner – 6

The Union’s stalwart left back put in a solid, if unspectacular, shift. Got burned by Mo Farsi at the back post on the Crew’s goal. Set pieces were disappointing until the last play of the game, when a pinpoint delivery almost earned him his 8th assist of the season.  

Jovan Lukić – 7

Usually a midfielder, Lukić had to fill in at center back for the suspended Glesnes. Much of his skillset naturally transferred to the position and he completed the full 90 without any fuss. 

Olwethu Makhanya – 8

The best player on the night for the Union. A massive performance from the U-22 Intiative signing when the team needed it the most. Not a single Crew player got past him. 

Alejandro Bedoya – 6

Not as solid as his debut at right back, but a serviceable performance nonetheless. He was booked 7 seconds into the game – which is possibly an MLS record for ‘Fastest Yellow Card’. Should have scored from one of his two chances. Responsible for allowing the cross that led to the Crew’s goal.

Danley Jean-Jacques – 6

A much needed appearance from Danley following his Gold Cup campaign with Haiti. Lots of good work clogging up the midfield, and a good presence on the ball. Pressed too high at times, which was too risky with the makeshift backline behind him. 

Jesús Bueno – 7

One of the better performers on the night for the Union, Bueno has developed nicely since signing all the way back in 2021. Some incomplete passes that lost possession in dangerous areas, but his defensive work was astute, illustrated by a big-time block in the 69th minute. Nearly stole a point with a late header.

Ben Bender – 3

Fewest touches among the starters. Tidy on the ball but lacked bite in the final third. Subbed at the half.

Indiana Vassilev – 5

While Vassilev rarely has a great performance, he almost never has a poor one. He was steady on Sunday but failed to take the game by the scruff of the neck. His lack of passing range and weak foot are frustrating. But his work-rate, pressing, and link-up play are always solid. 

Markus Anderson – 3

Good start with a mazy attacking run forward but quieted down after the first 10 minutes or so. Subbed at half. 0 shots.

Bruno Damiani – 4

Good work rate, but not everything he tried worked out. Was able to draw fouls after receiving the ball in dangerous positions. Subbed after an hour. 1 shot. 

Substitues:

Cavan Sullivan – 5

Some good moments and some not good moments. He provided more of a jolt on the attack than Bender. If that chance near the end of the match fell on his left foot…

Chris Donovan – 3

Several good interceptions to win possession back in the Crew’s half. Lost the ball too many times going forward. Started a few attacks but not enough involvement. 5/5 on aerial duels at least.

Sal Olivas – 5

Looked bright when he came on, but quieted down after a yellow for a late challenge on Evan Bush. 

David Vazquez – 6

Displayed some tidy footwork and good skill. Exciting prospect for sure.

Jeremy Rafanello – N/a

Solid closing shift for a booked Bedoya. Wasn’t on long enough to merit a rating. Honestly wouldn’t mind seeing him fill in at right back for a longer shift if no other options are available Saturday.

Geiger Counter

Filip Dujic – 3

Well, that was an interesting performance from the Head Referee. Readers might recongize Dujic from his viral clip announcing a VAR decision during the 2024 MLS Season. However, his handling of this game left something to be desired. He was assertive, but there were a few confusing decisions surrounding delayed restarts, and a frustratingly inconsistent application of fouls. The Union racked up 6 yellow cards on 17 fouls, whereas Columbus received only 2 for their 16 fouls. Daniel Gazdag really should have been sent off for a 2nd yellow card following his reckless challenge on Bedoya. 

For the benefit of all, here is a quote from IFAB’s Rules of the Game for Law 13 regarding ‘Free Kicks’. Specifically from Law 13.3, which deals with opponents closer than the allowed distance (10 yds): 

“If, when a free kick is taken, an opponent is closer to the ball than the required distance, the kick is retaken unless the advantage can be applied; but if a player takes a free kick quickly and an opponent who is less than 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball intercepts it, the referee allows play to continue. However, an opponent who deliberately prevents a free kick being taken quickly must be cautioned for delaying the restart of play”. 

With several instances of Columbus players standing right on top of a free kick, only for the Union player to attempt to play it, the question of the night was ‘What is a deliberate prevention’? Paging PRO, the people want an answer!

Player of the Match – Mohamed Farsi

Farsi has been one of the Crew’s best players for a couple seasons now and he showed his talent again on Sunday. His marauding runs up the flank had to keep Wagner honest, and his effort was rewarded with his first goal of the season. 

What’s Next

The Union will finish off their 3-game road trip with another big game, this time down south at 3rd-place Nashville on Saturday, July 5th at 8:30 PM. Philly will hopefully have some more reinforcements, as a result other than a win would likely see the Boys in Blue drop out of 1st place.