Analysis & player ratings: Union 3-3 Rapids
The Union should have beaten Colorado. Questionable late game strategy and poor execution cost them dearly when it mattered most.
The Union should have beaten Colorado. Questionable late game strategy and poor execution cost them dearly when it mattered most.
Player ratings from the Union’s 2-0 U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinal victory over New England.
The Union played too deep to start, responded well to Dallas’ opener, then failed to mount a comeback in the second half after a deflating own goal.
There were signs of real progress as the Union returned to league play with a 3-1 road win over New England.
The 4-4-2 the Union trotted out against the Cosmos left wide open spaces in the heart of the pitch on both sides of the ball. If they choose to do the same against the Revolution on Saturday, the result will likely be very different.
Second half adjustments helped solidify the midfield and sparked the Union fightback.
Chivas USA makes everyone look good. Fortunately for Philadelphia Union, they were this week’s beneficiary, but they earned it.
Stranded forwards. Woeful defending. Damaging turnovers. It was a nightmare display on Sunday in LA.
While suspensions, injuries, and international duty played their part, the Union’s decision to field their least mobile centerback pairing was at the heart of the Union’s dismal loss to New England.
A loss might have be the final nail in John Hackworth’s coaching coffin. Instead, the under-fire Union manager got the effort of a lifetime from his makeshift squad.
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