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.
Neither the defense nor the midfield had a bad day at the office, but proceedings grounded to a halt when the Union reached the final third against DC United.
There were definite positives from the Union’s showing in Seattle, but with their winless streak at 8 matches, they must turn positivity into points — plural — against DC United.
After the toothless display against Houston, many assumed Philly would spend last week working on how to get the ball from the back to the attacking third with more consistency and speed. If so, nobody saw it on Saturday.
PSP has player ratings and analysis from the Union’s scoreless draw with Houston on Saturday.
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