The fixture in Philly will be of utmost importance as the US look to start the next World Cup cycle strong under newly extended coach Bob Bradley. Philadelphia, which is under consideration to be a hosting city if the United States were awarded either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup, has a fast growing and bright soccer future.

On the Union front, the team announced that they signed 20-year old Sheanon Williams from the Harrisburg City Islanders, Philadelphia’s USL-2 affiliate. Another young player, the Defensive-minded midfielder may be used as a defender by coach Nowak. Hopefully he has a nice run out against Chivas de Guadalajara during Wednesday’s friendly.

The friendly against Chivas will be the third game against major world club competition this season. If you throw in friendly matches against Ecuador, Harrisburg, and Reading once can see that the Union have had many exhibition matches to allow their younger players to jell and gain some much needed experience.

Let’s get a win on Wednesday and carry the momentum over to Saturday vs. Kansas City!

Justin Mapp scores the late winner

Early on in the game the Union passed well and had fluid off the ball movement. Possession was in the Union’s favor, and these tend to be the spells where the team’s buildups lead to goals. Eventually, the Revs stopped the Union’s flow, scored the first goal, and began to control the game. The 1st goal showed just how poor the Union’s back line is, as Orozco missed a header, Gonzalez was beat, and Califf failed to clear. Once they went a man down, however, the Union regained their rhythm.

Finally, the second half substitutions paid off and the Union broke through. Jack McInerney made a beautiful forward run and was found by fellow substitute Justin Mapp for the goal. Shortly after, goalie Chris Seitz spurred a fantastic counter attack, and Sebastian Le Toux’s vision and Mapp’s blistering shot gave the Union the win.

Oh how glorious it is to finally win a game that we did not completely deserve to win. The team had good and bad spells, but in the end it did not matter. Chris Seitz had a pretty strong outing, remaining poised and calm throughout. On the opposite end, Danny Mwanga is beginning to show his flaws. His touch was poor and his passing hindered many attacks. He plays better while facing the goal.

Looking forward, lets hope the Union can build off of this win. Having Fred and Moreno out of the lineup allowed the attack to show spurts of fluidity. The introduction of players like Kyle Nakazawa and Andrew Jacobson were welcomed changes to the starting XI by coach Nowak. If the momentum carries over, the future is looking bright for the young squad.

The problems were multi-faceted, beginning with another huge mistake early on. Danny Califf once again disappointed by doing his best Jay Cutler impression, turning the ball over and handing United an easy goal. The captain’s armband surely should be handed to Sebastian Le Toux, as Califf continues to disappoint, looking slow and unable to mark anything. Even a shopping cart could get away from Califf! His communication with Juan Diego Gonzalez was poor as well. Jay Demerit in gold and blue, anyone?

Furthermore, the midfield, once viewed as a strength of the team, is clearly beginning to show its flaws. Doing little to help the defense with their untimely turnovers and poor movement, the midfield does not use the width of the field enough. The midfielder’s in Novak’s 4-4-2 system tend to pack the center of the field. Even when D.C. countered this, the Union still unsuccessfully strove to drive straight down the middle, looking like a 3rd grade youth team with their spacing. Fred constantly shifts away from his appointed wing spot, and although Le Toux can stretch the field he does not add width to the offense. Even Justin Mapp, noted for his width, goes invisible for long stretches. With Eduardo Coudet and Stefani Miglioranzi both acting as holding midfielders, the Union solely rely on wing backs Jordan Harvey and Michael Orozco-Fiscal for any width! This has and will continue to plague the attack.

Overall, the loss is was very disappointing. Sitting on my couch watching was difficult enough, as playoff hopes faded like quicker than the USMNT can keep a clean sheet. I cannot imagine how much my bum would have hurt had I had to drive 3-hours back home after the match. Luckily, Baked Lays potato chips are only a 20 foot walk from my couch.

Looking forward, the Union will need to turn things around to end the season on a positive note. The playoffs are looking at out of reach, and what the teams needs now is simply to focus on form and growth. Things to watch for: Coach Novak goes on a Phil Brown style rampage if another goose egg is dropped next week at New England.

This Philadelphia Union blog needs a new blogger. Someone who will be committed and post regularly. If you think you’ve got what it takes to write an Offside blog about Philly Union, then read these application guidelines and contact us via email.

but first…

what’s happened in the last week and half since we posted?

Beat Toronto in Stoppage Time on the 17th.

Lost to Man U in a pretty entertaining scrimmage, (at least Man U put up more of a fight than Celtic),

Le Toux was named to the All-Star Team

And we’ve signed two players. Lance Bass *cough* I mean Chacho Coudet and got Justin Mapp.

I don’t think we have to go over the games too much, (Although hopefully in a bit we’ll be posting consistently enough to do the usual previews and recaps, my apologies again for being away for so long).

We played well against Toronto and thankfully had a little change in luck with the late penalty by Le Toux.

Before we get to our new additions I’d like to take a minute to salute the Marquis. Could we of asked for anything more as an expansion team from Le Toux? As it stands he’s getting some major consideration for Mid Season MVP. Our club has 18 goals. Le Marquis has assisted or scored 14 of those. He’s responsible for almost 75% of our offense. And if we make the playoffs you have to think its going to be on his shoulders. Bravo Marquis. Bravo.

Ok on to our new guys.

First the not so new guy Chacho Coudet. He played in both exhibitions against Celtic and Man U. I didn’t get to see him against Man U, but in the first half against Celtic he did well to pace the attack and set Le Loux up for his goal. Dude’s old and isn’t exactly speeding down the pitch. He also didn’t get the memo about NSYNC breaking up. Expect this, however, bleached hair aside he’s got good experience and knows how to hold things down. He had a good run with River Platte in early 00’s and a small stint in La Liga. He’s got a lot of knowledge up in that bleached noggin of his and maybe he can mentor some of the younger players, especially Torres.

How this plays out is yet to be seen. Our attack is fairly fast pased. Mwanga, Le Toux, and Fred move down the field and Torres has done failry well in pushing them up. With the addition of Coudet I think that spells a reduction in Torres’ time, (which is a major disapointment), and that might mean a much slower pace.

We also made a trade with Chicago for Justin Mapp. This potentially could be a steal. Mapp was best XI in 06, He’s only 25 and has USMNT experience. The last few years he hasn’t played a major role with Chicago. Does that sound familiar? It should. Our whole team is basically made up of players that seemed destined for greatness only to sit on the beanch and/or underperform. Le Toux, Jacobson, Calliff, Seitz, Moreno…I mean the list basically goes on and on. That’s because as an expansion team we’re basically made up of the league’s left overs. So far Nowak has done a good job reigniting some of these guys and maybe that’s all Mapp needs.

This also works out because with Salinas out we now have a natural left winger to replace him. And, folks, this is a pretty legit replacement.

Right now the MLS is wide open. Coming into the second half of the season we have a TON of games at home. The last month it looks like these guys have started to come together and build some chemistry. If Nowak keeps them focused and possibly with the addition of another player or two there’s no reason not to think we can’t make the playoffs. Nowak’s said there’s probably another signing in the works. Personally I’d like to see another back. Right now the middle looks shored up and our attack was already strong. The back, IMHO, has been our biggest inconsistency. One minute they look like the Great Wall Of China, the next, Swiss Cheese.

We’ll have to see what they do about that.

Thanks to unclebp for coming on board and we’ll try to do our best to keep this thing consistent. Tag Team style.

So where were we?

Last place. Some tough loses. More consistent play. Maybe we’re starting to turn this thing around? We probably should have 5 or 6 more points then we do, just in the last month. There’s plenty of season left and every game we seem a little bit better.

Last night the Union had their first oppurtunity to take on some international fare and christen PPL Park against Celtic. Luckily I was able to attend…albeit late due to crazy storms turning 291 into a river and a huge back up on 95. (The game’s attendence took a hit due to those factors, and the game almost being called because of the aforementioned storms, but still I overheard someone from management say they had over 13,000 there. Not bad for a weekday game that was hardly advertised and had alot of issues keeping people from being there).

Celtic was pretty well represented but The River End was pretty much full and drowned out You’ll Never Walk Alone. Best part was around the 75th minute some Celtic fans lit flares and then fought security. Haha

Oh yea there was a game too.

Only problem was Celtic really didn’t look like they wanted to be there. Either that or they were hung over/had jet lag. Union dominated possesion first half. I don’t know if Celtic had a shot on goal during that time. Le Toux had a nice pass from Old Man Coudet and we were rewared for really controling the begining of the game. After the half the game got a little bogged down, there weren’t a lot of chances on either side. Up until about the 89th minute I would of said the best Celtic did was lighting lose flare and getting kicked out of the stadium. In the 90th minute and the 3 minutes of injury time that followed Celtic seemed to come alive and tested the Union D and Mr. Perk in the net. There were two scuffles in front of the net, some amazing work by Perk to keep Celtic from scoring and the luck of the cross bar, (apparently not the Irish, or Scottish Irish…or whatever), and in the end the Union held on for the W.

All said and done, I think we can take a little pride in the result. Yes it was basically Celtic’s 2nd, (probably 3rd) team, and they didn’t exactly put in a whole lot of effort. But we did. And that’s saying something. We didn’t have to show up either, playing a mid week game and having to play again two days later.

Good job boys.

Except I forgot to mention Toni Stahl got himself kicked out of the game. Really? In a friendly.

Few other notes:

First time at PPL for me and let me tell ya, I had crappy seats and got there late, but it was a beautiful place to watch the beautiful game. Great sight lines, amazing views of the waterfront and a real felt atmosphere makes a it a real treasure for our team. Really guys, we’re lucky to have PPL and not be stuck in a place like RFK. If you can get tickets for a game, do it.

Torres took a hard tackle last night and had to get taken off the field. Injury report is sprained ankle…not sure where he’ll be against Toronto on Sat.

Coudet, got the start last night and did a good job of managing the middle of the field. He’s been working out with the club for a while and it seems likely he’ll be signed. (Summer transfer window opened today). He really looked good yesterday, concidering the state of the competition, and I think it would do us good to sign him for at least the rest of the seaon. He’ll bring some real veteran leadership and control to our attack.

Le Toux has really become, in my mind, a clinical finisher. Having Coudet control the ball for him really might add a little Shake and Bake. He’s really turning into an asset and something to build the future of our club on. People keep saying we need to bring in a big name attacker for one of our DP spots. I think that’s dumb. One, our team has lots of YOUNG talent. Nowak needs time to let them grow. Mwanga seems to have a foot of gold and might be a great compliment to Le Toux (or visa versa who knows). Can’t forget Union Jack in that conversation either. Point is, bringing in players like Coudet might not be the popular move but its the right one. We need structure and that’s the way to go. On the other hand, I wouldn’t mind a DP signing on Defense…that’s a place we could use more presence.

Who would ya’ll like to see brough in during the window?

Regarding goats…

William Holman Hunt's The Scapegoat

Go up to Toronto and BLOW IT. Just straight blow it. Califf was an idiot and then another awkward game by Seitz takes all the wind out of our sails. We should of had a point and if our “captain” hadn’t of decided to try out for the Flyers we might of had a win. That game totally should of been ours if we just had our crap together and we didn’t. So, bravo TFC, for capitalizing on some stupid decisions. That’s how good teams get points… capitalize on mistakes and take games on your own pitch.

And what’s up with Seitz? You can’t say he’s been horrible; except, you can’t say he’s been even ok either. Most of the goals scored against him this year have have looked weird. But he could of prevented them by playing smart. Moreno’s goal in the D.C game, both goals this past week. How can you let that weak dribbler get by you on the free kick and then not play the ball on the penalty? I dunno man, you have to get it together or else the calls for a change are only going to get louder then they already are; read: it’s audible.

I know a lot’s been said about how physical the team’s been and the reputation we’ve been getting as a result. Like I’ve always said, this is a sport and we shouldn’t stop because some people can’t handle soccer thats deeper than nice touches and fancy ball work. But Last Thursday was unacceptable. The team itself wasn’t too bad but Califf was a knuckle head. Nowak should strip him of the captaincy. His job is to reel his side in when they come up against challenges, not hamstring them like the Seattle game. Geez man get it together.

On the plus side, Torres continues to be the man. His pass to Harvey was of the same standard we’ve come to expect. Gold. I disagree with Hackworth taking him out in the second half. The rationale was understandable but in the end it didn’t do any good. Thomas looked pretty bad and kept getting beat. Let Torres PROVE he doesn’t have a head for tight situations before you take him out and loose the game. I don’t think we’ve seen much to say that he can’t manage a field when it counts. Here’s the goal, which is being nominated for Goal of the Week. (I voted for Palmer…that was pretty ridiculous).

Also, on the plus side, PPL Park’s pitch is being put down! Delco Times has a run down and video for it. Hopefully, this will bring us some luck! And in no time Torres will be connecting to Le Toux like Stockton to Malone. We can hope at least…

In 1777, the Marquis de La Fayette came to Philadelphia and ultimately played a pivotal role in establishing American independence. 250 years later there’s a new Marquis in town; Sebastien Le Toux.

Boy, did he put on a clinic. The only complaint I can have of the guy is that he should of had 4 instead of 3. Other than that, though, he really established himself as our go to guy. Yes, it was DC…but three goals is three goals, and if we’re going to establish ourselves as a competitive team, (I still haven’t seen enough to say contender), we’re going to have to beat up on the teams with problems.

The game is almost a week old so not a lot of sense recapping just some quick thoughts:

1. It’s the 15th so I guess we’re not picking up Emilio or Ruiz. If Le Toux is a legitimate threat and Moreno puts up the effort he did on Sat, then we’ll be ok I think. Maybe not amazing but possibly acceptable. That will concurrently allow us to sub in Mwanga and McInerney to give them some minutes and growth. Maybe I’m just on a high from The Marquis’ performance against a team that looked pretty horrendous. Or maybe he’s legit, I guess we’ll find out more tonight!

2. Roger Torres is a beast! I’m sorry but the more and more I see of him the more and more I think of Javier Pastore. I don’t know what his thoughts are about staying here but I really hope management does it’s part to keep him happy and here. He controls the midfield like a boss and he made more than a few moves on United players that left them looking silly. He get’s 10+ points for the send in on Le Toux’s first goal. Magic.

3. Seitz on the other hand was something of a mixed bag. I’d say him and Orozco kinda let us down a bit. As has been reported, though, Moreno’s goal should of been disallowed and the first goal was deflected so at least we can’t say he was beat completely on each play. I’d still say, if you’re playing at this level you can’t let Moreno get into your head. Ignore him, run up the other side of the box…I dunno…something. Anyway, it wasn’t the end of the world and hopefully he’ll learn from it.

Man of the Match

Duh, Le Toux. Le Marquis. Le man.

Runner’s up would be Torres and Moreno. Both played a pro game and were intricate to Le Toux’s success. Arrieta also show’d us he was definitely worth the pick up.

Now, to tonight’s game.

Time: 7:00 p.m. EDT
Location: BMO Field
TV: ESPN2 (J.P. Dellacamera, John Harkes and Rob Stone)

We’ll have to play a second, away, home opener in three games. Luckily, Toronto is in a similar spot that DC was in last week…that being a spot of sucking.

Unfortunately, I’m running out of time for some school work so I’ve got to jet. I know, its lame, but I can’t do much about it.

The keys to tonight’s game are pretty simple: Give the ball to Torres, let him meg the hell out of Toronto’s backs and get the ball to Moreno or The Marquis. Califf needs to continue to mold the back line but Orozco’s got enough skills to get in sync with Harvey and Arrieta. The midfield last game looked pretty good…Miglioranzi, Jacobsen, and Fred kept things moving…and just need more time together for more of the same.

Prediction:

I think we’ll come through with two goals but playing another home opener is going to be tough. I also don’t trust Seitz yet. I say a hard fought draw is in the cards, (hopefully with a lack of those; cards that is).

2-2

Le Toux and Torres

Game’s on regular cable tonight so if you’re not heading out to watch…tune in after work or school and post here during the game!

Go Union!

Tomorrow, The Union take on United at the Linc and we’re hoping for a Seattlesque showing with nearly 30,000 fans in the stands. (Note: Seatlesque showing minus all the complaining and crying of course. Philadelphians actually understand the sports they support).

I have no idea what we’re going to play like, haha.

United looks horrible. After getting hammered by KC, New England dropped them last week. They haven’t scored a goal in two games and gave up 6 so far. By all accounts we should be able to find the net against them, hopefully often. Will that happen, or will our young guys clam up in front of the big lights of the Linc?

Lineups
This is going to be tough for both teams…I can give probables but Nowak hasn’t committed to anything yet and as we saw in game 1 he’s prone to the crazies in terms of positioning.

Union
–Seitz–
–Orozco –Califf–Thomas–Arrieta
–Miglioranzi–Torres–Moreno–Fred
–Le Toux–McInerney

Now, this is the “probable” lineup. If, in fact, these players end up on the field when the ball drops they might not be in those positions. Nowak seems committed to 4-4-2, so that much is for sure; I think. Then again he could go 3-5-2 and put more focus on the midfield. Arrieta’s been signed so he’ll most likely get the start with Harvey questionable with a left knee strain. Unless he plays horrendous, (which seems unlikely), I think he’ll start anyway regardless of Harvey’s health and I expect him to have the right side pretty well shut down. Guy has some skills. I’m also pretty hyped about McInerney and it would be fantastic if the Ole’ Pole gives Union Jack the start. I think the combo of him and Torres might be the begining of something special for us in the years to come.

United
–Perkins–
–Talley–Jakovic–Peña–Wallace–
–Barklage–Morsnik–Quaranta–Castillo–
–Moreno–Pontius–

Moreno and Pontius were predicted to give the MLS some serious problems this year. Thus far they’ve done a whole lotta zip. Still, their collective playmaking potential will be a test for our defense. Perkins will hopefully continue is crappy play and let some goals by.

Deja vu

United’s familiarity with Union’s faces has been talked up quiet a bit before the match. Fred and Nowak were quite successful in DC. There’s also been some talk of animosity between both and their old team. I think that’s just chatter to add something to the game and they’ve probably moved on. There’s so much work to be done here, I doubt anyone has time for grudges. However, what is intriguing is news that the Union are going after Emilio. (They’ve also been linked to former Galaxy MVP Carlos Ruiz). United still owns Emilo’s rights and haven’t been quick to relinquish them. This probably has a little to do with Union driving a hard bargain for the first spot in the Leagues allocation order when they demanded Fred as compinsation. A deal for Emilio probably isn’t going to happen till after the game…and hopefully the outcome on the field doesn’t sway United’s front office towards not giving him up to us. He’d give us a proven threat up top but his arrival, (or Ruiz’s), could come with a significant cut in playing time for our young strikers; namely Mwanga and McInerney. That would be unfortunate.

Prediction 2-1 Union. I think we’ll get our first win after all is said and done. I’m looking for goals from Le Toux and Union Jack and one from Moreno for United.

Let’s go UUUNNNIIOOON!!!!!