Philadelphia Union faces rough patch after disappointing NYCFC loss

Tommy Smyth said it best after the Philadelphia Union stole a point against the New England Revolution in their first game back from the Gold Cup break. The Union looks rusty. 

Against New England, the Union were slow, unmotivated, and had a terrible showing for the attack. While they did have a fairly strong second half, they weren’t able to put pressure on keeper Brad Knighton until very late in the match, and despite being one of the best teams in the league didn’t score until Kacper Przybylko finished off a New England own goal to give the Union a stolen point. 

Against New York City FC, the Union’s defense seemed to be the problem, giving up four goals, three in the second half. Despite leading 2-1 at halftime, the Union gave up three goals to lose a game that was very much in their grasp. Say what you will about the referee’s the Union still would’ve brought home three points had they decided to show up to the second half. 

The Union need to figure out how to stay on top of their game, even while missing keeper Andre Blake to Jamaica’s Gold Cup run. They have to find a way to channel that energy they had before the break, and be able to play through a game start to finish and earn three points. And with the East in as much turmoil as it is, every point counts.

It’s not the end for the Union, and it won’t be for another 16 games. But it will be hard to get the team in gear with four games over the course of eleven days, but it’s still up to Jim Curtin and the Union coaching staff to get it done.