Back to Work

A solid outing for the Union and a very productive international window for the USMNT.

What Shorthanded?

Iloski looks pleased with his hat trick
Photo:Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

No Cavan? No Neil? No Andre? No Danley? No Frankie?  No problem.  The Union got after Orlando early and pretty much coasted to a 4-2 win.  They may have coasted too much as they let up goals at 78 and 90 minutes to make the final seem closer than it was.  The match swung the U's way early in the first half with a couple of close calls that broke in their favor.  First, a ball clearly hit Wagner's arm while he was in the box and it was arguably in an unnatural position.  However, it had come off his chest first so the decision was no handling.  Skeptical at first, even the commentator agreed it was the correct call.  Minutes later Orlando were whistled for a foul right on the line marking the penalty area.  Again close, but it was on the line and Iloski converted the PK.  A few minutes later Iloski added a second and things were pretty comfortable after that.  Especially after Iloski completed his hat trick at 51 minutes to put the Union up 4-0.

They are now just four points out of fourth, which would give them home field advantage for one round of the playoffs.  Still a long shot but three months ago the thought of a top four finish would have sounded ludicrous.

The Kids Are Alright (apologies to The Who)

We should not get carried away by the four wins posted by the USMNT during the international break.  The results do look great: 4-1 over Peru, 4-2 over Chile, 3-0 over Mexico and 1-0 over Canada.  But we know friendlies are about performance and learning about personnel, not the scores.  Overall, the grades on those criteria should be pretty good.  Against Peru and Chile, the ability to control and move the ball was excellent.  They simply played better soccer.  Not so much against Mexico.  They were basically unable to generate much offense (or even keep possession) on their own.  Fortunately for the scoreline, Mexico were glad to help out, as all three tallies were the direct result of misplays of one sort or another.  The positive of course is that the US took advantage.  Our favorite, as Union fans, is this YouTubeableMoment from Cavan Sullivan; sure it was a giveaway by the keeper but Cavan still had to make an incredible shot.  In the final match of the window, Canada did not dominate the US, but they did look punchless.  Canada's press seemed to suffocate the attack, as did the persistent fouling.  The positive from that one was that the US refused to be outphysicaled.

For my money, Poch used the window masterfully, maximizing what he could learn about this team.  First, he gave minutes (including starts) to eight players under 20, including Cavan Sullivan, Neil Pierre, Julien Hall, Justin Ellis, Adri Mehmet, Zavier Gozo, Mathis Albert and Peyton Miller.  He got goals from Sullivan, Hall, Ellis and Albert.  He got serviceable minutes from all; in other words, the kids are alright.  A bunch of barely 20 year olds saw action too - Frankie Westfield, Brooklyn Raines, and Cole Campbell.  Poch blended in the "veterans" well; encouraging that these vets are mostly in their mid-20s themselves.  On balance, this window felt like a step in the right direction.

What's In A Name?

The best "Hi Mom" evah: Julien Hall has his mother's 
maiden name on the back of his jersey
Photo:Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

You can be forgiven for confusion about  exactly who number 19 on the USMNT is.  The announcers call him Julien Hall but his jersey says Zakrzweski.  As explained here, that's his mother's maiden name and it's meant as a tribute to her and her Polish heritage.  He certainly did his mama proud with three goals in four appearances in this international break.

The Shithousery Dance

Late in the US - Mexico contest marked with the usual chippiness you'd expect from these two, Mateo Chavez gave Greg Berhalter a double face slap.  You can see the incident here. Though the slaps didn't look to have much force behind them, in cases of deliberate blows to the face, the basic direction to referees is that regardless of force, it's likely a sending off.  Chavez's astonishment at the red card is all part of the shithousery dance.  And Berhalter knew his steps in the dance.  Notice how he touched his face, looked at the referee, THEN collapsed in a heap on the pitch.  He was already getting a yellow for the initial foul and I would have been fine with him getting a second yellow for terrible acting.  Such silliness.

Where Were We?

Right, there's all kind of interesting story lines in the EPL table, not the least of which is that current league leader Man City were found guilty of more than 100 financial violations.  That story is here.  Right now, the story feels a bit like transfer rumors - there are a million ways this thing could go from here so I'll stay out of the speculation game.

Some interesting fixtures for Matchweek 6 but the early Saturday contest between Arsenal and Leeds doesn't look like one of them. The 10 am menu is more appetizing.  We'll be focused on Aston Villa - Brentford (that's 4th place Brentford).  A little surprised to see the Villans as strong favorites at 48/26/26; this is a good test of whether they've gotten some things sorted out.  Ipswich - Fulham is a good choice if your tastes run to matters of relegation.  The other options are Chelsea - Bournemouth and Sunderland - Brighton.

The 12:30 match features the two most enigmatic sides of the season so far - Man United and Spurs. Certainly, Spurs have been the more disappointing of the two but the Red Devils have just a win and two draws against less than rigorous opposition.  Man United is a big favorite at 54/22/24 but Spurs are going to wake up at some point.

The Sunday 9 am slot has Crystal Palace hosting Nottingham Forest, both of whom could find themselves in the relegation picture if they don't get moving.  This will also mark the return of manager Oliver Glasner to Selhurst Park; it will be interesting to see how he is received by the home fans.  Your other choice is two teams with surprising starts to the season.  Consensus last place pick but currently 8th in the table Hull City will host Everton, who have done well to date, sitting in 7th.  The 11:30 match is worthy of attention with Liverpool facing Man City at Enfield.  Opta's predictions Sunday's matches are not up yet but you'd figure even away, City will be favored - unless the off field distractions prove too much.

Saving the last for last, on Monday Newcastle travel to face Coventry City.  With a number of players returning from injury, we have be thinking three points here.

The Union will try to extend their unbeaten streak to 12 with a home match versus Salt Lake City on Saturday, then a road match at Chicago on Wednesday.