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Philadelphia Union: Three hopes, one fear

By Sean Maslin

Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Red Bulls midfielder Dax McCarty (11) collides with Philadelphia Union midfielder Brian Carroll (7) during the second half at Talen Energy Stadium. The Red Bulls won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Red Bulls midfielder Dax McCarty (11) collides with Philadelphia Union midfielder Brian Carroll (7) during the second half at Talen Energy Stadium. The Red Bulls won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Andre Blake (1) looks to make a save during the first half against the New York Red Bulls at Talen Energy Stadium. The Red Bulls won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Andre Blake (1) looks to make a save during the first half against the New York Red Bulls at Talen Energy Stadium. The Red Bulls won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

The big fear: That it might be too soon for the Union to make their mark. 

Rebuilding a team is never easy. Even in a league like MLS where teams yo-yo in and out of the playoffs it can take years for sides to regroup and make a run at a title. It takes quite a bit of time to drop the dead weight, draft and sign the right players, and get a team to mesh. That Stewart and Curtin could pull this all together and earn a playoff spot in one year is a miracle.

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But this side’s limits seem to have been exposed in recent weeks. Despite their talent, they still have a very inexperienced defense and Andre Blake is still prone to the occasional mistake. As previously mentioned Bedoya is still working out the chemistry issues with his teammates in the midfield. C.J. Sapong has also struggled to find the back of the net, having not scored a goal since August.

All of that being said this is a very talented side that should not be overlooked. Have they perhaps punched above their weight this season? Sure. But they have done it enough on a consistent enough basis that they should be taken seriously.

It may be another season until they pick up the right players and skills to beat the best sides on a weekly basis. Or it could be Wednesday night. Whenever it happens Toronto FC would be wise not to take the Union lightly or they may get upset.

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