With a new coach, new players, new tactics, and most importantly a new attitude the difference between the Union’s 2012 team and current squad will be obvious. The 2013 team seen this preseason is not at all the team that we saw last year on the pitch. The Union got rid of many players from the previous season, and signed new ones that will be a favorable addition to the team.
Preseason Overview:
In the Union’s first match of the Disney Pro Classic against Orlando City SC they achieved a 1-1 draw. With midfielders Keon Daniel and Michael Farfan moving the ball swiftly in midfield, Leo Fernandes scored the Union’s lone goal in the 74th minute. The strength and play of Orlando’s forwards forced team to depend heavily on Union keeper, Zac MacMath. The game statistics showed the Union coming out as the better team. They had more ball possession, chances on goal, and fewer offsides. This kicked off the preseason to an okay start.
The Union played a poor game in their second preseason game against the Columbus Crew. The match ended in a 4-0 loss. However, this game roster didn’t contain the normal first team line up. This match was about giving the younger group of players an opportunity to display their talents. Even though the guys clearly didn’t get the result they were hoping for, most players felt more comfortable by the end of the game which displayed improvement of our younger players. A big standout in this game was Leo Fernandes. Fernandes played close to 75 minutes and his confidence in play was visible during the game.
In their third preseason game, the Union had to accept a scoreless draw against Montreal. Even though the team was unable to score, they played a decent game. Their control of the ball along with passes was proficient. The backline which consisted of Jeff Parke, Bakary Soumare, Sheanon Williams, and Ray Gaddis played a solid game and cleared the ball nicely. This match was full of goal scoring opportunities that the team just couldn’t finish off. Overall the game played wasn’t a game to complain about. The Union didn’t look bad and played well.
The Union played their fourth preseason match against Toronto FC, which resulted in a 3-0 victory. Antoine Hoppenot was a standout in the game, scoring one of the three goals in the 8th minute and assisting another. Another standout throughout the game was Roger Torres. The midfielder created multiple plays for the team. He also scored a goal in the 40th minute of the match. The third goal of the match was scored in the 51st minute by midfielder Matt Kassel. Conor Casey also played a respectable game, he held the ball exceptionally well for the team. This win gave the Union a boost to really compete in the upcoming games.
This past Saturday the Union played their final preseason match against DC United. The team suffered a 2-0 loss, with goals from Dwayne De Rosario and Lionard Pajoy making all the difference. The first half of the game showed quality game play from both teams. In the 36th minute defender Bakary Soumare made a mistake causing United forward, Lionard Pajoy to have a break away. Goalkeeper, MacMath grabbed Pajoy’s foot which then lead to a penalty in the box. MacMath was then given a red card by the referee, but this was soon retracted and changed to a yellow card. Dwayne De Rosario then finished the penalty, giving United a 1-0 lead. In the 67th minute Lionard Pajoy was granted a goal with the assist from Marcos Sanchez. United then winning 2-0, the Union struggled to create opportunities and failed to put the ball in the back of the net.
Union also released Damani Richards, Alex Mendoza along with Stephen Okai in the midst of preseason. Coach John Hackworth was brief in saying Mendoza was just not going to make the roster. As for Richards, Hackworth said he was a talented player but just wasn’t an ideal pick for them. However the team hasn’t given up on him. The Union have a partnership with the Harrisburg Islanders, the club which Richards recently played for. Now Stephen Okai’s departure was the most secretive of the three. Okai’s releasement wasn't even publicly announced. Okai is now on trial with the Seattle Sounders.
Starting XI Prediction:
As for expected starting eleven for the March 2nd game against Sporting KC: It’s clear Zac MacMath will be starting in goal. In front of MacMath, expect to find Parke and Soumare in your central defense. They will most likely be accompanied by Gaddis and Williams. Midfield is the hardest to determine on whom we will see take the pitch due to the Union’s abundance of midfielders. My best guess is to see Captain Brian Carroll playing defensive midfield. As for the attacking midfielder, I wouldn’t be surprised if Roger Torres takes this position due to his outstanding play throughout preseason. I would guess that one of the Farfan brothers will play one of the midfield wings, with either Amobi Okugo or Keon Daniel playing the other. Up top expect to see Sebastien Le Toux and Jack Mclnerney.
So what does this preseason mean for the team as they approach the start of regular season? Overall the team had an exceptional preseason with a 1-2-2 record. At the end of the day, it was just preseason and won’t necessarily reflect how the team will do during the regular season. The team looked fine in their play. Their focus is now 100% on March 2nd. They are motivated to get the result they want. Hopefully 2013 will be a successful year for the Union. Only 6 more days! Doop!
(image courtey of Greg Carroccio)
