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After finishing the 2013 season with playoffs just out of reach, the Union will be a team with new found determination in the upcoming season. The offseason acquisitions have been crucial and for the first time the Union have a roster with a great deal of depth. The problem with lack of creativity in the midfield that we saw last season seems to have been resolved which in my opinion will be the difference between clinching a play-off berth and not.
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Offseason Trade Overview:
Departures:
Michael Farfan: Farfan was transferred to Mexico’s Cruz Azul of Liga MX mid-December.
Jeff Parke: Traded to DC United, his trade is a loss of veteran experience and talent in the Union’s back line.
Additions:
Corben Bone: Acquired from the MLS re-entry draft from the Chicago Fire, Bone is one of the many gains that will add to the squad’s midfield. He will provide support for the forward line considering his productivity in assisting the ball.
Ethan White: Added to the squad from DC United in exchange for Jeff Parke and allocation money. White, a young central defender, offers depth and potential to the squad.
Cristian Maidana: Signed from Argentinos Juniors of the Argentine Primera División. He will occupy an International and Designated Player roster sport. Maidana has played with Club de Futbol Atlante of Mexico’s top league, Liga MX and FC Spartak Moscow of Russia’s top division.. There’s no doubt he’ll add creativity to the midfield this season.
Andre Blake: Acquired from the MLS Superdraft as the first round pick. Blake won the American Athletic Conference Goalkeeper of the Year Award and had a total of 36 career shutouts when playing for the Huskies.
Maurice Edu: Acquired from Stoke City FC on a one year loan with an option of purchase. Edu brings experience of playing against some of the best teams in the world. Edu has played for not only Stoke City but the Rangers of the Scottish Premier League and is also a current member of the US Men’s National Team.
Vincent Nogueira: Signed from Schaux-Montéliard of France’s Ligue 1. He will occupy an international roster sport and of course bring even more talent to the team’s midfield.
Austin Berry: Acquired from the Chicago Fire in exchange for allocation money. Berry, a central defender, will bring much needed height to the Union back line.
So what do these new signings bring to the team? Each new player brings different qualities. Expect to see strong supporting midfield. These new midfield players will be effective in creating scoring opportunities for the forwards. Not only has the midfield been rejuvenated but the defense has been consolidated.
Preseason Analysis:
The Union’s first preseason against the New England Revolution resulted in a 1-1 draw. The lineup featured many familiar faces as well as Edu and Maidana. Unlike last year, the team worked well to create chances on goal. Jack McInerney gave the Union their only goal of the match with the assist coming from midfielder, Michael Lahoud in the second 30-minute interval. The equalizer from New England came just before the end of the second period from Evan Melo.
Although the Union lost 2-1 to the New York Red Bulls in their second preseason game, they played a decent game. Again, Jack McInerney scored the Union’s only goal of the game off an indirect free kick in the box in the 29th minute. Despite the Union’s heavy offensive pressure, they weren’t able to catch up to the Red Bulls. Goals for the Red Bulls came from Sam Lloyd in the 10th minute of play and Thierry Henry just before the end of the first half.
The Union’s third preseason game was against Orlando City and resulted in a 1-1 tie. The squad utilized swift ball movement throughout the entirety of the match. The first goal of the game was scored by Orlando City striker Cory Hertzog in the 32nd minute. The equalizer from the Union came from Leo Fernandes in the 73rd minute.
The squad suffered a 1-0 loss against the Columbus Crew in their fourth preseason game. Though they weren’t rewarded with a win, the Union worked hard to put pressure on the ball and create chances. There was even apparent improvement from the last games. Unfortunately, the Crew were given a penalty kick in the 87th minute which was taken by midfielder Federico Higuain who put the ball right into the back of the net.
The Union’s last game of the 2014 preseason ended in a scoreless draw against Toronto FC. The Union were able to successfully hold off Toronto’s skilled roster and were even able to create chances on goal. Leo Fernandes was a stand out in the second when he had two close attempts on goal. The Union looked strong in defense and MacMath played an excellent game to earn himself a shutout.
Overall, this preseason was not necessarily about winning games but giving the players time to gel and learn to work together efficiently. It was also to see what formations and lineups are most effective for the team. It’s important for the team to have chemistry while on the field.
Starting XI Prediction:
As for what to expect from the starting eleven for the March 8th game away in Portland: I think Hackworth will go with an attacking 4-3-3 formation. Zac MacMath should be starting in goal, although Andre Blake should provide competition for the starting goalkeeper position. As for defense, expect to see Austin Berry and Amobi Okugo occupying the center. To the right should be Sheanon Williams and to the left will most likely be Fabinho. There are a lot of options in the midfield but I think Brian Carroll will be positioned in a central defensive midfield position. To each side of him would be Edu and Maidana. Up top I would guess that McInerny will play the center forward role with LeToux to his right and Nogueira to his left.
With all the new faces, 2014 looks like it will be a promising year for the Union. The East conference is obviously going to be very tight this year, but I think the Union will be able to lock a playoff position. I don’t think goal scoring will be a problem with support from the new and improved midfield. It’s crucial Jack McInerney returns to a goal scoring form like we saw in the beginning of last season. If he’s able to do that and the rest of the team is able to gel there’s no doubt 2014 will be a successful year for the Union. Doop!
(image courtesy of mlssoccer.com)
