After coming off one of the most memorable wins in their brief history against New York, the Union were recently subjected to a painful loss against Dallas. A 2-2 draw may not technically be a loss but it was a loss of 2 valuable points for the Union along with their solid second place position in the league. This game has now left the Union behind New York once again. The loss in confidence of the new starting goalkeeper, Zac MacMath, after his huge mistake towards the end of the game against FC Dallas is yet another loss suffered. This game was a crucial one, especially since they will be losing their leading goal scorer of the season, Jack McInerney, as he is set to be leaving for 3 weeks to take part in the Gold Cup. Although the tie against Dallas was a rough one for the team, it is now their job to recover and look to getting a result in their next match.
Up next for the Union is a game against the best team in the league, Real Salt Lake, a team they’ve never won against; 0-2-3 being the all time record. The Union are due for a win and fortunately for them this is the best time to catch this team as RSL will be without Alvaro Saborio, Kyle Beckerman, Tony Beltran, and Nick Rimando due to the Gold Cup. These players are all major assets to the team and leaves RSL without their starting striker, goalkeeper, midfielder, and right back.
All that being said, this game will still not be an easy one for the Union as RSL will be coming off their 4th consecutive win. The Union will also be missing their star striker Jack McInerney to the Gold Cup. Coach John Hackworth is left with multiple options as to who will be taking the place of McInerney but there is a great chance that Aaron Wheeler will be the man after his outstanding goal against FC Dallas this past weekend. Wheeler’s hard work paid off and he proved that he plays an important role on the field. He is a likely contender to fill the shoes of Jack McInerney but another possibility is Antoine Hoppenot who was substituted in for Conor Casey in the 73rd minute of the game against New York. Hoppenot scored the third goal for the Union in the 88th minute securing their lead. Hoppenot has proved that he can get results on the field as he has scored 6 goals for the Union so far in his short two years with the team. Whether we see Wheeler or Hoppenot play in this match against RSL, I have confidence that either player will help the team get the result they need.
(image courtesy of Greg Carroccio)
