Union on the March to New England

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The Union hit the road as they head to Foxboro to face the Revolution (7:30PM/6ABC). The teams played to 1-1 draw back on July 31st at PPL. Not so shockingly it was Sebastien Le Toux who scored the lone Union goal in that game on an assist from Danny Mwanga.

The Union have not won a league match since they beat Toronto 2-1 back on July 17th. That win over TFC also marked the last time the Union scored more than one goal in a league game. Needless to say, it's been a rough last six weeks or so for the home side.

It seems as if every single deficiency this club has rears its ugly head each game. Not enough scoring, lax marking, poorly timed challenges, lack of offensive options off the bench, etc. It's hard to believe Peter Nowak has remained as calm as he has on the sideline. Granted, for all I know he could be killing them in training, but he's got to be frustrated.

The Union will be facing New England's backup keeper Bobby Shuttleworth (starting goalie Matt Reis is out with back spasms). Maybe the prospect of facing a number two goalie will embolden the Union offense. Or maybe everyone not named Le Toux or Mwanga will remain averse to actually, you know, taking a chance on goal.

Now, I am more than aware that they're an expansion side in their first season. Coming in it was unreasonable to expect them to make the playoffs. However, it was fair to expect them to be aggressive in the offensive third and to see their outside backs and midfielders to provide service into the box, which for the most part they have not.

It's really a shame that Shea Salinas is injured, as he was really the only Union player with any pace on the flanks. Fred, Justin Mapp, and Roger Torres are terrifically skilled players, but they are not going to win a ton of foot races.

The back four has also been porous all season. I mention it every week, but it is remarkable that they've been unable to keep a clean sheet. They don't mark well, they don't communicate, and they're prone to turn the ball over. Other than that they've been great.

Perhaps I am being a bit unfair, but is it asking too much to see some improvement from week to week? Coming off of their worst effort of the season last week I do expect them to play better tonight.

Player Most Likely to See Red: Chacho Coudet, who I could see losing his mind having to deal with Shalrie Joseph

Final Score Prediction: 2-1 Revs as New England kicks 'em while they're down.

 

 

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