Labor unions break record with losing streak
A Union player finally got his payoff last night. A player who fans had incredible expectations of when he signed, a player who was waiting for his moment in the sun (or in Philadelphia's case last night in the rain). I'm talking about Thai Balibo Of course, he notched his first career hat trick last night in a 5-1 win over the New England Revolution.
If this joke at least puts a smile on someone's face then I consider it a win, but in all seriousness I'm happy for Balibo's win – it hasn't been an easy time for the Israeli in Chester.
The biggest news of the night, of course, is the 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan He made his debut for the Union when he stepped onto the flooded field at Subaru Park. Freddy AduHe broke the record to become the youngest player in MLS history and the youngest player in the history of a major American sport.
If you haven't heard of this phenom before (and I'd be shocked if you haven't), he's been a star in the youth teams for years and just a few months ago he signed what is the richest MLS homegrown contract in the history of the league. Once it was announced, it was only a matter of time before the Union coach deployed him. Jim Curtin Sullivan was given the green light. The only reason it couldn't debut last weekend was because of Canada's onerous child labor laws.
In retrospect, though, there couldn't have been a better time for his debut than with his team leading by four points and looking to end a 10-game winless run. Union have looked as bad as a bottom-flight team in the league in recent months, but Wednesday was a welcome respite from the dreary atmosphere that has gripped Chester this season.
Union outplayed the Revs physically, with set pieces in the first half and counter attacks in the second. True, the visitors were missing more than half their starting 11 through injury and played in a makeshift 3-4-3 with just four centre-backs. But a win is a win.
With the second transfer window opening today, Union have the chance to build on their midweek success with some reinforcements – and they really need them.
Miami beats Cincinnati to take the lead
Is FC Cincinnati somehow worse at home? Judging by the stats and last night's 1-0 loss to the Chicago Fire, yes. They're 6-2-4 in Cincinnati and 9-1-1 away from home. It's a crazy thought to consider, considering the awesome crowd at TQL Stadium (at least that's what I heard) and their 6-1 win over Inter Miami just two weeks ago.
But since then, Cincinnati has lost two straight games to their Eastern Conference rivals. Last night's result ultimately came down to a lack of quality in the final third and a misstep by substitute center back Kip Keller. The Gaineses have played well at times this season, but this game exposed some serious concerns about this team as the season progresses. The problem to watch out for is their backline.
Miles Robinson He is suspended for the game due to the red card he received against Charlotte and will be sidelined for the time being as he joins the U.S. Olympic team in France. Matt Miazga and Nick Haglund Due to injury, he will miss the rest of the season. Pat Noonan They were forced to use outside backs and unproven backups as substitutes. Incidentally, one of those substitutes was Alvas Powellwill be unavailable this Saturday thanks to a silly sequence he shoved in Arnaud Soquet On the board. But the general manager Chris Albright This window is going to get someone through the door to help the team.
He'll need to keep busy this summer if Cincinnati wants to keep up with its East Division rivals. Aaron Bupenza He's clearly no longer in Noonan's plans. The lack of depth at the forward positions is glaring, especially Lucho Acosta Like Wednesday, it's out.
Speaking of that rival…
Miami played like Miami last night, winning 3-1 at home against Toronto FC. Federico Redondo Debut match. Rumours swirled about him being signed as a replacement for Sergio Busquets in March. In truth, he doesn't play the same way Busquets does. Redondo likes to get forward and covers more distance overall. But he took advantage of Busquets' suspension following his red card on Wednesday.
The Spaniard is absent, Yannick Breit The 21-year-old did most of the defending and had plenty of touches on the ball — 83 to be exact. He directed Miami's possession and did a really good job. He looked confident on the ball and made a great pass that led to Diego Gomez's goal.
His assist and two impressive goals helped him lead his team to three points, which helped Miami upset Cincinnati and take the lead in the Supporters' Shield standings. This is where it gets interesting.
New York draw bulls
Remember when the New York Red Bulls were one of the most exciting teams in the league? Emil Forsberg He looked like one of the best chance creators in the league, Dante Vanzeel Was he close to being the league leader in assists? That seems like a decade from now, but it might actually be the case.
Since Forsberg sustained a foot injury in early June, the Red Bulls have one win and six draws. New York played CF Montreal in a midweek game yesterday at home, finishing 2-2. It was a familiar game for Red Bulls fans, as New York's methodical pressing caused problems for the opposition, but then their finishing and clinicality in the final third were subpar.
In their last eight games, the Red Bulls are 5.5 under expected non-penalty goals per FBref, which if applied to the MLS season so far would put them third from the bottom, just above St. Louis City. Not in very good company, to be sure.
Outside Lewis MorganThe Red Bulls don't have anyone who can score goals. Elias Manoel It was a total flop, but a home run compared to Van Zejl, the Belgian's second-most expensive transfer in the club's history, and the fact that they're last in MLS in terms of xG minus goals this season.
Dennis Buanga The player closest to him in this statistic is French-Gabonese Vangier, a high usage shooter with 15 goals this season. Vangier has scored two goals and should have at least six according to advanced statistics.
And last night, he should have doubled his tally. He missed a clear-cut chance early in the first half, then doubled the Red Bulls' lead late in the second with a close-range shot just outside the goalpost. New York is desperately in need of a designated player (with a capital D) at striker.
If they acquire a game-changing player at No. 1 this summer, people might start talking about this team like they did earlier this year.
