Philadelphia Union showing Signs of Life

from: nj.com

Despite a 2-1 defeat at DC United at the weekend, there is no doubt that the Union are starting to play better soccer and could at least challenge for a playoff spot.

As crazy as that sounds, despite the Union’s awful start, they sit in 8th place and just 2 points behind the Chicago Fire for the 6th and final playoff spot in the East.

After the shock win at Red Bull Arena last week and their inspired play against DC one has to be heartened at the Union’s chances to make a push as the season hits summer.

Philadelphia got off to a dream start when it scored in the fifth minute when veteran Sebastian LeToux found the twine in the 5th minute.

The Union nearly took the lead to half time, but Chris Pontius scored on the stroke of half time to equalize for the home squad.

The Union fired 11 attempts at Bill Hamid who was forced to make 4 saves on the day.

Philadelphia kept its shape and defended well for much of the second half as DC pushed for the winner.

However, the Union was undone in the 85th minute Chris Rolfe converted from the spot to give all three points to DC.

From the run of play, it was 1-1 however and a draw would have been a very good result.

However, sometimes it’s about the bigger picture.

Just about a month ago we were talking about issues in goal, the Union not scoring goals, and tactical formations that left the Union backline throwing their collective hands up watching balls fly into the Union net.

Now, we are talking about getting results at Red Bull Arena, nearly pulling off a road draw in DC, and a team keeping it’s formation and finding its scoring touch.