The Philadelphia Union sit at the top of the Supporters Shield standings with just 6 games to go.
However, a major issue has shown itself.
The club is dangerously low on goalkeepers and is looking to fill the hole.
Bad Timing All Around
The injury bug is hitting the Union goalkeepers at the worst time. Last week, Andre Blake suffered yet another nagging hamstring injury. Head coach Bradley Carnell anticipates Blake missing at least a few weeks. Unfortunately, just before Blake’s injury, the Union agreed to loan Oliver Semmle as the transfer window closed.
The awful timing of the injury and move left the Union needing to sign Union II goalie Pierce Holbrook on a short-term contract to fill the backup goalie spot. Unfortunately, Holbrook would suffer a non-contact injury in warmups on Saturday against the Chicago Fire. Holbrook was ultimately unable to participate in the game.
Luckily, Andrew Rick was able to make it through the Union’s 4-0 clobbering of the Fire unharmed. Ale Bedoya was in line to be the Union’s emergency goalkeeper. Now, the Union will navigate the rest of its campaign with caution. Andrew Rick has been more than a capable backup this season. However, the Union will now have to find another backup keeper with Blake on the mend.
Union Back Leading the Shield Pack
As the Union navigates a tough goalkeeping situation, they jumped back to the top of the MLS. Now, the matchup of the season awaits them. This Saturday, the Union will travel to Cincinnati in a battle of the top 2 teams in the Eastern Conference.
The matchup is a huge swing game in the Supporters’ Shield race. A win from either club could close the door on the other’s Shield hopes. In contrast, a draw may favor the Union more.
As Cincy and the Union are facing off, they cannot forget about their Western Conference challenger. Expansion side San Diego has been red hot and is just 1 point behind the Union in the standings.
This season is providing one of the most exciting Supporters’ Shield races the MLS has seen in recent years.
The Union at Cincinnati is the marquee matchup in the MLS this weekend.
The post Do You Want to Be the Union’s Goalkeeper? appeared first on Philadelphia Sports Nation.