The Union currently sits 1st in the Eastern Conference. However, Union supporters, the players, and Jim Curtin are rightfully unhappy. What could be going wrong for the Union and how can they turn things around?
Wednesday night, the Union extended their unbeaten streak to 5 with a scoreless draw with Miami. However, the team is winless in the previous 6. That is just the surface of issues that run deep through the Union currently.
Since the Union’s last win on April 9th, the team has held a lead in every game but 1. Despite that, they have 5 points out of a possible 18. Against bottom of the table Miami, the Union was held scoreless for the first time this season. This awful streak from the Union has the rest of the Eastern Conference now breathing down their backs. NYCFC has been red hot since their CCL departure. The defending MLS Cup champs sit just 1 point behind the Union and have a game in hand.
With the margin of error razor-thin, what is going wrong for the Union?
Offensive Disappointment
This year was supposed to be the year of the Union strikers. Other than Julian Carranza, everyone else has been nothing short of a disappointment. Yes, big-money Mikael Uhre is getting bunched in with the disappointment. Until he can consistently stay on the field, it will be a disappointment.
However, the biggest missing piece is the attackers off the bench. Sergio Santos cant stay healthy. When he is on the field, his play has been lackluster. His decision making even worse at times. Santos is still by far the 3rd best forward on the Union roster, but he will be better suited when he returns to his role of a 30-minute/game bench player.
Cory Burke simply can’t be on the field. Not in a bench role and certainly not in a starting role. Jim Curtin can quote the injuries at striker all he wants. Quinn Sullivan deserves a chance to be the 3rd/4th forward on the roster. Burke has had some big goals for the Union in the past, but he being on the field as much as he is is holding the Union back.
Let me be clear, the issues do not fall solely on Burke’s shoulders. However, it’s clear Cory Burke just ain’t it. Whether it is out of position or not, one of the homegrowns of Quinn Sullivan or Paxten Aaronson deserves a shot.
The defensive lapses that have caused the Union to lose late leads don’t help. However, the offense needs to score more than 1 goal a game if they want to sustain success.
Jim Curtin’s Substitutions Are Still an Issue
Jim Curtin has been under scrutiny for the management of his bench for years. However, in years past he simply just didn’t have the talent to put out there. That is not the case anymore.
The best example of his bench mismanagement is Ale Bedoya. Ale Bedoya is still integral to the Union and the way they play. However, he only has 60-70 minutes a game left in him. At the end of almost every game, he absolutely gassed. Against Miami, he practically dropped to the backline for the last 10-15 minutes. Running the Captain into the ground will help no one down the road. Especially when you have Jack McGlynn on the bench.
Paxten Aaronson, Quinn Sullivan, and Jack McGlynn should be brought in off the bench consistently. Not for 5-10 minute stints either. Jim Curtin has said multiple times that he doesn’t like messing with a lineup that works. Well, it isn’t working anymore.
Play. The. Kids.
Prepare for More Issues When Summer Comes
Summer is upon us and with it another transfer window. Rumors around Kai Wagner and Jose Martinez are already swirling. Hopefully, the two are still here and do not depart until the winter. However, the Union needs to at the least be prepared for their departures
Jose Martinez would be an easier replacement, there are 2-3 players capable of playing the CDM role. Kai Wagner would be a bit trickier. Wagner brings a lot to not only the defense but the offense as well. Whether the possible replacements of Matt Real or Olivier Mbaizo are up to the challenge to replace him remains to be seen.
Ernst Tanner will likely need to have some moves ready to bolster the bench unit for their departures.
The Union Needs to Turn It Around Quickly
The Union’s current run of play is concerning. Dropping these points could haunt them when the season is coming to a close. However, all is not lost. Do not sell your stock in the Union just yet.
The club still sits 1st in a crowded Eastern Conference race. They wrap up May with 2 huge road matchups at Portland and New England.
There is no doubt about the Union’s talent level. It is up to Jim Curtin to pull the right strings and the players to play their roles well. The sooner the Union figures it out, the easier the rest of the season will go.
Fans are right to be upset but keep the faith they will figure it out.
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