A couple of unfortunate bounces ended up in the back of the Union net in the Union’s first regulation loss of the season. Let’s wrap on the match:
Gazdag Ties Sebastian Le Toux’s Club Goal Record
At the 50th minute of the second half, Dániel Gazdag tallied for the Union with a left footed shot from the centre of the box. The goal was assisted by Quinn Sullivan and tied the game in hard fought match to that point, but that wasn’t major story here. Gazdag’s goal has now tied Sebastian Le Toux as the Union’s all-time leading goal getter at 56 a piece. As you can imagine, it was something his teammates took notice of.
“There’s a magic in that,” team captain Alejandro Bedoya said. “To have that ability to found the ball in the box, I’m happy for him and I hope keeps scoring goals.”
It’s been eight years since Le Toux last played in Philadelphia. A record that has stood this week is a testament to how the Union are typically a group that doesn’t rely on one player for offensive output. Nevertheless, it’s an incredible honor for Gazdag. His next goal will be a significant one.
Blake Playing Through the Pain
Goalkeeper Andre Blake addressed the media in post on a variety of topics after the Union loss. Blake, 33, has been through a lot physically to begin this season and it appears to have taken it’s toll. I get the impression that Blake is still dealing with some ailments, but doesn’t want to use that as an excuse. He appeared frustrated, but plans to play so long as his body allows him to.
“He’s had some bumps and bruises that add up,” Jim Curtin told the media. “It takes away from training time, but you want to get him a consistent run of games where it’s not as stop, start.”
Remember; Blake will be representing Jamaica at this summer’s Copa America tournament in June. With over a decade of MLS experience and one of the league’s premier keepers, it may just be a reality that he may not be 100% for the duration of the year with little to no breaks.
They Said It
Alejandro Bedoya on the team’s offensive performance: “I’m pissed man. We should never lose this type of game at home. Two big chances in the box that we should be finishing. I’m frustrated because I wanted to keep this streak going. In the second half, we did more than enough to win this game.
Daniel Gazdag on the amount of whistles from the officials: “It’s not the best way to play. I like it better when the game is running and there’s not too many fouls.”
Jim Curtin on the Union playing well for long stretches: “Sometimes, in this sport, the performance, the data and the stats don’t always give a fair result.”
Andre Blake on Alexandros Katranis Game winning goal from 30 yards away: “It’s a great finish. Hats off to him for hitting that one, he’ll probably never hit another one like that in his life, but it was great timing for them.”
On Deck
The boys in blue will make up a postponed game at Subaru Park this Tuesday when they host the Seattle Sounders at 7:30 pm.
