Click on each photo for a full-size version.

Sebastien Le Toux goes up for a headball

Andrew Jacobson Slides to clear the ball away from Teal Bunbury

Danny Mwanga feeds the ball over to Sebastien Le Toux

Sebastien Le Toux one times the ball into the back of the net

Sebastien Le Toux and Danny Mwanga doing the we just scored dance

The team celebrates Sebastien Le Toux's goal in the first half

Justin Mapp worked the ball past midfield

Amobi Okobi passes over to Stefani Migliaranzi

Danny Califf going high after the ball

Danny Califf goes in with a heavy slide tackle

Sebastien Le Toux and Jonathan Leathers going up for the ball

Sebastien Le Toux thanking the fans after the game

Photo essay by Paul Rudderow

Once again, a major gaffe by Chris Seitz kept the Union from a clean sheet and a much needed victory as they drew 1-1 with Kansas City. After dominating the game for 70 minutes and after a great goal from Sebastien Le Toux, Seitz failed to set up his wall properly and then allowed Danny Arnaud’s free kick to swing over his head into the goal. The goal seemed to deflate the Union and they failed to create many more chances after the game was tied. It is another disappointing result when the Union really deserved all three points.

Philadelphia started brightly and were on the front foot early. A deflected Stefani Miglioranzi shot rang off the post in the 26th minute before Le Toux put the Union ahead with his 10th goal of the season on 33 minutes. Jordan Harvey started the play with a great tackle near the midfield line, where the ball fell to Justin Mapp. Mapp played the ball through in the left channel to the onrushing Danny Mwanga. Mwanga drove the ball forward into the box and flicked a beautiful pass with the outside of his right foot into the path of Le Toux, who finished first time. It was a terrific goal and fully deserved from the home side. The rest of the half played out fairly evenly with no major chances to either side.

Roger Torres’ introduction after half time seemed to spark the Union, and they were once again in full attack mode. Justin Mapp had a great chance in the 53rd minute after some great work by Mwanga. But his left footed drive from a difficult angle was saved well by man of the match Jimmy Nielsen. Just one minute later, it was Nielsen to the rescue again as Mwanga came in on goal and forced another great save from the Kansas City keeper. But once again, the Union failed to keep a clean sheet when Danny Arnaud’s free kick from the corner of the 18 yard box swung over Seitz’ head and into the upper corner. The goal sucked the life out of the Union, and a 2nd goal seemed out of reach even after the introductions of Jack McInerny and Alejandro Moreno.

How long do we have to suffer with Chris Seitz?

How many holding midfielders can you start?

We Need Width

Player Ratings

GK Chris Seitz –  2

Once again, fails to make a big save when the team needs him to. Let’s cut our losses and ditch him.

CB Danny Califf –  7

Solid in the center of the park. Anchored the defense to probably one of their strongest efforts all season.

CB Juan Diego Gonzalez –  7

Solid outing for Gonzalez as well. Strong in the air and made some timely tackles. Golf ball sized welt on his head was extremely impressive.

LB Jordan Harvey –  7

Decent game for the much maligned left back. Had a nice tackle that led to the Union goal. Still provided little in the way of service though.

RB Michael Orozco Fiscal – 6

Had a great tackle on scoring chance by Ryan Smith. But seemed to have difficulty shutting Smith down the rest of the match, resorting to fouling him repeatedly.

RM Andrew Jacobson –  5

Largely ineffective starting on the wing. Subbed off at halftime.

CM Stefani Miglioranzi –  6

Had a shot from distance that deflected off the post. Decent in the defensive midfield, but I’m not sure there is room for him when Okugo starts as well.

LM Justin Mapp –  6

Nice pass to Mwanga that set up Le Toux’s goal. Had some decent runs on the flanks and offered some width in the midfield.

CM Amobi Okugo –  6

Started strong and was solid in the first half, both in his tackling and distrubtion. Seemed to fade as the game went on.

F Danny Mwanga – 7

Solid outing for the rookie. Great play to set up Le Toux’s goal and was effective in possesion all day.

F Sebastien Le Toux – 7

Another goal for the hardoworking Frenchman. Was his usual, industrious self.  Really struggled with dead balls again, should probably give up the responsibility.

Subs

Roger Torres 6

Came on just after half time. Saw more of the ball than Jacobson but didn’t put his stamp on the game.

Jack McInerney 5

I think we were all expecting another goal after his terrific finishing the last two games. But failed to really find space with Le Toux and Mwanga both still on the field.

Alejandro Moreno N/A

Got on for the last 7 minutes and didn’t make an impact.

(Photo: Paul Rudderow. For more photos, see http://www.flickr.com/groups/phillysoccerpage/pool/with/4959074062.)

TV: 6abc

One of Major League Soccer’s hottest teams visits Chester this Saturday as Philadelphia Union host the Kansas City Wizards.

The Wizards (7-9-5) have gone 4-1-2 over their last seven games, with wins over both conference’s first place teams. Bolstered by the return of holding midfielder Stephane Auvray, they have revived the early season form that saw them win their first two games before injuries initiated a miserable stretch. English winger Ryan Smith and rookie first round draft pick Teal Bunbury have impressed, while Danish backstop Jimmy Nielsen has been among the league’s best goalkeepers this season. Former Union defender Shavar Thomas has resurrected his career, breaking into the starting lineup after being traded to the Wizards to end a mostly bench-ridden tenure with the Union.

The Union (5-11-5) broke their own winless streak last Saturday with a dramatic come-from-behind 2-1 win over a 10-man New England Revolution squad. Philadelphia capped that with a 1-0 win in a friendly against Mexican side Chivas Guadalajara on Wednesday. Newly acquired midfielder Justin Mapp scored one of those goals and assisted on the other two, both of which were scored by rookie Jack McInerney, and the two look to be in prime form. Shea Salinas, who has been out with a leg fracture, could return to the field Saturday. The Union continue to look for their first regular season shutout of the year as they seek to avoid setting a new MLS record for futility in that regard, but perhaps their clean sheet against Chivas and the excellent play of Mapp, McInerney and Roger Torres could help take some pressure off the defense.

Probable starters

Philadelphia

Goalkeeper: Chris Seitz

Defenders: Jordan Harvey, Juan Diego Gonzalez, Danny Califf, Michael Orozco Fiscal

Midfielders: Justin Mapp, Roger Torres, Stefani Miglioranzi, Sebastien Le Toux

Forwards: Danny Mwanga, Jack McInerney

Kansas City

Goalkeeper: Jimmy Nielsen

Defenders: Roger Espinoza, Jimmy Conrad, Shavar Thomas, Michael Harrington

Midfielders: Ryan Smith, Craig Rocastle, Stephane Auvray, Davy Arnaud, Teal Bunbury

Forwards: Kei Kamara

Injuries and suspensions

Philadelphia: QUESTIONABLE: FW Alejandro Moreno (R hamstring strain); FW Sebastien Le Toux (L knee contusion); MF Shea Salinas (L fibula fracture); PROBABLE: MF Eduardo Coudet (R foot contusion).

Kansas City: OUT: MF Zoltan Hercegfalvi (R knee sprain/torn ACL)

Match-ups

Philadelphia defense vs. Kansas City attackers

The Wizards typically play one man up top, either Kei Kamara (he of the epic miss earlier this year), newly acquired Birahim Diop, or Josh Wolff, the latter of whom finds himself on the wing more often than not of late. Kamara has netted eight times this year, but it’s taken him 57 shots to do it. Diop scored both his goals in one game this season after being recently signed. The one striker is not so important as the attacking midfielders who support him, and Smith and Bunbury have been in good enough form to nudge Wolff to the bench.

Union goalkeeper Chris Seitz continues to look for his first shutout. He has made the routine stops in recent weeks but not the great ones, ticking the scoreboard from zero every game. Fullbacks Jordan Harvey and Michael Orozco Fiscal have hit a rough patch, though they nearly combined for a goal against Chivas on Wednesday, a game in which Orozco looked much better once moved to center back, where he has played most of his career. Juan Diego Gonzalez and Danny Califf have been up and down of late in the center. Both are strong, smart quality center backs who nonetheless lack the speed to handle quick attacking midfielders one on one.

Edge: Even

Philadelphia midfield vs. Kansas City midfield

Kansas City coach Peter Vermes sends out a five-man midfield that creates a formation alternately described as 4-5-1, 4-2-3-1, or 4-1-4-1, depending on who’s looking. The key players here are Auvray and Smith, both in their first season with the Wizards. Auvray, who spent most of his career in France, is the engine that makes this midfield churn. Smith is the brilliantly talented 23-year-old midfielder who was unappreciated in England but has blossomed once given playing time in MLS. The rest of the midfield is stacked with talent too, including Davy Arnaud, who played for the U.S. national team in the Gold Cup last year; Bunbury, who is seen as a future Canadian international; Craig Rocastle, a solid if unspectacular central midfielder, and Wolff, who may be out of favor but has been one of the league’s best for years.

For the Union, it’s anybody’s guess who starts Saturday. In a way, it’s a question of age. If manager Peter Nowak starts who he’s started most of the summer, then expect a lineup of Fred, Eduardo Coudet, Stefani Miglioranzi and, well, you’re guess is as good as mine. But if he goes with the hot hands (and youth), then it could be Justin Mapp, Roger Torres, Sebastien Le Toux and either Andrew Jacobson or Amobi Okugo at a holding midfielder spot. The latter group has played very well over the last two games, showing the width and attacking prowess that had been lacking under the former group. For now, we’ll expect the old hands, until we see differently.

Edge: Kansas City

Philadelphia forwards vs. Kansas City defense

Jimmy Nielsen has eight shutouts this year for Kansas City, and he was good enough to force (and justify) the trade of Kevin Hartman, who was player of the month in August for his new team, FC Dallas. In front of him, Jimmy Conrad has continued to play solid ball, flanked by a good left back in Honduran international Roger Espinoza. Thomas was an absolute disaster in his one game for the Union and never saw the field for them again after that, but he has been a starter since the Wizards acquired him. Right back Michael Harrington is better known for his bizarre April Fools Day video than his play, but he’s actually a pretty decent player.

Other teams figured out how to stop the Union defensively, particularly when Le Toux is playing up top. Simply close down the middle, track Le Toux, and you stop the offense. Le Toux’s push out to right midfield tends to open up spots for the forwards to work and allows him a lot of freedom to go wide and create. He could start at forward or right midfield. Danny Mwanga is the other starter, having shown excellent finishing but little ability to create his own shots outside the box. Jack McInerney is the wild card, having scored in his last two games and shown great touch and creative daring all season long. If he starts, look for Le Toux at midfield and a much more interesting game.

Edge: Even

Individual match-up to watch

Ryan Smith vs. Michael Orozco Fiscal

Smith is the creative key for Kansas City and someone who’s very fun to watch. Orozco is an excellent defender who has struggled to adjust to an outside back role, but it doesn’t change the fact that he is very good at locking down opposition attackers.

Prediction

If the Union go with the grown-ups, they lose 2-0. If they play the kids, then this one’s a coin toss.

(Photo: Paul Rudderow)

Mwanga - Lonely Up Top

Once the ball was eventually won, a glaring deficiency came to the fore.  Having a back-to-goal, target striker works wonderfully when streaking wingers can expose gaps behind defenses.  For the Union, and Mwanga on this night, the lack of real width resulted in a well trapped ball being played directly backwards to its provider.  The jury is still out on Mwanga’s ability to occupy this target role since, without any supporting runs, his hold up play cannot resulted in positive, offensive movements.

As Coudet and Miglioranzi parked their power chairs ever deeper, Zimmerman, Fred and Andrew Jacobsen flowed in and out of the game, each popping up on both sides of the field as well as centrally.  The unit of position-less players understandably lacked cohesion and more than one move ended with Fred standing on the ball, gesticulating wildly before being tackled.  Needless to say it was a dull, frustrating first half for the home supporters, and had it not been for some poor finishing and absurd histrionics (fortunately waved away by the official) by Chivas, the Union could have found themselves down a goal at halftime.

After halftime, however, the team that returned to the pitch looked completely different, literally.  While Brad Knighton was retained in goal and Michael Orozco Fiscal moved into central defense, all nine other players were replaced, leaving this formation :

Okugo-Midfield Destroyer

Knighton

Williams-Arrieta-Orozco Fiscal-Stahl

Noone -Torres-Nakazawa-Okugo-Mapp

McInerney

And they came out firing.  Roger Torres was quick to try and stamp his authority on the middle of the park, serving the ball well and making inroads for the Union as the young squad quickly gained a footing in the first minutes of the second half.  Just as it was on the weekend, in the 48th minute Justin Mapp’s well-weighted ball found a darting McInerney who cooly buried the finish, all of this before the public address announcer had completed the comically long list of substitutions.

McInerney - Scoring Goals for Fun

As Chivas attempted to regain control of play, Amobi Okugo began to assert himself all over the pitch, canceling out opportunity after opportunity.  Settling in behind Torres and Nakazawa, Okugo not only retrieved the ball but was clever and accurate in providing his own service up the pitch.  With the Union pressing into the final third, two inch-perfect Nakazawa free kicks were not converted and the margin remained at one, and while that was enough on the day, the second half was not without its share of nervous moments.  Brad Knighton reacted well to parry clear a number of long-distance cannon blasts and was even quicker off his line to deal with a low, searching cross from the endline.  If his nerves following his dramatic ejection against Dallas were frayed, he certainly did not let on, and he was the first to every ball in and around his area.  One player who did have a nervy evening was new signing Sheanon Williams.  While his pace is everything that was advertised, he looked jumpy and unsure with the ball at his feet.  Its hard to make much of this first showing for the 20 year old Williams, but it is promising to see an outside fullback who can consistently make up yards of turf in a foot race.

Special mention to tonight’s officials who did very well in the face of the well-practiced simulation tactics of the visitors.  For my money, a player going to ground and holding his face is one of, if not THE, lowest tactics in soccer and to see it happen twice inside of a five-minute span made my blood boil.  The referee maintained both his composure and control of the match throughout, consistently waving play on as one after another player hit the deck, handing out only the most necessary fouls and cautions.  His judgments allowed for a flowing, enjoyable match and for that he and his crew deserve a great deal of credit.

Starters

Brad Knighton – 9 – The shot-stopping was great, but that’s not what stood out about Knighton’s performance tonight.  Quick off his line and strong in the air and brimming with confidence, he was sporting his best “No chance, not tonight” look throughout the match.

Jordan Harvey – 4 – Clearly has been reading the Philly Soccer Page’s assessment of his recent performances.  Tried early and often to get up field but still was unable to provide useful service and by the end of the first half had reverted to back passes at every occasion.  Earned a silly yellow card for a poor wrestling maneuver performed at midfield.

Juan Diego Gonzalez – 7 – When the alarm bells started ringing, Gonzalez kept his cool and made several vital tackles to keep the mounting Chivas threat at bay.

Danny Califf – 5 – Lack of speed was exposed, fortunately not too brutally.  His inability to provide any type of service going forward is a big concern since it both stymies counterattacks and causes dangerous turnovers.

Michael Orozco Fiscal – 6 – Largely anonymous in the first half before stepping into the center of defense and helping to shut the door on the Chivas threat.  Looked comfortable against a team he has seen before.

Stefani Miglioranzi – 5 – Flowed around the midfield but was not up to the speed of the game and did not win as many balls as we have grown accustomed to seeing from him.  Turned the ball over a lot without significant pressure.

Eduardo Coudet – 5 – Coudet’s audition as the free kick taker was a dismal one.  His two corners were wildly over hit and the hunt for a free kick specialist continues.

Fred – 3 – Ground to a halt, literally.  Took ten touches when two would have been plenty.  Personally responsible for killing many Union attacks.

Andrew Jacobsen – 5 – Largely anonymous.  Clearly is not an attacking player.  After having launched two long distance bombs in substitute appearances, Jacobsen has now been moved forward into the attack.  He does not belong there, and it looks like he knows it.

Nick Zimmerman – 6 – Looked good chasing deep balls but offered very little in the other facets of the game.  Ran into Mwanga’s space often rather than pulling defenders away, but ran hard and battled all over the field.

Danny Mwanga – 6 – Frustrating night for Mwanga.  Did well to hold up play but lack of support killed his momentum.  The few slicing runs he made were well-timed but saw him running after bad service.  Looking more and more nimble with the ball at his feet.

Substitutes

Toni Stahl – 2 – This kid cannot catch a break.  Used at left back, the gangly Stahl could not have been further out of his element.  It’s hard to blame him though and he might do well to be let go by the Union and allowed to restart his career with a club where he would have the opportunity to play his actual position.

Christian Arrieta – 6 – Vocal and commanding out of the back, Arrieta was not without his regular few mistakes, namely a softly-weighted header back to Knighton’s box that did not quite get there.  Looks like a player with all the tools to be an above average bench player.

Sheanon Williams – 5 – The speed is there which is a good thing, because with all the mistakes he made, he needed to do a lot of chasing back.  I’m willing to put most of it down to nerves and wait for his first MLS appearance.  Williams is still only 20, and with some polish could become a fixture.

Justin Mapp – 7 – Worked hard on defense and sprang McInerney for the Union’s goal with another lovely ball.  His one-footedness continues to be a problem given how completely one-dimensional it makes him.

Amobi Okugo – 9 – As far as I’m concerned, this kid is a starter.  His work rate is marvelous and combined with his soft touch on the ball and his tackling instincts it seems crazy that he is not getting more of a look in league play.  At every 50-50 ball tonight, Okugo won much more than his fair share of ball and has the veteran knack for knowing when to take a foul and slow the game down.

Roger Torres – 8 – Came out swinging from the opening whistle of the second half.  A constant danger to the Chivas defense, Torres was the most willing to try and make things happen.  As the match went on his eagerness got the better of him and he started taking on 2 and 3 players at a time.  Part of his maturation will involve slowing himself down, which is a MUCH better problem to have than trying to speed someone up.

Kyle Nakazawa – 7 – Strikes a mean free kick, two of which could have led directly to Union goals if not for some bad luck.  Like Torres, seemed eager to mix it up tonight and showed some fire as twice he came into confrontation with Chivas players in the middle of the park.

J.T. Noone – 5 – Started strongly with some deft touches that allowed the Union to retain possession.  Faded as the game wore on, seemed very unsure of what position he was playing.

Jack McInerney – 8 – Another game, another classy Jack Mac finish.  His composure in goal-scoring situations cannot be undervalued.

Zach Pfeffer – N/A – A late-cameo for the 15 year-old FC Delco product did not come to much, but he looked quickly up to speed and moved the ball well when called upon to do so.

(For photos from the match, click here.)

Williams played this season with the Harrisburg City Islanders, a USL-2 affiliate of Philadelphia Union, thanks largely to the intercession of Union assistant coach John Hackworth, who worked with Williams as a youth international. The Union have not yet announced the signing, which was reported by the Boston Globe earlier today. The Union confirmed it later on their web site.

Williams has played both right back and striker, and he could see time at either or both for the Union, who lack depth on defense and potentially at forward. He is 20 years old and was an all-American in high school. After playing a year for the University of North Carolina, Williams left school early for trials with European teams such as Wolfsburg in Germany but returned stateside without a contract. He recently had trials with the New  York Red Bulls and New England Revolution before signing with the Union.

The Union have an open roster spot and likely do not have to cut anyone to make room for Williams on the 24-man roster.

For more on Williams, check out PSP’s feature on Williams and the other former youth internationals signed by Harrisburg this season. This one was brewing for a while.

If you play them too much, you could lose them in the expansion draft.

The Vancouver Whitecaps and Portland Timbers will each pick 10 players in the expansion draft this November. That’s 20 players from the current 16 teams, which means some teams are going to lose two players (but likely not more).

The Union can protect 11 players from their roster, provided the rules stay relatively constant from past drafts. As the league’s youngest team, they’d be a prime target to lose more guys.

Generation Adidas and home-grown players are typically exempt from the expansion draft and don’t have to be protected, however. That gives the Union a big advantage because they have four Generation Adidas players: Danny Mwanga, Jack McInerney, Amobi Okugo and Chris Seitz. J.T. Noone could potentially qualify as a home-grown player, which would exempt him too, though it’s unlikely.

Players graduate from Generation Adidas based (at least in part) by how much they play. If you play too much, you graduate. (Seitz remains Generation Addidas despite being in his fourth season but is almost certain to have graduated by year’s end.)

If the Union’s prized teenage trio is exempt from the draft, then it allows the team to protect other players, a huge benefit.

Major League Soccer roster rules have always been somewhat murky though, with the single entity keeping many things behind closed doors, and expansion draft rules change a little each year. The league hasn’t officially released this year’s rules, but Vancouver breaks down some projected rules on its web site. Likewise, until we know who graduates from GA, we won’t know who’s exempt from the draft.

If Toronto FC goalkeeper Stefan Frei was the measuring stick, then the Union would be well positioned, but chances are he’s an exception to the rule. Most thought Frei would have graduated from GA last year because he started 26 games and played 2,282 minutes as a rookie. Somehow, he didn’t and was exempt from the expansion draft, freeing up another protected slot for Toronto.

In contrast, fellow GA players Steve Zakuani, Kevin Alston, Omar Gonzalez, Patrick Nyarko and others graduated and were not exempt from the expansion draft after each started more than 20 games last year, and their clubs had to spend protection spots on them. MLS officials never explained the distinction between them and Frei. As a result, we don’t know it. (Are there different rules for goalkeepers?) Chances are that Frei was a special case, something not unheard of in MLS circles.

Of the Union’s three GA players, only Mwanga has played more than 300 minutes or started more than two games. Okugo is unlikely to crack the starting lineup as a regular, so don’t expect him  to graduate. McInerney could start after Saturday’s performance. With 267 minutes played and one start so far this year, he could theoretically crack 1,000 minutes and double digits in starts if he went the full 90 in each remaining Union game. Mwanga has started 11 games and appeared in 16, playing 1,006 minutes. Considering last year’s graduations, it looks like a coin toss on whether Mwanga graduates GA or not.

Union fans should hope that none of the three do. That would allow them to protect 11 of their other 20 players.

That means the Union could protect:

1. Roger Torres
2. Andrew Jacobson
3. Chris Seitz
4. Sebastien Le Toux
5. Shea Salinas
6. Danny Califf
7. Justin Mapp
8. Juan Diego Gonzalez
9. Jordan Harvey
10. Michael Orozco Fiscal
11. Kyle Nakazawa

That leaves only four players under age 30 exposed: Nick Zimmerman, Toni Stahl, Brad Knighton and potentially Noone. If Orozco leaves, it means you could protect Zimmerman. Alejandro Moreno, Stefani Miglioranzi, Eduardo Coudet, Fred and Cristian Arrieta should not be protected due to a combination of age and performance. Of those, you probably lose Zimmerman or Nakazawa if they’re unprotected, or possibly Arrieta.

But that’s all contingent on the GA kids being exempt. As much as I’d love to see Mwanga and Union Jack starting the final nine games, there may be a good case for sending the vets out to play, at least for a bit.

(Edit: Edited to reflect Chris Seitz is in fact still Generation Adidas, according to information supplied by Philadelphia Union.)

The winless streak is over.

Union midfielder Justin Mapp scored the winner in stoppage time and assisted on a Jack McInerney goal to lead Philadelphia Union to a 2-1 road victory over a 10-man New England Revolution team.

The Union went up a man when New England defender Cory Gibbs was red carded in the 4oth minute for a high and late tackle on Union midfielder Eduardo Coudet. But they couldn’t light the scoreboard until they fully remade their lineup with a third attacking sub, bringing in Roger Torres, Justin Mapp and Jack McInerney in place of Coudet, Kyle Nakazawa and Stefani Miglioranzi, respectively. The Union then scored twice in 10 minutes to flip the score and seal the end to their six-game winless streak. It was just their second road win of the year.

New England outshot the Union 14-10 and put five shots on goal to the Union’s 3, but the Union’s late flurry behind an attacking lineup flipped the scorecard and secured a huge win for the expansion club.

Here’s what we can take away from the game.

• That’s the lineup we want to see.

The lineup that ended the game should be the 2011 opening day lineup, save for the addition of Shea Salinas for one of the fullbacks. Mapp and Le Toux on the wings. Torres in a central playmaking role. Jacobson at holding midfielder. McInerney up front with Mwanga.

The Union played 37 minutes a man up without much of an attack, but it wasn’t until Union Jack came in for Miglioranzi in the 77th minute that the lineup was fully remade for attacking. We only got this lineup for 15 minutes, but the results were clear: two goals, regular attacking, lots of excitement, and a win. McInerney is always extraordinarily active and creative when he gets in the game. Mapp is one of the few Union players willing and able to take on opponents off the dribble. Torres has that rare creativity needed to excel in a playmaking role. Meanwhile, any time Le Toux is put out on the wing, it gives the team more width and more room for the forwards to operate.

We may not see this lineup regularly throughout the rest of the season, because if McInerney, Mwanga, and Amobi Okugo spend too much time on the field, the Union will have to protect them in the upcoming expansion draft. Because they are Generation Adidas players, they’re likely to be exempt, as was done in the past. But if they play too many minutes, they could lose that status. (More on this later in the week.)

• Say goodbye to the 4-2-2-2.

The Union’s 4-4-2 has in recent weeks looked more like a 4-2-2-2, as Coudet and Miglioranzi played deep-lying roles that rarely pushed up.

But once Torres came into the game in his natural center midfield role, he filled the hole the Union have been missing for weeks, that of a center attacking midfielder. We said after the D.C. United game that the Union needed someone in that CAM role that Branko Boskovic is filling for United. It’s always been clear Torres could be that guy, but he hasn’t been given much opportunity there.

Which brings us to …

• It makes a world of difference to put players in their natural positions, doesn’t it?

Torres is a central playmaker. Mapp is a winger. So too probably is Le Toux, in the end. Jacobson is a holding midfielder, not a winger. Amazing what happens when you actually play guys in their natural positions. Yes, we know that in the first season, experimentation is the way to go to see what you can do. (Salinas was a revelation at right back, for example.) But there comes a point at which you also have to recognize that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.

Miglioranzi has done the Union a service this year as a defensive stalwart, but next week, we really need to give Jacobson more than 15 minutes at his natural holding midfield position. He offers a presence moving forward that Miglioranzi doesn’t. Yes, his shot on goal went way high, but the fact that he was even in the box to take it was something that Miglioranzi hasn’t done all season.

Now, if only we knew what to do with Michael Orozco Fiscal …

• Go ABC!

Last week, ABC moved the game to its Live Well network, and some people couldn’t catch the game apparently. They kept it on ABC tonight. Nice. It’s a good thing too, because some of our readers were just a tad pissed off about the move last week.

• The malaise is gone. The excitement is back.

That was a damn fun team to watch in those last 15 minutes. All it takes is a win to turn things around not just for a team, but for fans. Admit it. You were down on the Union. They were miserable to watch last week. The winless streak had taken the new car shine off the team. Philly fans are Philly fans. They get down and miserable really easy. (See McNabb, Donovan.) But no one expected them to win the league this year. What we expect is a competitive, fun team that plays to win. For 15 minutes Saturday night, we got that, and it was enough.

Now if we can just get it for 90 next Saturday against a very hot Kansas City team.

Player Ratings

GK Chris Seitz: 5

When challenged, he didn’t make the stop. Again, it’s hard to blame him for a beautiful Ilija Stolica hustle goal. Any time a corner kick hits the ground in the box with no one touching it, that falls on the outfield players. But still, no clean sheet. Not seriously challenged much the rest of the game by a 10-man New England team.

LB Jordan Harvey: 5

If the rest of the league hasn’t figured out Harvey by now, then they’re not watching tape, because everyone else knows him. He pushed up field, then passes back short to a teammate. He doesn’t send in many crosses (although it was his short cross to Mapp that started the sequence on the first goal). He hustles on defense and plays it better than most left backs in the league, and he’s a very good natural athlete. This is what he is. Accept it.

CB Juan Diego Gonzalez: 6

Gonzalez is the steadiest partner Califf has had yet. He’s never spectacular, but he also doesn’t make too many mistakes (outside of a bizarre sequence last week against D.C. United). For most of the game, he was in the right place at the right time — even on the goal, though he couldn’t stop it. He rarely fouls, something very clear in Saturday’s game when he was called for a foul he clearly didn’t commit and played so cleanly on Stolica’s dive in the box that Stolica could’ve gotten booked himself.

CB Danny Califf: 6

Califf nearly gifted the Revolution with a goal when his headed clearance went way short, and Sainey Nyassi blasted a wicket shot off the right post in return. Otherwise, decent game for the captain, strong in the air and cleaning up for others’ mistakes entirely too often, as usual.

RB Michael Orozco Fiscal: 4

If anyone gets blame for the New England goal, Orozco has to get most of it. Marko Perovic’s corner kick hit the ground because Orozco was slow to react to it and whiffed on his clearance attempt. That’s what left it for Shalrie Joseph, who was stopped by Califf, only to see Stolica send in the rebound. After starting for San Luis in Mexico’s first division and capping for the U.S. national team, it’s amazing to see that Orozco is looking like he could be the odd man out on this back line if Shea Salinas plays back there once he returns from injury.

LM Andrew Jacobson: 5

Jacobson had little impact while playing on the wing, but when moved back to holding midfield after Miglioranzi and Coudet left the game, we saw him at his natural position for 15 minutes. He played solid in possession there, filled the center on defense, and pushed up in a way that Migs and Chacho haven’t in their time with the Union. That said, his point blank shot in front of the goal needs to go below the crossbar, not above it.

RM Kyle Nakazawa: 4

Once again, Nakazawa offered little in the field of play but was solid on free kicks. He’s not ready yet, which is a shame, because no one else is ready to do anything good on free kicks.

CM Stefani Miglioranzi: 5

Migs played a solid defensive game and set up a nice Le Toux run with a pretty pass. That said, he anchors the midfield in two ways, one of which you want — solid defense — and one that you don’t — his failure to push the midfield on offense that holds the team back. He and Coudet go to the same spots on the field too often, something seen clearly in a first half exchange in which Migs gave Coudet a short pass in poor position, and Coudet was forced under pressure to give it right back, at which point Migs lost the ball. As good a defensive midfielder as Miglioranzi is, the presence of him and Coudet in the same lineup is holding back the Union attack, something shown clearly in the game’s final 15 minutes.

CM Eduardo Coudet: 5

Coudet makes few mistakes and holds the ball well. He’s a smart player. But see comments on Miglioranzi. Chances are one of them is gone next season.

ST Sebastien Le Toux: 7

Le Toux made some nice runs but was getting very little help from the midfield. Once he dropped back to midfield, he was able to help change that. Assisted on Mapp’s goal with a perfect, soft drop pass that Mapp slotted home.

ST Danny Mwanga: 4

Got no service, and the result was he had little impact on the game.

Substitutes

Roger Torres: 7

Torres initiated the beginning of the game’s change upon replacing Coudet in the 46th minute. Was consistently active, sent some creative loft passes in, and did something few other Union center midfielders do by being active with the ball in the center attacking third. Was at his best once paired with two true outside midfielders in Mapp and Le Toux.

Justin Mapp: 9

Did he make a mistake all game? He came in the 65th minute and furthered the change on the Union’s character by threatening New England with the ball at his feet. His lofted pass to Union Jack was a thing of beauty. His goal was slotted home perfectly, and what can’t be underestimated is he filled a space at the center of the 18 that often stays empty when the Union forwards get the ball up front. The man of the match.

Jack McInerney: 8

Union Jack came in, and the transition was complete. The Union had gone from a stilted, uncreative team to one with all sorts of ideas. His finish was perfect, a subtly difficult turn and one-touch shot executed exactly the way it should be. McInerney is, along with Salinas, the most daring player on this team, and while he may not crack the lineup as a regular starter until next season due to expansion draft concerns, if he’s not starting on opening day next season, there better be a damn good reason why.

TV: 6abc, MyNetwork TV (likely to be moved to abc 6.2, the LiveWell channel)

Two teams that looked good when last they played hope to get back things on track this Saturday as Philadelphia Union visit the New England Revolution.

The Union (4-11-5) are on a six-game winless streak, which began with a 1-1 draw against New England on July 31. They have won just one of their last nine and lost last week in a game Union manager Peter Nowak called his team’s “worst” performance of the year. The team has had a week to soak that in after ending their season’s toughest stretch,a 5-game, 15-day period during which the Union faced some of the league’s best teams. The negative momentum of that stretch carried into Sunday’s 2-0 loss to D.C. United. They remain without one of their best players, Shea Salinas, and Alejandro Moreno has joined him on the injury list. People are starting to call for more of the young players Union management built this team around. Many have given up on the playoffs, but with an expansion team, what matters more in the first year is good soccer, something that wasn’t on display last week but had shown up plenty before that.

The Revolution (6-11-3) had appeared to turn around a rough season by taking 12 points from 10 games over the course of a month. Then they lost Aug. 18 to Chicago and sent out a 3-5-2 for Kansas City’s small field to get demolished by the Wizards, 4-1, on Aug. 21. They’re a team that’s been ravaged by injuries this year, but they trot out a very quick back four and the league’s best center midfielder in Shalrie Joseph. That said, this is largely a team of no-names that bears little resemblance to the great Revolution teams that made it to three straight Major League Soccer championship games from 2005-2007. They’re one of the last MLS teams to be playing in a football stadium, and they’re generally considered a franchise being left behind as other clubs move into the future. (So when you see all those empty seats in the stands, recognize it’s because they’re playing in a stadium built for the New England Patriots.)

Both teams hope their turnaround starts now. We’ll see who gets it.

Probable starters

Philadelphia

Goalkeeper: Chris Seitz

Defenders: Jordan Harvey, Juan Diego Gonzalez, Danny Califf, Michael Orozco

Midfielders: Justin Mapp, Stefani Miglioranzi, Eduardo Coudet, Fred

Forwards: Danny Mwanga, Sebastien Le Toux

New England

Goalkeeper: Matt Reis

Defenders: Cory Gibbs, Darius Barnes, Emmanuel Osei, Kevin Alston

Midfielders: Chris Tierney, Pat Phelan, Shalrie Joseph, Sainey Nyassi

Forwards:  Ilija Stolica, Marko Perovic

Injuries and Suspensions

Philadelphia: OUT: MF Shea Salinas (L fibula fracture); QUESTIONABLE: FW Alejandro Moreno (R hamstring strain)

New England: OUT: GK Preston Burpo (R leg fracture);MF Jason Griffiths (L hamstring strain); FW Edgaras Jankauskas (L adductor strain); FW Taylor Twellman (concussion); QUESTIONABLE: DF Kevin Alston(L hamstring strain); FW Zak Boggs (concussion); MF Nico Colaluca (R anklesprain); FW Kheli Dube (R knee MCL sprain); MF Marko Perovic (L foot plantar fasciitis); PROBABLE: DF Cory Gibbs (L ankle sprain).

Match-ups

Philadelphia defenders vs. New England attackers

The lone MLS team without a shutout plays one of the league’s lowest scoring teams. You’d think it might be a good opportunity for Union goalkeeper Chris Seitz to get that first shutout, but we thought that about D.C. United too before two defensive breakdowns turned into two goals.

The knock on Seitz has been that he doesn’t play aggressively enough, failing to come out for balls that he should. The back four haven’t played that well in recent weeks, as fullbacks Jordan Harvey and Michael Orozco Viscal have offered very little going forward in recent weeks but continue to push up nonetheless, leaving center backs Danny Califf and Juan Diego Gonzalez isolated. Califf had a game he’d like to forget Sunday, but he’s earned fan favorite status for a reason: He plays hard and presses on. Gonzalez has been a solid addition to the club, but the communication is not there yet beyond this language barrier, as he made a complete mess of a  play against D.C. United that must be chalked up to miscommunication with Seitz, at least in part.

New England had a three-game stretch from June 5 to July 2 during which they were outscored 9-0, part of a larger six-game stretch in which they scored in only one game. They then scored two in a win over Los Angeles and one in each of the five games since then, so at least the zeroes have become ones. Since then, they signed forward Ilija Stolica, a Serbian journeyman who hasn’t done much. Marko Perovic may man the other striker position, though he’s best as a midfielder after a solid career with Red Star Belgrade and FC Basel.

Edge: Even

Philadelphia midfield vs. New England midfield

It’s Shalrie Joseph and everyone else. Joseph is the league’s best, with the quality to play in Europe. As this team disintegrated, Revolution management have held onto him. Everyone else? Decent, but unspectacular, names to surround an excellent player wasted on a team that seems no longer committed to competing in modern MLS. Marko Perovic belongs in the midfield with Joseph, but the dearth of scorers has pushed up to the front line all too often.

The Union have their own problems though, as a lack of width in the midfield has prompted teams to collapse the center and shut down their attack. Fred has been mostly a nonentity, ineffective as he plays out of position on the wing. Winger Justin Mapp was probably the only Union player to fare well against D.C. United, and he probably has the rest of the season to show he belongs on this team. Stefani Miglioranzi is a nearly one-dimensional defensive midfielder who has been good most of the year but shoulders most of the blame for United’s second goal last week. Chacho Coudet has been manning the other midfield spot, playing a deep-lying role that offers good passing but does little for team balance as Fred and Mapp continue to press on into the center. Youngsters Andrew Jacobson, Roger Torres and Amobi Okugo seem to have disappeared, but after last week’s epic stink bomb against D.C. United, look for Nowak to make some changes to the lineup.

Edge: Even

Philadelphia forwards vs. New England defense

The league has learned how to defend the Union: Stop Sebastien Le Toux, and everything grinds to a halt. He has scored or created 18 of the Union’s 23 goals. The team has played better with Le Toux in the midfield of late, however, because he’s one of the only midfielders who actually plays with any width and puts the sides of the field in play. So don’t be surprised if Jack McInerney gets the start in place of Alejandro Moreno, with hopes of injecting some life in a stagnant attack. Danny Mwanga has shown a terrific scoring touch, but unless Le Toux is getting him the ball in the box, he hasn’t shown he can do much to create great position to score.

Fullback Kevin Alston is the best player on New England’s defense, an all-star right back with quickness and smarts. The rest of the back line is relatively small but very quick, and they impressed when they visited PPL Park a month ago. This time, Cory Gibbs isn’t injured, and Darius Barnes and Emanuel Osei are decent in the middle. Osei is just 5-9 and plays center back, and much like the Union, New England has given up far more headed goals (8) then they’ve scored (3). For the Union, that ratio is 9 given up and only 2 scored, however, so there’s no indication the Union will be able to take advantage of the short defender, particularly if the 5-8 McInerney gets the start. Goalkeeper Matt Reis is solid when he plays.

Edge: Even

Note: Goal.com’s Kyle McCarthy reports that Reis and Alston will not play due to injury.

Individual match-up to watch

Shalrie Joseph vs. anyone

Honestly, unless the Union put some youth on the field, the most interesting guy (other than Le Toux) to watch is going to be Joseph. He’s just as good as it gets in this league, so you might as well pay attention. If he was younger than 31, Europe would be calling.

Prediction

2-2 draw. The Union can’t be as bad as they were last week, can they? If the Revs are without Alston and Reis, it could make a big difference. On the other hand, they have to show they can respond to adversity before we start picking them to win games again.

The Philadelphia Union drafted first, sixth and seventh in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft. They drafted first in rounds 2 through 4.

There seemed to be a plan: Draft young, develop your players. First overall pick Danny Mwanga, sixth and seventh overall picks Amobi Okugo and Jack McInerney were teenagers. Fourth rounder Brian Perk was only 20. When you are an expansion team with a mandate to build for the future, your fans don’t expect you to win the championship. But they do expect you to follow your game plan. And lately, Peter Nowak hasn’t followed the plan he and the Union brass laid out.

After a rough start to the year, the Union got out of the blocks behind a strong performance against a bad D.C. United team. It was one of Sebastian Le Toux’s early eye-opening performances, one of the first times we realized how special he was. McInerney made a late appearance, but the other two first rounders stayed on the bench. We didn’t need them. The older guys – the experienced fellas – had a bounce to their step. Novak wanted the Union to play an open, flowing offensive style. Fred, Alejandro Moreno, Stefani Miglioranzi were calm on the ball and their steadying presence on the pitch was necessary.

But things have changed. The Union are fading fast, and last weekend’s staggeringly poor performance against against that same DC United squad showed that it’s time for major team changes. Young players need to be on the field. That’s how they become experienced players.

For too long we’ve watched a scrappy but flawed Union team suffer the mistakes you’d expect from an inexperienced team — while the experienced players are on the pitch. So what do you lose by giving the younger players some time? Will Toni Stahl make the clearance that Danny Califf whiffed on against DC?

And the scary part is that Califf isn’t one of the players who should lose their spot. His physical presence is needed on a small team. No, the players who should see the bench are the older guys who look, well, older. They are past their prime and that’s why they were available in the offseason. The vets have given a lot to the team, but there are three top 7 picks on the bench who can’t help but make the team better.

When it was clear that the Union were fading from playoff contention, Peter Nowak had two options that could have changed Philly’s fortunes. The first option was to change his tactical system to fit the players he wanted on the pitch. Put out a counterattacking system that gives the defense more midfield support and allows Moreno to play more with his back to goal instead of chasing balls in the corner. Make the outside backs into marking backs. They have struggled to involve themselves offensively since Jordan Harvey’s early season forays forward. Move Fred into the middle and make him a more traditional playmaker.

Option two: Keep the same system, but use different personnel. Give Okugo the chance to turn Miglioranzi’s position into a two-way spot. Nothing is wrong with Miglioranzi, but he’s standing in the way of our developing young talent. Get Roger Torres and Jack McInerney on the field. Let them make their mistakes and learn from them. A finisher like Le Toux, who leads the league in shots on goal, can work with a less than perfect pass.

Of these options, Nowak has chosen neither. The Union continue to play the Nowak style, but the players are weary and the optimism that carried them through the early stages of the season is gone. New signings like Justin Mapp haven’t brought new life to the team.

One more thing: Play Brian Perk. Don’t be afraid to have let goalies battle it out for the number one jersey. In order for a second stringer to grab his opportunity (or blow it, Mr. Knighton), they need to be given an opportunity.

This Union team is lucky to have an incredibly energetic fan base that will stand behind them to the end. And its lucky to have a young core of players who will bring energy to any match. Energy is just a small part of what it takes to win, but every bit helps. And the Union need all the help they can get right now.

Play fair.

Injured Alejandro Moreno.

Union fans travel well.

Goalie Bill Hamid stops Le Toux’s shot.

Juan Diego González’s header.

Danny Allsopp celebrates his first goal.

Chris Seitz getting soaked in the rain.

Sébastien Le Toux battles for the ball.

Stephen King, Stefani Miglioranzi and Dejan Jakovic fight for the ball.

(Photos by: Daniel Gajdamowicz)