Union Back In Business

After last season’s heartbreak in the playoffs, the Union kicked off their 2022 MLS campaign in a brawl with Minnesota United at Subaru Park. The Union started their revenge season in horrible fashion. Minnesota was able to capitalize early on and create many chances off of the Union’s mistakes in 1-1 draw.

However, the Union managed to hold off Minnesota’s attack until the 23rd minute when Minnesota’s midfielder, Robin Lod, got on the scoresheet and binned MLS’s first goal of the 2022 season after poor defense by the Union’s backline. The Union responded to this well and slowly worked their way back into the game. Just twelve minutes later, Union striker Cory Burke headed one in to level the game and score Union’s first goal of the season after a magnificent cross from center back Jakob Glesnes.

With ten minutes left in the half, score 1-1, both teams weren’t able to find the net again and went into the locker room leveled. After the break, Union midfielder Daniel Gazdag, led a great attack in the 57th minute, but unfortunately, the Union were not able to capitalize.

Both teams today really struggled in the final third and no team had too many great scoring chances. Because of this, neither team was able to find the winning goal and the final score ended in a 1-1 draw.

I am very disappointed in today’s play. I really thought the Union would have been coming out for blood after last season’s end but I was obviously mistaken. They played with absolutely no intensity or energy whatsoever, and lots of players disappointed including new signing Julian Carranza, on his debut. I would have loved to get three points today and start the season off with a win but that was unfortunately not the case today. On the flip side, the Union did show sparks of great team play, passing combinations, and glimpses of hope. These sparks were mainly the doing of substitutes Jack McGlynn, Paxten Aaronson, and Sergio Santos. I really hope coach Jim Curtin will continue to play these young kids such as Aaronson and McGlynn throughout the season because of the different aspect they bring to the field. In all, Union still has a great squad and I expect them to put the pieces together and have a great season.