Jack McGlynn Magic Saves Union a Point
Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union
The Philadelphia Union salvaged a draw against DC United, in the nation’s capital, thanks to an eye-popping strike by Jack McGlynn in the 79th minute.
After back-to-back disappointing home losses, it took a late Jack McGlynn strike to save the Philadelphia Union from going pointless in three games. That is the good news. How we got there is a bit more worrisome.
Jim Curtin‘s starting eleven were visited by a familiar early-season acquaintance, the Early Goal Allowed, within ten minutes of the whistle blowing. Some good passing within the right side channels freed up Jared Stroud to cut back to Cristian Dajome charging into the box unmarked. His booming strike was into the top middle of the net before Oliver Semmle ever had a chance. On a cold, rainy Saturday (after a midweek fixture as well) the Union were chasing the game again, this time in the 9th minute.
It got worse before it got better too, though Julian Carranza nearly leveled the match in the 31st minute. He managed to turn the free kick, which appeared to be a botched set piece play, into a beautiful strike that rattled the crossbar, having Alex Bono beaten easily.
The hole got deeper two minutes later on a very routine-looking play. Bono had the ball played back to his feet and sent a long ball towards Christian Benteke. Benteke won the aerial dual and flicked the ball forward to Stroud. Using his noggin, Stroud guided the headed ball parallel to Jacob Murrell. Under no pressure from Jakub Glesnes, Murrell was able to let the ball run between his legs onto his left foot. Off a quick turn, he calmly slotted his first touch past a diving left hand of Semmle and into the corner from just outside the 18-yard box.
Desperate and chasing, the Union were able to get a goal back before halftime. The 42nd-minute goal can only be described as the result of a superbly designed and worked set-piece play.
Kai Wagner was staring down a free kick from near midfield on the left attacking side of the pitch. The Union attackers and DC defenders formed their line about three yards outside the 18-yard box awaiting the delivery in. Except Alejandro Bedoya had other thoughts that Kai Wagner picked up on. Coming from the middle of the row of players, Bedoya ran towards the direction of the free kick. Bending his run off the end of the line towards goal, Bedoya took Wagner’s perfectly weighted and rolled ball in stride and coolly chipped over Bono giving the Union a much-needed goal and spark before the break.
That spark was nearly extinguished in the 72nd minute but great positioning by Nathan Harriel allowed him to head Theodore Ku-DiPietro’s goal-bound shot away. That block proved crucial minutes later when some great individual work by a few guys allowed the Union to draw even. Making his case for man of the match, Alejandro Bedoya’s lung-busting chase allowed Jack McGlynn to have his moment, though McGlynn still did plenty of work.
Bedoya ran a long way to keep Josef Martinez‘s driving switch from midfield in play along the right side. After a bit of a two man game between Bedoya and himself, Nathan Harriel strongly held off a challenge to get the ball back to McGlynn. From there, the magic began. McGlynn gathered the ball in with the outside of his left foot and pushed toward the middle of the field. He pushed inside a bit further and made up his mind to be a hero. From thirty-plus yards out, and with a youthful confidence, McGlynn lashed his filthy left foot through the ball. The ball rose up tailing left and, upon its approach to the goal, dipped right into the top left corner.
On Saturday night, the Philadelphia Union played with fire like they have done on numerous occasions this season. Yes, they got away with it. Yes, they managed to get a point on the road. Yes, Jack McGlynn has a really good left foot. Some of these answers may continue to remain yes moving forward. At some point, the Union needs to stop asking desperate questions of themselves, however, and play a full, inspired ninety minutes. They may be capable of creating these magic moments but to keep needing them is a dangerous game, one this writer doesn’t believe the squad can continue to play.
The Philadelphia Union return to the Subaru Park pitch Saturday, May 11 against Orlando FC at 7:30 pm EST. The teams have each won twice and drawn once, their most recent meeting, in the last five contests.
Use code PHILLYSPORTSREPORT for $20 off your first SeatGeek order
Click here to save 10% on any order at FOCO
