Philadelphia Union: Time to Move for Mix Diskerud?

Stop me if you’ve heard this before but the Philadelphia Union need to shake things up and the transfer window is closing fast.

Since the Copa America break, (aka since Vincent Nogueira departed the team) the Philadelphia Union are 2-5-1 and have scored 15 goals while allowing 19 goals. That equates to 2.38 goals allowed per game this is bad. It looks even worse when it’s compared to the fact that they only gave up 16 goals in their first 14 games of the season. While the offense has improved, the defensive drop-off has been so stark that it doesn’t matter.

That drop-off is caused by breakdowns in team defense meaning that people aren’t keeping track of their assignments and it’s clear in watching the Philadelphia Union play. Both Warren Crevalle and Tranquillo Barnetta have been having serious issues tracking runners leaving the back four fully exposed.

Neither of them are true number eights and next to defensive midfielder that likes to stay deep in Brian Carroll it creates an imbalance in the midfield. Post Nogueira, the team is beginning to see just how much he brought to the pitch day in and day out.

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Quality teams are able to rip through the Union midfield like it’s made of paper. If you look at any game that the Union have played against a truly technical team especially the last two games in which they’ve given up seven goals, five to Montreal and two to Real Salt Lake the midfield imbalance is exploited time and time again.

The Philadelphia Union need to find a way to replace that, and looking at the current roster, that type of player isn’t already on it. It’s no fault of their own because the Nogueira departure blindsided everyone, But we’re at the point of the season where the team needs to get up, lick their wounds and move on aka sign a replacement.

Luckily the MLS Secondary Transfer Window is still open for a few more days so the Union could find that player. It’s rumored that they are currently looking within the MLS for options and there’s a good one just a short drive north in New York City. Yep, I’m talking about the out of favor Mix Diskerud.

Jun 2, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York City FC midfielder Mix Diskerud (10) against Real Salt Lake during a match at Yankee Stadium. Real Salt Lake defeated New York City 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

The 25-year-old midfielder is currently the fourth choice midfielder for New York City FC (NYCFC) behind Frank Lampard, Andrea Pirlo, and Mikey Lopez. Head Coach Patrick Viera has also been quoted saying that if the right deal came along, he wouldn’t block Mix’s exit.

Here’s the full quote courtesy of Empire Of Soccer,

"“He is going through a difficult period because he is an international player and he needs and wants to play,” Vieira said. “I can understand his frustrations and if there is a team that is around that is interested then as a club we will talk about it.”"

And an addition on Mix’s exile from the starting XI,

"“If he wants to play, he will have to do more than what he is doing the past few weeks,” Vieira said. “He has to do more than what the other people are doing, because, at the position he plays, we are happy with the players who have been there lately.”"

A Mix signing wouldn’t be the flashiest signing out there and it does come with some hurdles, mainly his contract but if the Philadelphia Union could get NYCFC to subsidize part of the contract it begins to look like a much better deal for the team.

So far this season the 25-year-old US International has made 12 appearances (nine of which were starts) for NYCFC. While on the pitch Mix has tallied two assists and one goal. He also brings the ability to function centrally or on the wing which helps a Philadelphia Union team that values versatility.

Here are a few things that Diskerud could bring to the Philadelphia Union,

Mix has a high defensive work rate which is shown by his average of 2.1 tackles per game. Brian Carroll is adequate when he’s placed with another midfielder that’s adept at tracking runners and Mix would bring just that dynamic.
He’s very strong at holding onto the ball and thanks to his time playing higher up the pitch, he has an excellent eye for putting the ball into the final third. Union midfielders have been dispossessed far too often this season so it would be welcome to have a safe outlet to link the back line with the attacking band.
He has youth on his side, at 25 this doesn’t have to be a short term solution for the Philadelphia Union. It also means that if he’s not in Earnie Stewart’s long-term plans, Stewart would be able to recoup a significant transfer fee.

Next: Union Disappoint in Loss to Real Salt Lake

On most teams in the league, Mix would be a surefire starter but he’s unlucky enough to play on a team with two world class Designated Players who play his position. It’s time for him to leave the Big Apple and the City of Brotherly Love could be a viable destination.

Editor’s Note: Do you agree / disagree with this? Make your voices heard in the comments. We’d love to hear about who else you may think is a viable option for the Philadelphia Union to sign.

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