Philadelphia Union: Is this the week that Ilson Jr returns to the starting lineup?

By Chuck Booth | Mar 31, 2017

Aug 13, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Philadelphia Union midfielder Ilsinho (25) congratulates forward C.J. Sapong (17) on his goal during the first half against the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /

After a good preseason, a tweak to his hamstring has held Ilson Jr out of the lineup for the Philadelphia Union.

This preseason, Ilson Jr looked like a guy ready to fight for his spot with the Philadelphia Union. He showed up to training in shape and looked closer to his playing style for Shakhtar Donetsk than what we saw with the Union last year.

He was likely responding to an ultimatum that if he didn’t play better this season that he’d be benched indefinitely and for his price tag it’s completely understandable. Ilson Jr is one of the highest paid athletes on the Philadelphia Union roster but last year he didn’t do nearly enough to justify that tag.

Last season, the man formerly known as Ilsinho contributed two goals and assists but showcased tantalizing skill. His elastico’s and ability to beat guys in one on one situations left Philadelphia Union fans clamoring for more but it never came. Last year was a down one for Ilson Jr because of injuries, getting back into soccer shape after a year off while also acclimating to a new league.

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All of these things combined makes it understandable that Ilson Jr struggled last year but they also made it more important that he puts up numbers for the Philadelphia Union this year.

In his absence from the lineup this year, Fabian Herbers has been the most effective winger for the Philadelphia Union collecting an assist and showcasing an impressive defensive work rate while filling in for Ilson Jr. Because of this, he would need a break in order to regain his spot. Well, he may have gotten one:

Talked to Chris Pontius at Union training. He broke his hand in the Orlando game. Playing with a plastic cast.
— Matthew De George (@sportsdoctormd) March 29, 2017

While Pontius is capable of playing with a broken hand, he hasn’t been great this season so a stay on the sidelines could do him some good. Herbers is capable of playing on the left side and with Ilson Jr returning, he can deputize on the right side of the midfield. In Fafa Picault, the Union still have a sub who’s capable of taking over if Ilson Jr is unable to go a full 90 minutes but this is his chance to show that he deserves more playing time.

With DC United struggling to kickstart their season it’s the perfect situation for Ilson Jr to make his first start of the season prior to a tough three-game home stretch. Hopefully, he’ll be able to parlay his cameo against Orlando City into an exciting display for the Union because they could desperately use someone to take pressure off of Alejandro Bedoya and when Ilson Jr is at his best, he can draw the attention of defenders and make them look silly.

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In a struggling Philadelphia Union attack, Ilson Jr can be the guy that opens space up for everyone. Let’s see if he can be the difference maker in DC.

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