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Philadelphia Union: the ole onionbag (mailbag) week three

By Chuck Booth

Apr 1, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Philadelphia Union forward C.J. Sapong (17) celebrates with midfielder Derrick Jones (21) after scoring a goal against D.C. United during the second half at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial. D.C. United won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Philadelphia Union forward C.J. Sapong (17) celebrates with midfielder Derrick Jones (21) after scoring a goal against D.C. United during the second half at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial. D.C. United won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s that time of the week again where I answer fan questions about the state of the Philadelphia Union and anything else that catches your fancy.

It has been tough times for the Philadelphia Union as they haven’t won a game since august 27th 2016 and the mood in this week’s mailbag echoes the fan frustrations of dropping into last place in the Eastern Conference.

You can view the last edition of the Philadelphia Union mailbag here

Let’s open the bag of frustrations from Twitter this week.

Our first question is from Ricky Zellefrow: When are we going to stop stranding our striker out for most of the game and switch to an actually useful formation?

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This has been a question that has been seriously grinding my gears. The Philadelphia Union have the personnel to run a proper two striker formation but Jim Curtin is possibly one of the least flexible coaches that I’ve ever seen in regards to tactics and personnel choices. If there isn’t an injury, you can basically name the Philadelphia Union formation in your sleep outside of who starts at striker and that’s an issue.

But chasing a goal in DC this past weekend there was a noticeable shift in tactics once CJ Sapong came on. Chris Pontius tucked in behind Sapong and Alejandro Bedoya shifted out left sparking the offense. Not only did Sapong score but Bedoya looked better than he has all season while making a brief appearance on the wing where he was usually deployed during his time at FC Nantes.

While I’m not sure if Jim Curtin will look to employ a formation like this moving forward, this tactical shift was a step forward for him. With three straight home matchups, it is the perfect time to try out a new lineup but we’ll see if it’s mentioned in Curtin’s midweek presser.

Next is a question from Danny Penthouse from twitter: How do we as Union fans go on?

Well, Danny, number one is to get out there and support your team. They’ve had a rough road trip after an underwhelming home opener during which it was only 20 degrees in Chester. These guys are aching to play in front of a home crowd. Nothing will propel them forward like seeing the stands at Talen Energy Stadium full and it begins with cheering them on against the dangerous Portland Timbers. Times are hard but don’t lose hope.

Next, we’ve got a question from Philadelphia Union fan account Dooper Scooper: What (or who) do you attribute our “flat” play to on this team? Is it something Curtin can fix?

I’d say that there is too much pressure on Alejandro Bedoya right now. He’s not a number 10 and it has shown in the early going. Curtin showed the solution to solving this issue is by shifting Bedoya out wide but the biggest question going into the Portland game is will Curtin change the formation to accommodate Bedoya the winger or will the team keep moving with something that obviously isn’t working. We just have to wait and see.

Another question from a fan account, this time Friends of Ben: Where would you play our captain and leader Alejandro Bedoya from now on?

I’ve discussed this a bit above but I firmly believe that Bedoya’s best position is on the wing and that is where I would like to see him play.

From Tallahassee Union: How many points does Curtin need from the homestand to save his job?

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I’d like to say three but three points in a win, not three draws. The winless streak is looming large over the organization and the longer that it extends the hotter that Curtin’s seat will get. I’d like to see at least five points out of this homestand but I’m not too confident about it. Less than three points and Earnie Stewart will have a serious decision to make. If the Philadelphia Union reach the end of April without winning a game, Curtin has to go.

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