Historically the Union have not been a very good early season team. This stereotype was put to the test last Sunday when they played F.C Dallas away. When they were beaten handily 2-0, the same sense of “here we go again” and “oh no” was in the air. A feeling that has plagued Union fans for years now. This past Sunday, the Union faced another road test when they went to Mapfre Stadium to face the Columbus Crew, the reigning Eastern Conference champions. When the starting lineup was released an hour and a half before the game, I felt the “oh no” rock me. The starting lineup looked like this:
GK: Andre Blake
RB: Keegan Rosenberry
CB: Richie Marquez
CB: Ken Tribbett
LB: Fabinho
CDM: Warren Creavalle
CDM: Brian Carroll
RM: Leo Fernandes
CAM: Illsinho
LM: Chris Pontius
ST: C.J. Sapong
What transpired on Saturday shocked both Columbus and Philadelphia fans alike. The Union, thanks to a Christ Pontius brace, came out strong and beat the Crew 2-1. The lone goal for the Crew came from star striker and proven goal scorer Kei Kamara. The game was shocking in a sense. The sense being that a highly talented Crew team came out flat-footed and uninterested against a not so full strength Union team. It looked like the Crew disregarded the Union before the opening kick. Andre Blake for the second week in a row put together a stellar performance. His six saves were all quality saves to preserve a really tough and hard earned three points.
Not only Blake’s saves and Christ Pontius’s two goals but Warren Creavalle stepped up and put together his best game in a Union uniform. Creavalle was not supposed to start this weekend, but he started in front of Vincent Nogueira. Nogueira was dropped at the last minute due to a freak injury the Friday training before the game. Nothing serious and will likely not miss any time. Creavalle played fantastically in the CDM role. Making key interceptions and tackles, as well as providing on the counter attack.
Creavalles’ performance overshadowed Brian Carroll, who for the second week in a row started for an injured Maurice Edu, who will be out for three months due to a stress fracture in his foot. Carroll has not looked up to par for the first two weeks, and it may be time for Curtin to look elsewhere in the squad to cover the CDM role. Edu is no longer needed this season in the CB role because of the emergence of Ken Tribbett, Anderson, Richie Marquez and Joshua Yaro. So with that being said, who should Curtin replace Carroll with?
Size does not necessarily mean a lot in soccer, or in this case the MLS. The league is tough and gritty and not as fast paced as La Liga or the English Premier League. A team needs toughness. Two players on the squad right now possess those qualities to fit right into the CDM spot. Vincent Nogueira has the first CDM role locked up. Warren Creavalle and Joshua Yaro are those players needed in the second CDM role. Creavalle is tough and virtually hasn’t been given the opportunity to prove himself in the game. The Columbus game was a good example of his skill set and what he can contribute. Joshua Yaro has not seen game time yet. In fact, he has not even been named in the 18 player sheet for the first two games. Though he could transfer his position from CB to CDM if need be. Yaro possesses great pace and toughness to play the spot. It would not be a bad idea given that he is a rookie and has a lot to learn from the coaches and the league. With Brian Carroll being older and losing a step, it’s time to look towards younger options. Yaro and Creavalle fit the bill and should both be given the chance.
Main Photo: Jamie Sabau, Getty Images
