The Philadelphia Union went into the Copa America Centenario break in first place in the eastern conference with a good deal of momentum. Everything seemed to finally be going the Union’s way. After beating the Columbus Crew 3-2 at home to stay undefeated at Talen Energy Stadium, they were on an eight game unbeaten streak. This run ties a franchise record set back in 2011 which was the only year they have made the playoffs. They were four points clear of the competition and averaged about one goal allowed per game. Jim Curtin had stated in a press conference that allowing on average one goal per game was a goal for the team. Everything seemed fine until Vincent Nogueira happened.
Vincent Nogueira came to the club in 2014 from Sochaux in France. He had lived there all of his life, but he felt he needed a change of scenery and came to Philadelphia to thrive. And thrive he did. He gelled right in with the team. He sat in the No.8 role and was solid in most games. He sat back on the attack and spread the ball side to side slowly working up field. He quickly took fans hearts as Philadelphia’s favorite Frenchman (sorry Sebastien Le Toux). Last Wednesday night after the US Open Cup game against the Harrisburg City Islanders, Nogueira and the Union came to an understanding. It was time for him to go back to France.
His contract was mutually terminated and he has since moved back to France to be with his family. Though plagued by injuries this year, anytime he was on the field meant a much smoother distribution of the ball out the back. The timing really could not have been worse, which is why the Union are now scrambling to find an answer to the empty space in the line up.
This is a very fortunate year to be deep in the midfield. Nogueira was not well known to fans around the league but teams knew what he was capable of. His loss could be detrimental to the team, but they have the players to make up for it. Tranquillo Barnetta is the first to come to mind. The game against NYCFC showed this when they were down 3-0. After Curtin subbed on Roland Alberg, Barnetta sat in the No.8 role and seemed to look comfortable there. This allowed Alberg and Illsinho to get creative up top. He’s played in that role before in Germany so it wouldn’t be a learning experience or learning curve per say. Both Barnetta and Nogueira have different play styles. Nogueira playing more side to side and Barnetta playing through the middle of the field.
Roland Alberg and Illsinho are the next two who could fill the role. On Wednesday night’s game against the Chicago Fire, both Alberg and Illsinho were in the starting 11. The formation seemed to have shifted from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-3 to accommodate the attack-minded midfielders. Barnetta, who plays in the CAM role, moved back to the No.8. And boy did this work out.
Roland Alberg netted the first hat trick at Talen Energy Stadium. He should have had four goals but his first “goal” bounced off the post and hit Chicago’s Jonathan Campbell. He set the franchise record for shots on goal with six. He now has six goals in his last three games played. So it’s obvious that Curtin will continue with Alberg in the 11. Illsinho is a question mark though. He has Le Toux right in his back now who the two seem to sub in for each other every 70th minute. He has yet to record a goal for the team but he is by far the most skillful on the team and possesses great on field vision.
When Nogueira was out this year this with injury, Curtin used Warren Creavalle and Brian Carroll as the CDM pairing. Brian Carroll, who has made over 300 MLS appearances, has made those games count. He scored a late equalizer away at Colorado Rapids to secure a draw. Creavalle has been one of the highest touted CDM this year. When Maurice Edu comes back from his leg injury, one of those two will lose their spot. Maybe even both if Barnetta starts to play CDM. It is also worth noting that Leo Fernandes has played in the CDM role before and is willing and able.
Main Photo: Michael Stewart, Getty Images
