Whether it was some cruel joke, or some twisted turn of fate, Philadelphia’s May schedule was anything but a laughing matter; to the club, at least.
May included two meetings with the current Supporters' Shield leader D.C. United, a cross-continent trip to visit Vancouver, currently the Western Conference’s second-best club, then matches against Toronto FC and the New York Red Bulls, both of whom reside near the top of the table in the East.
How’d they do? It was up and down. Consecutive losses to Toronto FC and Vancouver, followed by wins over D.C. United and New York, finishing with a 2-1 loss in our nation’s capital last Saturday.
Overall, Philadelphia stands at 3-8-3 after a rocky start to the season that yielded a 1-5-2 record through March and April. Despite the rugged May schedule, it was actually Philadelphia’s best month of the season, and they sit two points outside of the playoff picture because of it.
Despite the recent success, the stats continue to rear their ugly head. The Union boast the league’s worst goal differential (-9) and lead the league in goals allowed (23). Fernando Aristeguieta has been a bright spot on an otherwise futile offense, picking up three goals and 32 shots so far this season.
Four of those goals allowed came during Philadelphia’s 4-1 loss at the hands of Crew SC. Kei Kamara and Justin Meram each picked up a goal while Ethan Finlay recorded a brace in the club’s most prolific offensive performance of the season.
Philadelphia goalkeeper John McCarthy started and finished that match, but that position has been in a state of flux for the Union: three different goalkeepers have started for Philadelphia this season. McCarthy and Rais Mbolhi have each started five matches, while Brian Sylvestre has started four. Sylvestre started Philadelphia’s most recent match against D.C. United on Saturday.
Philadelphia Union Quick Facts:
Regular Season Record: 3-8-3
Points: 12
Eastern Conference Rank: 8th
HomeRecord: 2-3-1
Goals For: 14
Goals Against: 23
Current Run: LWWLL
Last Match: 2-1 loss to D.C. United
