Peter Nowak surprised some people when he set out to build the expansion Philadelphia Union. Instead of stock-piling veterans in hopes of winning right away, Nowak hoarded young talent, with an eye toward the future.
The result in year one was a team that struggled, but showed heart and entertained. The Union had its flaws, but also uncovered a gem in Sebastien LeToux, to go along with some promising kids. Philadelphia was never a playoff threat, but fans had reason to be optimistic about the future.
With Year Two set to kick off, it’s time for the kids to grow up, and time for Nowak to turn the Union into a playoff team. The team took steps toward bolstering the squad with some key veteran signings, while also shedding several of the players who underperformed in 2010.
The Union addressed some key positions, including goalkeeper, where Colombian veteran Faryd Mondragon will be called on to provide stability to a back-line that sorely needs it. Fellow Colombian newcomer Carlos Valdes should help the defense, though Nowak is still searching for defenders to fill out the squad.
The team parted ways with Michael Orozco Fiscal, who’s loan expired. The reality is he struggled last year and his loss won’t be as detrimental to the team as some may believe. Bringing him back wasn’t an option considering San Luis was seeking a sizeable fee, but now it will be up to Valdes to show he’s a viable replacement.
The Union’s smartest acquisition of off-season may be the addition of veteran defensive midfielder Brian Carroll, who won an MLS Cup with Nowak at D.C. United, and also a championship with the Columbus Crew. He’s not flashy, but Carroll’s tenacity and positioning should help a Union midfield that got caught out of position far too often in 2010.
Philadelphia should once again boast an entertaining attack, with LeToux serving as the catalyst. One of the surprises of the 2010 MLS season, LeToux came to Philly via the Expansion Draft and immediately flourished in the Union attack, becoming an unlikely league MVP candidate in the progress.
LeToux will be able to focus on playing on the right flank with the arrival of former MLS MVP Carlos Ruiz. The enigmatic Guatemalan striker should partner with Rookie of the Year finalist Danny Mwanga. If Ruiz can come close to the form that once made him one of the most dangerous strikers in MLS, the Union attack could boast one of the better forward tandems in the league.
With some veteran pieces added up front, in midfield and in the defense, the Union will feature a much more mature team this season than in 2010, and it should be a better team. Will it be improved enough to reach the playoffs? It is possible, but until we see the Union’s reconstructed defense in action, we won’t truly know just what Philadelphia’s playoff chances are this season.
PHILADELPHIA UNION
KEY LOSSES: Michael Orozco Fiscal, Brad Knighton, Chris Seitz, Cristian Arrieta, Shea Salinas, Andrew Jacobson, Eduardo Coudet
NEW ARRIVALS: Faryd Mondragon, Carlos Ruiz, Carlos Valdes, Brian Carroll, Chris Agorser, Zak MacMath
BIGGEST QUESTION: Will the defense be good enough? Philadelphia has the players to score goals, with LeToux and Mwanga leading the attack, but the back-line remains a mystery, with some unsigned defenders expected to be added around the start of the season. As it stands, the back-line isn’t good enough so the Union had better be ready to unveil some upgrades.
X-FACTOR: Roger Torres. The skillful midfielder showed some impressive flashes last season for the Union, but he’ll need to become even more of an impact player this year if the Union are going to be a playoff threat. He has the skills to be a force.
OUTLOOK: The Philadelphia Union struggled to get results, particularly on the road, but Nowak will be banking on a revamped defense and the leadership of Mondragon to help the Union compete in the wide-open Eastern Conference. LeToux and Mwanga should form one of the best attacking duos in the league, but the midfield will need to step it up considerably, and the defense will have to be much better, if Philly is really going to grab a playoff spot. Look for them to compete, but fall just short of a playoff spot.
Ives Galarcep is a senior writer for FoxSoccer.com covering Major League Soccer and the U.S. national team.
