The Philadelphia Union are now the only undefeated team in MLS. This has them not only on top of the MLS-wide table but 5 points clear of 2nd in the Eastern Conference. Riding a franchise-best 5 game winning streak, the Union may have shown their best trait as a team in a 1-0 over Columbus.
First, let us just sit here and have a nice look at this beautiful table.
Still the only unbeaten team in MLS, @PhilaUnion sit at the top of the Eastern Conference. pic.twitter.com/Urg8U82e58
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 11, 2022
Sitting 5 points clear and 2 more wins than all other Eastern Conference teams, means the Union is also finally getting media praise. The Union (for the 2nd week in a row) sits atop MLS Power Rankings. The league is officially on notice of the Philadelphia Union being a top team in MLS.
On top of that, individual accolades keep adding up. Jack Elliott was named to the MLS Team of the Week, with Andre Blake making the bench!
Union Showed Their Best Trait VS Columbus
The Union beat Columbus 1-0 at home over the weekend, thanks to Columbus GK Eloy Room throwing the ball into his own net. I mean seriously, you cannot watch this enough.
I guess Brujo put some ✨wizardry✨ on that cross and we are up early!#DOOP | #PHIvCLB 1-0 pic.twitter.com/6c62mvHq7Y
— PhilaUnion (@PhilaUnion) April 9, 2022
However, despite Room’s blunder, the Union was lucky to walk away with all 3 points. Which showed the Union has a trait that great teams need to have. Winning despite playing the worst you have all year.
It was ugly at times for the Union. Columbus dictated possession of the ball. However, unlike when the Union gave NYCFC possession for 78% of the game in week 2, Columbus actually had threatening possession of the ball. Columbus should have put at least 1 to 2 goals in the back of the net.
The Union still played their way, however. Their counter-attack did threaten, but they left a lot of goals on the table. Gazdag specifically played one of his weaker games of the year. Missing 2 opportunities 1 on 1 with Eloy Room.
Despite the lackluster performance from the Union this past weekend, they won. And that is what great teams do. Winning despite playing below expectations is a trait great teams have to have if they want to contend for championships.
The Union has put up 4 straight clean sheets. Yeah the Union giving up possession may look concerning, but does it really matter if they don’t allow their opponents to do anything with it?
What’s Next?
The Union now head up north to Toronto FC to try and extend their unbeaten run. What they proved against Columbus is you may outplay the Union, but they still might beat you anyways.
Featured Image: Wes Shepherd/PHLSportsNation
