Chances squandered in the first half proved costly as the Philadelphia Union earned a point against the San Jose Earthquakes. Here are three thoughts from the draw.
After a fairly dominating first half, possession-wise, the Philadelphia Union found themselves down 1-0 at halftime. Magnus Eriksson scored in the 37th minute to record his first goal in Major League Soccer for the Earthquakes.
"He’s on the scoresheet!@Erikssonmange7‘s first MLS goal is a beauty. #PHIvSJ https://t.co/73BcFf7vvN— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 7, 2018"
In the second half, the Union found the equalizer in the 64th minute. Alejandro Bedoya headed home a cross from Fafa Picault to make it a 1-1 match.
"Picault ➡️ Bedoya.Allll square in #PHIvSJ. https://t.co/DVHiYpagZ4— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 8, 2018"
It would remain 1-1 all the way till the end as the Union earned a point for the second time in their last three matches.
Here are three thoughts on the match.
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3. Missed chances prove costly
The Philadelphia Union had chances to go ahead in the first half as well as draw level after the Earthquakes scored. Borek Dockal and Picualt were denied by Earthquakes goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell and really should have done better.
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Accam has yet to score for the Union and this was a match where he had the real opportunity to be a difference maker. He continues to be an offensive weapon but as April moves one would hope he finds the back of the net soon than later. Late in the first half, he missed a chance when he slipped past the Earthquakes backline and blasted shot right at Tarbell.
2. Backline recovers from Badji hat-trick
The young backline was back for this match and they performed much better than last week’s 3-0 loss to the Colorado Rapids. Although it was not an exceptional performance, they kept their side in the match and did their part.
In the first half, they were opened up a few times and were lucky the Earthquakes did not capitalize on their mistakes but in the second half, they looked much better. The jury is still out on the backline but week by week there is likely to be improvement.
After letting Dominique Badji score three goals the week prior, it was a good recovery match and they showed great composure coming off of a poor showing on the road.
1. Big goal for Bedoya
After only scoring two goals in 2017, Bedoya got his fourth career goal for the Union on Saturday night. The match-tying goal was his for the taking as he asserted himself in the box with the finish.
Next: MLS: Week 5 Power Rankings
This could the best season for the Designated Player since making the move to Philadelphia in 2016. With a goal and an assist in his first four matches, the midfielder is on pace to statistically have his best offensive campaign yet.