MLS Week 1: First impressions of all 24 teams

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 3: Los Angeles FC's head coach Bob Bradley prior to Los Angeles FC's MLS match against Sporting Kansas City at the Banc of California Stadium on March 3, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles FC won the match 2-1 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images) /

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ORLANDO, UNITED STATES – JANUARY 12: Marco Fabian of Eintracht Frankfurt during the match between Flamengo v Eintracht Frankfurt at the Orlando City Stadum on January 12, 2019 in Orlando United States (Photo by Laurens Lindhout/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

Philadelphia Union

Marco Fabian found a way onto the scoresheet through the penalty spot. Beyond that, there were very few positives for the Union. Jim Curtin knows he has to make progress this year, or he could be sacked before summer. With Curtin on a short leash, he must take the same approach to underperforming players. Both goals allowed went right through Ilsihno and Haris Medunjanin. Andre Blake deserves a better defense in front of him.

Fabian, Corey Burke and Fafa Picault can strike on the occasional counter-attack, but they will need help for any sustained goal production. The inconsistent CJ Sapong was shipped out this offseason yet no true striker was bought to finish off what Medunjanin and Alejandro Bedoya serve up from midfield. Picault wasted several chances, while Burke received very little service down the left channel.

Usually, it takes weeks to burst the bubble of hope to start a season. Philadelphia fans must feel like this season is already a drag. The Union were expecting big things but had their home opener spoiled by a Toronto FC squad that looked dire days before.

Only so much can be blamed on poor officiating. The Union controlled stretches of play but produced too few chances. Medunjanin, especially, cannot afford another poor outing against Sporting KC this weekend.

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