The Philadelphia Union’s next home game can’t come soon enough. After another tough loss on the road to Real Salt Lake, hosting FC Dallas at Lincoln Financial Field next weekend will be a welcome respite after four straight defeats on the road.
Watch: FULL MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Against RSL, The Union were undone by defensive mistakes, a common theme in past losses. After the match, coach Peter Nowak stressed the need to get on the board first in matches, something they have done only once, in the 3-2 win at home to D.C. United.
“Right now we’re talking about the importance of the first goal and the importance of keeping things tied and playing our type of soccer,” Nowak said. “We did have the chance to score the goal, the first goal. Similar situation, we didn’t convert and Real Salt Lake did convert. If you’re chasing the game every single week, it’s difficult not only to make a play but to tie the game or win the game.”
RSL’s first goal came when fullback Cristian Arrieta sent an ill-advised back pass towards Chris Seitz that was picked off and eventually led to a Kyle Beckerman goal.
“We made the individual mistakes that shouldn’t have happened,” Nowak said. “I’m hoping and the team hopes that sooner or later we’re going to stop making these small mistakes because as I said the importance of scoring the first goal is really big for the morale and overall confidence. We didn’t convert the chances and Salt Lake did and that’s where the game goes.”
A lot of the focus was on Seitz, who made his return to Salt Lake for the first time since being traded to the Union last fall. Despite allowing three goals, Nowak stood by his embattled 23-year-old goalkeeper.
“From my personal experience with Chris from the national team to the Olympic team, we know what to expect from each other,” Nowak said. “He has a great work ethic and he’s eager to play every weekend. I appreciate the effort he’s making. We all need time, him included.”
Despite the loss and the key errors, the side did play well for extended periods. Before RSL opened the scoring, they forced Nick Rimando into several saves, and Roger Torres should’ve put a chance away. Instead, his shot was blocked by Rimando.
“No such thing as points for the moral victory,” Nowak said. “We need to turn these into good results. I’m glad that we played this way. We did a pretty job of going forward and trying to score some goals. The second half, of course, if you’re chasing the game, it’s difficult to keep the concentration and keep the focus. We believe that when you correct these mistakes and still play the way we play, at some point, it will pay off.”
Playing Dallas, another side with just one win on the season, and playing them at home never looked so good.
