This is the third positional segment of our 2016 season preview series. You can see our breakdown of defenders or midfielders from the prior two weeks. This week, we’ll wrap up our preview with the goalkeepers. Fans can suggest their starters by using the hashtag #UnionXI or by leaving their comment below. Who should start out of this group?
Off the bat, keep in mind it appears the Union will trot out the 4-2-3-1 formation head coach Jim Curtin has been accustom to using since taking over in 2014. That doesn’t mean it can’t (or won’t) change, but we’re going to assume the Union stay in typical formation.
By that same token, there is a natural possibility that some players we talked about in our midfield preview wind up seeing minutes out wide in our wingers/attackers preview. That is perhaps no more evident than with players Tranquillo Barnetta and Roland Alberg – as well as Leo Fernandes. As it’s always dangerous to lump players into one category on the soccer field, we’ve done it to avoid confusion, not to suggest Barnetta cannot play wide. Likewise, Ilsinho could certainly shuffle into the middle.
But let’s stick with what we have. If the Union keep Barnetta and Alberg centrally with Maurice Edu and Vincent Nogueira, Curtin still has a plethora of options on the wing in an area that the Union brass seemingly honed in on during the offseason (in addition to the back four).
The Union kicked off their preseason by trading for Chris Pontius. Then, they added Walter Restrepo from New York Cosmos in January. A month later, they officially signed Ilsinho and rookie Cole Missimo. In addition to holdovers Sebastien Le Toux and Eric Ayuk, there are at least six true wingers in the group.
As for the lone forward spot, the Union re-signed C.J. Sapong in February to a three-year deal and used the No. 6 overall pick on Fabian Herbers. Figure Le Toux could slot in there if needed as well.
Returning starters
C.J. Sapong (27 GP, 20 GS, 9G, 4A, 69 percent passing): The 27-year-old striker has some big plans this year, and regardless what you think of the lofty expectations, it’s evident that Sapong was a clear difference-maker when he was on the field last year. He missed games due to injury and suspension, but if he can play more than 30 games and the Union get similar (or even better), it’s reasonable to think he can score around 15 goals. Take it for what it’s worth, but if you take his minutes per goal last year (210) and increase his minutes to a full season this year, he’d be at 14.6 goals.
Sebastien Le Toux (31 GP, 26 GS, 8G, 6A, 72.1 passing): Curtin knows what he has in the 32-year-old winger, but it remains to be seen if the veteran will keep a starting spot in a loaded midfield. Regardless, the consummate team player still has one of the best work rates in MLS, and while his production has waned in recent years, he’s more than capable of getting on the score-sheet.
Returning players
Eric Ayuk (28 GP, 14 GS, 2G, 2A, 75.5 passing): Whenever it was fans first saw Ayuk, they probably didn’t foresee the young Cameroonian playing 28 games for the Union in 2015. He became the youngest player in franchise history to score a goal against Columbus on April 25 and he really added an extra dimension for the attack with his pace and technical ability. But he’s still just 19 years old. The growing pains are there, but so is the talent. Remember this?
Incoming Players
Ilsinho (14 GP, 0G, 5A for Shakhtar Donetsk in 2014-15 Premier Liga): He’s done just about everything in Europe, from winning multiple domestic titles to a UEFA Cup title to 19 appearances in UEFA Champions League. Now he’s here in Philadelphia and still just 30 years old. He’s going to make an impact for the club, but it’s still to be determined where. He’s most familiar on the right wing, but there’s no reason why he can’t, or won’t, play centrally. Time will tell.
Fabian Herbers (23 GP, 23 GS, 15G, 17A for Creighton): German-born, Herbers spearheaded a dynamic offensive attack at Creighton and should find his place for the Union in time. His skillset is vast, but he’s still just 22 years old and will need to adapt to the physical MLS game. He’ll backup Sapong at the forward position and will certainly get his chance to prove himself.
Cole Missimo (18 GP, 15 GS, 1G, 2A for Northwestern): The fourth round pick of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft might be overlooked, but Curtin and Stewart clearly see something in the Northwestern product. He’s the typical wide attacking winger that the Union have clearly set out this offseason to bring in.
Chris Pontius (23 GP, 17 GS, 3G, 1A, 80.7 passing for D.C. United): A natural left-winger, Pontius has really impressed during the preseason and could be poised for a breakout year in his first professional season away from United. His movement and accuracy seems most appealing right now and the coaching staff seems convinced he can put together a year to resemble his numbers in 2011 and 2012. Staying healthy will be vital.
Walter Restrepo (29 GP, 24 GS, 3G, 5A for New York Cosmos): A two-time NASL Best XI selection, Restrepo is your prototypical attacking winger, well-known for his speed. He’ll make his MLS debut this year and seems poised for that “super-sub” type role should the Union need goals late.
This is the ninth installment of the 2016 Philadelphia Union season preview. All month at PhiladelphiaUnion.com, we’re breaking down what lies ahead with the season less than one week away. What's on your mind for the Union attack in the 2016 season? Don’t forget to vote on Twitter using the hashtag #UnionXI or leave your comment below.
