Football Season Review

Philadelphia Union managed to achieve their aim of making it to the playoffs but it proved to be a disappointing ending to the campaign as they failed to make it past the first hurdle itself in the post season. Having endured a poor campaign last time around that saw them finish ninth in the Eastern Conference, not much was expected of Philadelphia who were once again tipped to finish outside the top six. Signings proved to be a major success for Philadelphia as they continued their quest on overhauling the roster with Roland Alberg and Ilsinho their major successes from overseas while Super Draft picks Joshua Yaro and Keegan Rosenberry quickly established themselves as key components in the starting lineup. Philadelphia enjoyed a pretty good first half of the season which saw them consolidate their position in the top six of the Eastern Conference and they hardly felt the absence of captain Maurice Edu who spent almost the whole campaign on the treatment table. Alberg proved to be an early success while Andre Blake continued his progression with some excellent displays over the course of the season. However it was Chris Pontius' form that was vital for Philadelphia as the attacker top scored with 12 goals and also chipping in with four assists. Philadelphia's hot start to the season proved to be crucial in their quest to clinch a playoff spot as their form dropped off in the final weeks of the season as they could only manage to collect just two points in their last seven games. However with teams below them also struggling for consistency, Philadelphia just about managed to hold on for a sixth placed finish, thanks to a superior goal difference record compared to New England Revolution. Coach Jim Curtin was hoping that the playoffs would help Philadelphia return back to form but another poor display in the knockout round saw them suffer another disappointing defeat to Toronto FC to bring an end to a fairly satisfactory campaign. Curtin will be happy with how the season went for his side but has a couple of big decisions to make during the off-season. Tranquillo Barnetta has already confirmed that he will be leaving the club and move back to Switzerland while Philadelphia will also need a dependable backup for CJ Sapong in the attack, with Charlie Davies' short term move not working out for the club. Key for Philadelphia's prospects though will be Edu's fitness who should provide a better balance to the side if he manages to put behind an injury-riddled season and which could see Alejandro Bedoya put more in the attack as he gears up for his first full campaign for Philadelphia.

Player of the Season: Chris Pontius