Football Season Review

Philadelphia Union were the surprise package in the Eastern Conference, enjoying their best season ever as they defied expectations to finish third in the Conference standings before making it to the Conference semifinals where they lost out to Atlanta United Philadelphia have enjoyed some of their best seasons under Jim Curtin and, after a slow start this time around, they looked to have taken a step up as they quickly climbed close to the top of Eastern Conference standings with some excellent displays in April and May. While consistency became an issue midway through the season, Philadelphia continued to pick up some excellent wins though they were marked by poor defensive displays, especially on the road. A timely return to form ensured there would be no slip ups as they secured the playoffs spot for a second successive season and things would have been even better had they not experienced a dip right at the end, picking up just three points from their final four games to concede the second spot to Atlanta United. Philadelphia did improve to pull off a shock win over New York Red Bulls in the knockout round only to lose out to Atlanta in the Conference semifinals. It was a historic season for Philadelphia who picked up a record haul of points while also ending the season by scoring the most number of goals and wins in their history. There were good performances across the pitch for Philadelphia though it was Kacper Przybylko's goals that propelled them towards the top with the attacker ending the season with 15 goals. Marco Fabian was a bit of a disappointment and endured an injury hit campaign that limited him to just 15 starts though he did show glimpses of his quality, bagging eight goals and an assist, but is more than likely leaving before the new season starts. Philadelphia should hold on to most of their players before the next season but upgrades in the defense and improved depth in the center of the midfield will go a long way in helping them emerge as genuine challengers to the top three of the Eastern Conference.

Player of the Season: Kacper Przybyłko