Chances were there.
Opportunities to score goals in bunches were there.
The Philadelphia Union came away with a 2-2 draw against Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday and saw their record even out at 3-3-3.
Now, it has only been nine league matches. In this sample size, the players realize their record could be better.
They believe it’s simply a matter of putting together 90 minutes of flawless football. They believe correcting a few mistakes here and there and capitalizing on a few chances here and there will make the difference.
“I think when we watch the film, we’ll see things we could have done better,” said centerback Amobi Okugo. “At times this season, we have played very well for long stretches and then a little lapse and we let down briefly. But we keep battling back and I like the fight that we’re showing. I think we just have to stay consistent for a full 90.”
There’s a long way to go, but leaving points on the board can be frustrating.
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“We got one against Seattle when we know we should have had three,” said defender Sheanon Williams, who was red-carded late against Seattle. “I thought we were the better team. I thought we completely outplayed them. The scoreboard showed a 2-2 tie, but we know we were the better the team. We know the three points should have gone to us.
“We didn’t get three and we have to back and watch the film. Through the first part of the season, I feel like we should have more points. Being consistent is huge in this league. The teams who stay consistent are usually the ones standing in the playoffs at the end.”
With the exception of last season, midfielder and captain Brian Carroll has never missed the playoffs.
Carroll likes what he sees thus far of the 2013 version of the Union.
“We’ve seen a lot of growth from some of our younger guys,” Carroll said. “They’ve really stepped up this year, and we’re going to continue to need them to step up and be a more integral part of our team moving forward. It’s such a long season in this league and you have to stay sharp and consistent. You’re going to have good days and bad days. If you work hard and stay consistent, you can get points on days when maybe you’re not at your best.
“I think this club has a great deal of talent and the will to win. We just have to clean up a few things during certain parts of the games. If we do that, we’ll be fine.”
Contact Union writer Andy Jasner at andy.jasner@yahoo.com
