Every game is a learning experience.
Yes, the Philadelphia Union aim to pick up three points in every match. When it doesn’t happen, they’ll go back, look at film and try to improve every single day.
The Union earned a point following a scoreless draw against Real Salt Lake Friday night before 18,441 fans at PPL Park. It was the second consecutive match in which they got a point in the aftermath of last Sunday’s 1-1 draw at D.C. United.
There are lessons to be gained, and they’ll do just that while banking one point in the process.
“I think if we keep playing like we did against D.C. United and here tonight, points will come,” Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath told philadelphiaunion.com. “We have to clean a few things up, but we’ve done some really good things and we have gotten points in two straight. It’s a matter of time before points will come if we keep getting better and learning.”
Midfielder Danny Cruz made his home debut against RSL and came away impressed with the young side’s talent level.
“I know we didn’t come away with the three points, but we did a lot of things well,” said Cruz, who played in his second match since signing with the Union. “There is a tremendous amount of talent on this team and I’ve only been here a short time. I think the more we play together, the better we’ll be. Points will start to come. We have to be patient and continue to work.”
The schedule doesn’t get any easier for the youthful Union with a visit looming from the Columbus Crew on Wednesday.
Between now and then, the club will keep working. That won’t ever stop.
“Age plays no factor once you cross that line,” midfielder Michael Lahoud told philadelphiaunion.com. “You just go and play, no matter who is on the field. We have a lot of very talented players and I think we’re getting better and better every day. You learn from every game, every situation in this league.
“You want to get three points every time you step on the field. We got one and we’ll learn from it and come back ready to play next time.”
Interim manager John Hackworth has said repeatedly how much potential his club possesses.
To leave with a point against a strong side such as RSL isn’t too bad.
“They played good soccer against a team that’s one of the best in the MLS,” Hackworth said. “You know, for what it means getting a point here, again I think our team played well. I think they played the game the right way.”
That’s all you can ask for.
“I think we’re learning all the time,” said third-year forward Jack McInerney. “We’re playing well for stretches, but we need to put it all together for 90 minutes. I think if we do that, we’ll get good results.”
