Photo: Ron Soliman
After a hard-fought battle in the Queen City, the Boys in Blue recorded their second consecutive clean sheet, with both teams' defences under the spotlight and relentless in trying to thwart the opposition's attacks, ultimately resulting in the final whistle blowing with the game remaining scoreless.
Let's take a closer look at each player!
Oliver Semle – 8
Although Semre wasn't asked to do much in the game, he showed better control in the penalty area and communication with the centre-backs in front of him. Late in the game, he made a powerful save from a marked shot in the bottom corner, but his feet were strong enough to flick it round the post. He replaced a weakened Andre Blake and added another clean sheet to his ever-growing list of achievements.
Kai Wagner – 7
Wagner played his best defensive game this season against Charlotte, as his ability to read the game and quickly grab and cover the space that opened up when Charlotte's crosses were cut back to the penalty spot played a major role in preventing Charlotte from scoring.
Jack Elliott – 8
Elliott was solid defensively. There's not much to say about his performance, but he seems to have regained the consistency he's known for. Part of that could be down to the defensive contributions of Leon Flack, who is right in front of him.
Jakob Glesnes – 8
Like Elliott, Glesnes had a very solid game, his performance reminiscent of the Glesnes of old and far from the shaky Glesnes we've seen at times this year, and a clean sheet will be huge for the central duo as they look to recapture their 2022 form.
Nathan Harriell – 6
Harrier had his hands full with Cape Verde playmaker Youri Tavares on the right wing. It was a really entertaining match to watch as Tavares beat Harrier on multiple occasions, but Harrier held firm defensively and did well to limit a number of quality chances in his own half. He was yellow-carded in the 64th minute, but given the amount of pressure he was under throughout the second half it was good to avoid getting into trouble a second time. Harrier will surely be grateful that a missed clearance in added time did not have such dire consequences.
Leon Flack – 8
Flack is in the best form he's ever been in. His last two games have been very strong for him, and he's improved in attacking and on the ball. He still misjudges movements during build-up play, which can get his team in tough situations, and he's definitely made some misplaced passes here and there. But what he lacks in spatial awareness and passing ability, he makes up for in his contributions to Union's overall defensive formation.
Jack McGlynn – 7
All of the Union's best chances in this game seemed to start with McGlynn. It's becoming routine at this point. It was the first time in five straight games that he hasn't contributed a goal. He still has flaws with his defensive positioning and was quieter against Charlotte than other games, but he continues to prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, why he should be in the lineup every game.
Quinn Sullivan – 7
Sullivan is better suited as a shuttler on the right wing, and while he may miss a cross or a shot, he is arguably the only shuttler who can turn something into something out of nothing. alone It's entirely a personal decision.
Daniel Gazdag – 5
It was a quiet night for Gazdag, who missed the best chance of the game when a superb header from Carranza came flying in front of goal only for the ball to hit the goalkeeper in the stomach, but they were not the only ones struggling among their front three.
Michael Oehle – 2
13 touches in 70 minutes speaks volumes. To further show how bad this was, Chris Donovan had 6 touches in 8 minutes. And Carranza? 41 touches in 90 minutes. Uhle played Houdini for 70 minutes and never got into the flow of the game. After his promising performance, it was back to the usual disappointing performances from the Dane. Is this a sign that Jim is going to loosen the reins on Ty Balibo?
Julian Carranza – 6
Carranza was great both defensively and offensively but just couldn't find the back of the net. He came close to assisting Gazdag with a header from a McGlynn cross that landed at his feet, but Gazdag couldn't convert the ball. He had a couple of chances to score impressive goals but unfortunately couldn't get the ball in the net.
Replacement
Alejandro Bedoya – 5
Bedoya came on for Oulet in the 71st minute, with Quinn Sullivan moving up top. Bedoya contributed both going forward and defending in his own half, and he continues to be a good substitute in just about any situation.
Chris Donovan – N/A
Geiger counter
Guido Gonzalez Jr. – 5
Apart from a questionable yellow card given to McGlynn early in the game and a bizarre incident where Wagner was forced to take an attacking throw-in from the corner flag, the refereeing had no impact on the game.
Best Player
Leon Flach
Flach's hustle and defensive positioning stood out in this game. He played strong defensively for the second consecutive game as the No. 6 and also showed glimpses of subtle talent when he had the ball. While he still lacks awareness and understanding of the movement when the team is building up from the back at times, his commitment to the defensive shape and willingness to work defensively underpin his excellent play. first of all He's been an ideal addition to a weakened defense, and his play over the last two games is a big reason why the Union are looking to keep a third consecutive clean sheet when they face Toronto FC on Wednesday.