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Three Questions with: Brotherly Love

Philadelphia Union's SB nation blog gives us some info on their successful season so far

By BartoszWysocki
Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

The Whitecaps head to the city where it's always sunny to face the resurgent Philadelphia Union. They currently lead the east, and will prove to be a strong test for Vancouver. We got in touch with John Rossi from Brotherly Love to get his take on the Union's season so far.

After finishing second to last in the East the previous season, the Union have shot to the top of the standings in 2016. What has been the main catalyst for this amazing turnaround?

In Earnie Stewart, the club has a competent leader for the first time in franchise history. Together with Head Coach Jim Curtin and Technical Director Chris Albright, the newly hired sporting director made more than two dozen roster moves during the offseason. The Technical Triumvirate haven't made any clear missteps thus far, which is an accomplishment given the club's terrible record in the transfer market (see: Adu, Freddy; M'Bolhi, Rais). There really isn't one newcomer that stands far above the rest, but that's a testament to Stewart's transfer policy, not an indictment of it. He's focused on building a deep roster instead of one that relies on a few stars, and that depth has been key to the Union's success this season.

Who would you say has been the Union's MVP so far this season, and why?

In keeping with Earnie's prioritization of depth, this team doesn't have a clear MVP. Vincent Nogueira would probably earn the distinction, but he and the club suddenly parted ways last week. Jamaica's Andre Blake has looked like a future Goalkeeper of The Year, which is a relief to a team that's been mired in 'keeper controversy since its inception. CJ Sapong is also key to the team's success, as the Union don't have another player who can offer the same physicality and work ethic up top.

Considering how last year went, is just making the playoffs the main goal for Pbiladelphia? Or are the fans in Philly expecting silverware at the end of the season?

No one thought the Union would be atop the Eastern Conference in June, or in March, for that matter. But now that they're there, expectations have been heightened. Fans will certainly expect this team to compete for silverware, and I'm sure the players' ambitions reach higher than a playoff berth. The Supporters' Shield might be a tough ask, but if the 2010 Rapids can win an MLS Cup, then why can't the Union? A long-awaited U.S. Open Cup win would be amazing as well, but I'm so afraid of getting hurt again that I don't even dare to dream about it.

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