Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Posted: 5:30 p.m.
By Ryan BrightCSNPhilly.com Contributor
With the MLS preseason drawing to a much-anticipated close, the Union leave Heraklion, Crete, on Thursday with some new-found cohesiveness, expectation and March 19s season-opener against the Houston Dynamo squarely in their sights.
I think it was one of the best preseasons Ive had, said Union coach Peter Nowak during a conference call on Wednesday. From a team standpoint, it went really well.
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Were looking forward to next Saturday in Houston.
The Union, who began training for their sophomore campaign on Jan. 24, have spent the past two weeks on the Greek island, where they tied Greek Super League Ergotelis F.C., 1-1, and thoroughly defeated Greek Third Division team Hersonissos F.C, 5-0. The solid road showing opened Nowaks eyes.
I was impressed with how fast these guys adapted to the Philly style, our team and club mentality, he said. Its amazing to me as a coach to see how fast this team was able to get together and understand each other.
Nowak added that the desire to compete and win was palpable from some of the younger players.
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There are some situations when the players get a bit tired being away from home and from home comforts, he said. But this preseason, guys like Jack McInerney, Danny Mwanga, Amobi Okugo and even Zac MacMaththey want it. They want to have success. Thats what I was looking for from the beginning.
I wish we could start the season right now.
Agorsor makes preseason waves
Newly acquired Union striker Chris Agorsor made a quick name for himself on March 2, with a pair of goals in the teams 5-0 exhibition win against Hersonissos. Acquired in mid-February via a weighted lottery, the Union felt lucky to snag the agile 21-year-old, whose impressive preseason could see him become a serious part of the teams offensive game plan.
Hes catching up with the tactical part, said Nowak, who likes his players to be extremely comfortable with the team strategy. He needs to find the time and space to use his strengths, which is speed and finishing. So, we will have a good time finding spots for him. Hes making very good progress so far.
Le two positions
With new acquisitions, such as midfielders Carlos Ruiz, Brian Carroll and striker Agorsor, gracing the Union rosterwhere Sebastien Le Toux will play was to be determined entering training camp. Even now, as the regular season rapidly approaches, Nowak is still not sure where the teams versatile leading scorer will land.
We dont know where he will play yet, said Nowak, who can play Le Toux at midfield or up front as an attacker. I feel that assigning a guy to one position makes it very predictable. I believe wherever he plays will be good for the team. I dont want to limit anybodys game.
E-mail Ryan Bright at ryanbright13@gmail.com