Monday, June 27, 2011
Posted: 10:50 a.m.
By Ryan BrightCSNPhilly.com Contributor
CHESTER, Pa. -- Danny Mwanga has been doing a curious balancing act between the bench and the field.
And after Saturdays match against Chivas USA at PPL Park, when Mwanga, coming off the bench at the half for the seventh time in 24 games, scored the game-winner in the 82nd minute, the issue came to a head.
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Why isnt the Unions best offensive threat starting?
According to coach Peter Nowak the answer is simplepacing Mwangas playing time has everything to do with him working too hard and not budgeting his energy. In other words, saving him for longevity purposes.
Danny has been battling all these injuries and knocks, said Nowak, citing Mwangas knee contusion that caused him to miss last Wednesdays home game against Sporting Kansas City. It has been a physical week, physical games. He wants to run for every single ball, take the defender here and there, and its going to take a toll. He will get smarter with the ball, smarter with the runs, knowing when to slow down, when to go one on one with the defender, knowing when to draft to the sideline.
Danny is going in the right direction, and it will come to the point where he plays every single game and minute and he will break.
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Leading the Union in goals with five, Mwanga has been the offensive heartbeat for the Union, who have needed a spark, scoring just 19 goals in 16 games. The African-born striker has dazzled fans and onlookers with his ability to change a contest with his foot on the ball.
At just 19 years old, turning 20 in July, he represents the youthful excitement that the sophomore club brings to every match and is an enormous part of what has the Union standing atop the Eastern Conference approaching the midpoint in the season.
Im just trying to work hard for the team, either starting the game or coming off the bench, said Mwanga. Im just trying to be in a position where the team need me to bring something to the table I just make sure Ill be the guy to come off and help the team.
Hes done just that. Of his five goals, three have come after the 80th minute mark, two have been of the game-tying variety and one, the score on Saturday, was a game-winner.
If the coach thinks that the leading goal scorer is someone that should come off the bench, said Mwanga, I think thats what it is and you just got to go with it.
But with all the success Mwanga is having, does it bother him that hes not always starting?
Ill be honest, obviously you want to be in the starting 11, said Mwanga, when asked his thoughts when he sees himself not in the starting lineup. I just start thinking about coming off the bench and making an impact. Thats what I did Saturday. I look forward to keep playing well whether its starting the game or coming off the bench.
E-mail Ryan Bright at ryanbright13@gmail.com.
Related: Could logjam at striker be plaguing Union?VIDEO: Union-Chivas