Union Notes: Trialist Ilsinho opens eyes, goalie battle brews

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With aggressive new management, a first-year affiliate USL team and a haul of talented draft picks, the Union were in good position to uncover a roster surprise in this year’s training camp in Clearwater, Florida.

That means it didn't come as a shock when a trialist, 30-year-old Ilsinho, gained the Union’s undivided attention.

“His pedigree speaks for itself, he’s a guy who's been transferred for 11-million Euros at certain points in his career,” Union manager Jim Curtin said. “You see his ability around the goal, his ability to make a final pass and beat a guy one-on-one.”

The Brazilian, currently a non-contract trialist, was a name that jumped out on the Union’s roster sheet against the Jacksonville Armada in the club’s first preseason match Feb. 5. He’s a versatile and highly skilled attacking player that’s been capped internationally by Brazil and most recently played for FC Shakhtar, where he took part in Champions League, Europa League and UEFA Cup matches.

In other words, he’s a big-name, big-talent player that fell into the Union’s lap.

“The surprising part is how well he’s fit in with the group and got along with the guys,” Curtin said. “He’s also acclimated with MLS, which is a unique league in terms of fitness demands. He’s done well. All it takes is a Google search on that one, he’s played at a very high level. He’s come in and turned some heads, for sure.”

However, the Union built their midfield without Ilsinho in mind. Throughout his career, the Brazilian has played the right side of the midfield and dabbled at CAM, where the Union currently have Tranquillo Barnetta, Leo Fernandes, Sebastien Le Toux and Eric Ayuk. It’s a full lot.

Yet as it stands, with attention-grabbing efforts against the Armada and United States U-17 team, Ilsinho is building his own spot on the roster — not because the Union need him, but because they can’t pass him up.

“He’s a very creative player, he can play any of the front spots, especially in the midfield,” said Curtin, whose club faces the Chicago Fire in preseason action Thursday. “He’s come in and done a good job, but we still want to see him live against Chicago.”

Roland's start
When it comes to attacking additions, Ilsinho is the surprise but Roland Alberg has been the known entity. Acquired on Feb. 4 from ADO Den Haag, the 25-year-old put his ball skills on display in his 33-minute debut against the Armada, giving the Union reason to smile.

“Roland’s done well, he’s come in and got used to the guys pretty quickly,” Curtin said. “He’s very talented, he can score a goal from midfield, shoot from distance and gives us an option on set pieces and corner kicks. We’re high on Roland.”

But where will Alberg play? He’s a CAM by trade and spent some time at left side attacking mid. The Union set him as a No. 8, box-to-box type against the Armada, which is injured captain Maurice Edu’s spot, while Barnetta played the center attacking midfield role.

“Roland can play in that eight or 10 role,” Curtin said. “He has a good engine and is committed to the defensive side of the ball. He can also play on the wide spot. He’s a versatile player but we see him as more of a central guy.”

Goalie battle
Speaking of crowded positions, the Union have one by design at goalkeeper after signing veteran and English-born Matt Jones out of Portugal. That gives the club three options: Andre Blake, John McCarthy and Jones.

“Andre has emerged as the clear number one, that’s been well documented recently and he’s shown it in training camp,” Curtin said. “McCarthy has been sharp, too. With the addition of Matt, him and John will compete. We do know that Andre will be away on international duty and Matt has come in and done a good job, he provides some experience. He can be a good mentor but also step right in and confident he can do a job for us.”

The result of this camp battle will also affect the Bethlehem Steel FC, the Union’s USL affiliate. The third-string Union goalkeeper will eat minutes in the Lehigh Valley.

“We have the flexibility to get one of our three goalkeepers games down there,” Curtin said. “We’re happy with the three we have here. It’ll be a situation where whoever wins the number two spot will have the option of [playing] games in Bethlehem.”

Union buy stock in Sapong
The Union signed forward C.J. Sapong to a three-year contract extension Feb. 10 for two primary reasons. One, they love his dedication to the club. Two, they expect All-Star production.

“C.J. is a guy who wants to be in Philly, he does everything for the badge,” Curtin said. “He plays for the fans, he plays for the city and had a very good year last year.”

Sapong tied a career high in goals last season with nine in 27 games. Now, Curtin wants him to take the next step with a full season of games.

“If he gets a full 34 games this season, he can be a double-digit scorer in that 12-15 goal range,” the coach said. “We’re happy to have him on board, we can’t say enough good things about C.J.. He’s a good piece for our team.”

With this faith in Sapong’s production, the Union’s plan to sign a designated player at forward seems to have cooled. Sapong, along with rookie Fabian Herbers, have the club feeling satisfied about its attack.

“We’ll always look to upgrade and strengthen our roster,” Curtin said. “We are looking at every position, but C.J. is a guy I believe in. Fabian Herbers still needs to be mentioned, he’s been excellent in training and is a guy I'm confident could step into MLS games right now and get goals. We have a good pairing with the two of them.”

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