Union preview: Philly must grow up fast

The Philadelphia Union boasts what is arguably the deepest and strongest collection of young talent in MLS, but after last year’s exit in the Eastern Conference semifinals one thing was clear: Peter Nowak’s young side was going to have to grow up- and fast.

The departures of Sebastien LeToux and Faryd Mondragon were two of the most unexpected and shocking moves of the MLS off-season, with the Union losing their two best players in a series of transactions that could be best described as jaw dropping. Now a nucleus of talented youngsters that includes an impressive five players from the U.S. Under-23 national team pool will be called on to pick up the slack.

While Mondragon’s decision to leave was driven by his own desire to return to the club where his career began (Deportivo Cali), it was the Union who actively sought to deal LeToux despite his position as the team’s leading goal scorer and assist maker. Union head coach Peter Nowak insisted it was down to the team wanting to secure a payoff before losing LeToux to a free transfer after the 2012 season (his contract is set to expire at the end of this year).

The Union dealt LeToux to Vancouver for a large sum of allocation money, and ushered in a new era dominated by youngsters.

The pressure will now be on a pair of 20-year-old players, forward Danny Mwanga and goalkeeper Zac MacMath, to help fill the voids left by the key departures, but they won’t be asked to do it alone.

Nowak has stockpiled forwards in an attempt to replace LeToux by committee. Between Colombian veteran Lionard Pajoy, Costa Rican speedster Josue Martinez, UCLA standout Chandler Hoffman and U.S. Under-23 forward Jack McInerney, Nowak has an army of forwards to choose from, and will be hoping a few reliable options emerge.

Just how well Philadelphia’s forwards perform could depend largely on how well Freddy Adu plays in 2012. An ankle injury limited him for a good portion of the half season he played with the Union in 2011, but he is healthy and his form with the U.S. Under-23 national team suggests he is primed for a big season.

Adu won’t be the lone creative presence in the Union midfield. Michael Farfan was one of the more exciting rookies in MLS last season and Roger Torres returns to give Philly another playmaking option when Adu is away with the Olympic team.

The best acquisition of the off-season should be Panama midfielder Gabriel Gomez, a two-way central midfielder with good passing vision and the tenacity to cover plenty of ground. A force on the Panama national team, Gomez should partner Brian Carroll in central midfield, with Amobi Okugo on the verge of breaking into a starting role.

The Union defense started 2011 in outstanding form, but mid-way through the season the unit began to weaken. The trading of starting left back Jordan Harvey was seen as part of the problem, but it had more to do with the entire back-line overachieving early on and eventually regressing later in the year. Carlos Valdes and Dan Califf will be called on to anchor the back-line, while Sheanon Williams will look to build on a strong 2011 at right back. If Costa Rican newcomer Porfirio Lopez can provide a dangerous left back option, the Union defense should be one of the better units in the Eastern Conference.

Philadelphia's defense will need to be sturdy in order to keep pressure off MacMath, who impressed in limited action as a rookie in 2011. The U.S. Under-23 national team goalkeeper looked sharp as a starter during a seven-game stretch last season. He showed poise beyond his years and actually finished undefeated with a record of 3-0-4. Now, MacMath is the unquestioned starter and will face more pressure than he did while serving as an injury fill in for Mondragon.

The Union will need youngsters like MacMath, Mwanga, Michael Farfan and Jack McInerney to grow up fast if Philadelphia is going to overcome the loss of both LeToux and Mondragon and actually improve on their playoff debut in 2011. Repeating a top-three finish in the East might be asking too much, unless the Union can make a major signing or two this summer.

Consider this a learning year for a strong nucleus of young players, who might be a year away from coming together and challenging for a place among the league’s elite.

2012 PHILADELPHIA UNION TEAM OUTLOOK

TOP PLAYERS: Freddy Adu, Danny Mwanga, Carlos Valdes, Brian Carroll, Sheanon Williams

KEY ADDITIONS: Gabriel Gomez, Porfirio Lopez, Lionard Pajoy, Chandler Hoffman

KEY LOSSES: Sebastien LeToux, Faryd Mondragon, Justin Mapp

MUST HAVE A BIG YEAR: Freddy Adu. When he arrived at mid-season, Adu took some time to get in shape, but just as he was beginning to be a difference maker he suffered an ankle injury that hampered him for the rest of the 2011 season. Now Adu comes in healthy, fit and confident after enjoying a strong run with the U.S. Under-23 national team. He will be needed to lead the attack and create chances for the Union’s stable of young forwards.

BREAKOUT PLAYER TO WATCH: Zac MacMath. This was supposed to be the second year of his apprenticeship under Faryd Mondragon, but when the Colombian veteran bolted for Deportivo Cali, the starting job suddenly became McMath’s.

BIGGEST QUESTION: Who will score the goals? Danny Mwanga’s second season as a pro was a disappointment. He finished with fewer goals than his rookie year and he looked lethargic and ineffective far too often. The Union are banking on Mwanga getting back to his rookie form, and if he can’t, the Union have five other forwards it can turn to. Pajoy could be a pleasant surprise, while McInerney looks poised for a breakout.

OUTLOOK: While the focus around Philadelphia has been about the players who left, the Union added some promising players who should help complement the younger players. Gabriel Gomez is a difference maker in central midfield, while Porfirio Lopez is being expected to provide an upgrade at left back. The Union needs some young players to really step up this year, but also need Freddy Adu to play like a star. If he, Michael Farfan and Roger Torres can provide enough creativity and scoring chances, the forward stable should provide some viable options. As long as the defense can play well enough to keep pressure off MacMath, the Union should make the playoffs, but expecting much more this year is probably too much.