I'm not a big fan of the playoff system in league soccer, but we made it work in our favor. A sturdy defense all season carried over into the post-season and Philadelphia Union defeated Chicago Fire 1-0 in the final to bring home the MLS Cup.
Western Conference Semi-Final: Real Salt Lake
An uncharacteristically leaky back line resulted in a 3-2 loss in Salt Lake City, but Peri Marosevic came alive at Union Field in the return leg, netting a hat trick in a resounding 5-1 victory for a 7-4 aggregate win.
Western Conference Final: at San Jose Earthquakes
Ciro scored his third goal of the playoffs in the opening minute, and Feham Bouazza made it 2-0 in the 32nd minute. Bobby Burling got one back for the 'Quakes in the 52nd but we held on for a 2-1 win and a trip the MLS Cup Final.
MLS Cup Final: v. Chicago Fire
Both teams struggled to find space as the defenses kept a clamp down on proceedings. With only 10 shots combined in the entire match, chances were few and far between. But in the 52nd minute, Cam Weaver made himself a legend by receiving the ball at the arc, turning Wil Conde, and beating Jon Busch to give the Zolos a 1-0 lead. From there the defense took over and made the lead stand for a shock result and the Union hoisted the trophy.
Chad Marshall was named MLS Cup Final MVP, winning 9 of 10 headers and thwarting the potent Fire attack all game long. Chicago had scored a league 59 goals this season, but couldn't muster one against us.
Offseason Outlook:
The following players have contracts expiring at the end of the year: Stefani Miglioranzi, Shavar Thomas, Jordan Harvey, Jason Garey, Cam Weaver, Chris Seitz.
Of those, probably only Seitz will be offered a new deal. I'd like to keep Weaver, but he is probably going to want a raise and I believe we can get a better player elsewhere, whether it be the draft or an international player.
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