CHESTER, Pa. – Throughout his time with the Philadelphia Union, Maurice Edu has shuttled between the midfield and backline.
With the Union still searching for their first win of the season heading into Saturday’s game against New York City FC at PPL Park (4 pm ET, MLS LIVE), it looks like the Union captain is needed more on defense.
And although he’s said in the past that he prefers midfield, he’s happy to help solidify a backline that will be protecting rookie goalkeeper John McCarthy, who’s making his first MLS start this weekend.
“I’m willing to play wherever,” Edu told MLSsoccer.com. “If it’s going to bring success to the team, I’m all for it. Playing back there, it’s more of a role where you have to be vocal and have to organize everybody because you see the game from a better perspective than anyone on the pitch except the goalkeeper.”
After starting the first four games of 2015 as a defensive midfielder, Edu was moved to the backline for last week’s game against Sporting Kansas City, replacing the struggling Ethan White at center back.
Curtin called White “one of his favorite players” but said the 24-year-old’s “confidence on the ball was lacking a little bit.” Meanwhile, the Union coach has always liked what Edu brings to the center-back spot and was pleased with his performance last week, even though the Union allowed three goals off restarts.
Curtin indicated Edu will remain on the backline for now but added that “it’s not 100 percent.”
“I still think Ethan will continue to push,” he said. “I thought Mo was very good in the Kansas City game. He was engaged. His reactions were great. He put in a really, really solid performance. On the field, he’s been excellent. But I’m as happy with him off the field – becoming more of a leader, talking more, communicating more in the locker room and holding guys accountable.”
Edu’s vocal leadership will be especially important Saturday as the Union are trying to snap a three-game losing streak and slow down an NYC attack that features stars Mix Diskerud and David Villa.
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The good news for the Union is that right back Sheanon Williams is set to return from a hamstring injury and join Edu, center back Steven Vitoria and fullback Ray Gaddis on the backline. But playmaking midfielders Vincent Nogueira (foot) and Cristian Maidana (MCL) remain questionable, meaning Michael Lahoud and Brian Carroll might both be called upon for the second straight week to start in the midfield in front of the backline.
Either way, Edu is confident the Union will handle the lineup shuffling, including the big change in goal with McCarthy replacing embattled starter Rais Mbolhi.
“It is a big change,” Edu said. “But this is a team. We all understand that. At the beginning of the season, we said that each guy’s name is going to be called upon. So everyone has to be ready for that challenge.
“It’s about this team. It’s not about any individual. We have to keep that mindset.”
Dave Zeitlin covers the Union for MLSsoccer.com. Email him at djzeitlin@gmail.com.
