Early rise, late fall: Union year in review

The Union earned their second playoff berth in their seventh Major League Soccer season, but were quickly eliminated in last week's 3-1 loss at Toronto. It was their first playoff berth since 2011, but the season ended on a sour note. The Union finished the year 0-6-2 (including the playoff loss) and that defeat at Toronto was their fourth straight.

The Union improved to 11-9-7 with a 2-0 win over visiting Sporting Kansas City on Aug. 27. That put them in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with 40 points, but they were only three points out of first place. So what happened after that? Here are three reasons for the slide.

Here is a look at the highs and lows of the season.

The defense unraveled. In three of those games the Union scored first, only to go 0-1-2 in those games. Teams were able to score on long balls, often catching the defense off-guard. Opponents successfully attacked in the middle against center backs Ken Tribbett (pictured) and Richie Marquez. It didn't help that rookie Josh Yaro battled injuries (concussion, knee) down the stretch and only played in three of the final eight games, and one of them, the Union led 1-0 when he departed in the 31st minute with a concussion. In fairness, Yaro had an up and down season. The Union were outscored 17-6 in the final eight games and had it not been for some spectacular saves by Andre Blake, it could have been worse.

Offensive lull. During those final eight games, the Union scored more than one goal just once, in a 3-2 loss at the New York Red Bulls. The biggest reason was the decline of forward C.J. Sapong (pictured). A physical forward who is known for playing a strong two-way game, Sapong isn't skilled enough to break down defenders one-on-one. He is known for wearing down defenders, but his lack of offensive creativity hurt the Union. Sapong had no goals or assists in the final eight games, although one game he played just 14 minutes while returning from injury. In fact, counting the playoff, he went his final 11 games without scoring.

Barnetta wore down. Midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta, the Union's most creative player, suffered from knee tendinitis late in the season. In the final eight games, one in which he missed due to injury and another where he played just 28 minutes, Barnetta had one goal and no assists.

He wasn't the same player as earlier in the season and will be one of the key players to replace since he will return to his native Switzerland to play next year.

Nogueira was a defensive midfielder who could also be a factor on the attack. The Union were 3-2-3 in games he played and he was greatly missed.

Taking a pass from Fabian Herbers, Bedoya chipped the ball from just inside the box over the head of keeper Clint Irwin, who was off his line.

Herbers (pictured) opened the scoring for the Union and even after they fell behind 2-1, Pontius scored in the 55th minute to tie the score. Dax McCarty scored the game-winner in the 66th minute, heading in a long free kick from MLS assist leader Sacha Kljestan.

It showed one of the Union's true weaknesses, defending set pieces. "This truly had a playoff feel," Pontius said.

mnarducci@phillynews.com

@sjnard