The Union’s defensive record in recent weeks has gone from horrible to tremendous. It’s been rehashed many times, but once more for emphasis – dating to last year and including the playoff loss to Toronto, the Union allowed multiple goals in 12 of 15 games. They haven’t allowed more than one goal in their last six games, conceding a mere two times in that span.

Make no mistake, this is the foundation on which their turnaround his been built.

But though drastically improved, the team still has its vulnerabilities. And one forms the commonality between the last two goals they’ve surrendered, one of which cost them three points against Real Salt Lake Saturday.

Here’s the goal that the Union allowed against Colorado last week in a 2-1 win. Axel Sjoberg takes possession of the ball deep in his own half:

 

And here’s when Caleb Calvert deposits it in the net: 

That’s nine seconds for the ball to travel nearly 100 yards.

Fast-forward a week to RSL, and a play that begins with a wayward Chris Pontius cross that rolls toward the touchline that Fafa Picault and Tony Beltran pursue (the video doesn’t quite go back that far). Beltran recovers the ball at 35:14.

In 24 seconds, the ball is in the back of the net 90-some yards on, after a succession of nifty passing between the lines featuring Jefferson Savarino and Joao Plata and through a defense that never full resets into its shape. It’s a bit more leisurely a pace than the Colorado goals, but in the way RSL weaves in and out of Union bodies, it’s arguably more concerning.

The Union have gone through spells this season where particular actions have given them difficulties. They’ve been susceptible to moves up the center of the park, a weakness they’ve shored up. In years past, they’ve struggled with quick changes of field or set pieces or any number of issues. It’s a constant game of cat and mouse to adjust, and this vulnerability to the quick counterattack is the next one on the board to repair.

UNION (4-2-3-1) 

Blake 

Fabinho-Marquez-Tribbett-Rosenberry 

Carroll-Creavalle 

Ilsinho-Alberg-Pontius 

Sapong 

Bench: McCarthy, Yaro, Gaddis, Fernandes, Le Toux, Herbers, Restrepo. 

Real Salt Lake (4-3-3) 

Rimando 

Phillips-Olave-Maund-Beltran 

Mulholland-Beckerman-Morales 

Plata-Garcia-Martinez 

Bench: Attinella, Glad, Wingert, Kavita, Stertzer, Holness, Sandoval

Preview 

- The Union ring the changes after last week’s embarrassment in Montreal. Ken Tribbett and Fabinho return to the lineup, and the suspension of Tranquillo Barnetta requires Warren Creavalle to play as the No. 8. Derrick Jones, signed midweek, isn’t ready to play just yet.

- It’s hard to pinpoint the defensive changes, though both all-stars Andre Blake and Keegan Rosenberry are straight back into the squad. Josh Yaro and Ray Gaddis, both a party to last week’s drubbing, make way. Let’s see if that makes a difference in the recent defensive slide.

- Nominally, it’s a 4-3-3 for Real Salt Lake, which is missing Yura Movsisyan up top with a hip flexor injury. But the action of Javier Morales flitting between the lines creates the difference in shape that should look more like a 4-2-3-1 in attack. The Union fullbacks will have their hands full corralling the pressing runs of Joao Plata and Juan Manuel Martinez.
- Jamison OIave shakes off a calf problem to start in central defense for RSL. He should be the big target to get moving to create gaps, particularly for Roland Alberg to exploit. CJ Sapong will certainly get his licks on Olave in the physical back-and-forth, but Alberg’s ability to capture second balls in the space between the center backs and Kyle Beckerman is vital.

(Times/COLIN KERRIGAN)

The MLS Disciplinary Committee Friday handed down a one-game suspension and an undisclosed fine of the Union's Lionard Pajoy, for a "reckless challenge" in a May 26 loss at Toronto.

(For video of the 29th-minute challenge, of Toronto's Joao Plata, click here. It doesn't look like much, other than his over-the-ball jab at Plata's foot, but ...)

In any case, Pajoy will miss the Union's next MLS match -- a home date June 16 vs. D.C. United. So where does that leave the Union at striker depth?

Actually, it's a more fortunate spot, considering the recent play of Josue Martinez.

Martinez, the Costa Rican import who was added this offseason to bolster the offense, has been a non-factor, really. Outside of the season opener at Portland, Martinez has failed to play more than 35 minutes in an MLS match. Tuesday, Martinez found the pitch for 90 minutes (playing all but stoppage time), netted a goal and assisted on another in the Union's 3-0 win over Rochester in third-round U.S. Open Cup play.

Let's put it this way: Everything Martinez was against Rochester, Pajoy has shown he is not all season.

Pajoy was added last offseason, as well, and he's experienced mixed results. Yes, he's second on the team in scoring with three goals. Yes, he's an anchor in that he's played all but 16 minutes in 11 matches. But his lack of speed and his inability to break through defenders in 1 v. 1 scenarios has made his place in the Union's favored one-striker formation questionable.

Then there's Martinez, who's nine years younger, clearly swifter and had the offensive touch that Pajoy has lacked.

"(I'm) happy for the opportunity," Martinez said after the win over Rochester. "Despite it being a Cup game, all the minutes add up. That experience helps me feel more confident and hopefully gets me in the starting 11."

Even Pajoy seemed to enjoy playing alongside Martinez.

"Yes, Josue is a good player. He moves well and is very fast," Pajoy said. "Thank God the team was able to score with the help of Josue's playmaking. Along with Freddy (Adu) and the other wingers, we were able to create plenty of offensive opportunities."

Because Pajoy will miss the next match, there's no question Martinez should be in the starting XI against D.C. ... and beyond. He's shown he deserves the chance, thanks to Pajoy leaving the door open for him.