The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: Matchday 8

First in the East. Not tied for first, not second based off goal differential, thanks to Sebastian Giovinco, the Philadelphia Union are first in the Eastern conference.

The Good: CJ the Running Man

Given that my hot take was that he would finally hit double digit goals in MLS play this year, I am ecstatic that CJ Sapong has four goals in seven games. He redirected a Sebastien Le Toux shot/pass into the far post for what is probably his best finish so far this season. He gets bonus points for celebrating by accepting the running man challenge, which I'll link to the original video of here. However, I don't think leaving head coach Jim Curtin hanging was a great idea. Keep doing you CJ, you're great. 
Elsewhere Andre Blake got a shut out, Josh Yaro looked good again, Ray Gaddis got a half (more on that later) and Chris Pontius got a nasty cut cleaned up and netted the first goal in a huge 2-0 win for the Union against everyone's favorite New York based retirement home.

The Bad: Suspendinho!

Due to yellow card accumulation the Brazilian left back will be unavailable for Jim Curtin this Saturday against San Jose. What that means is that we will probably see Ray Gaddis get his first start of the season. Ray played the second 45 against NYCFC and looked like Ray Gaddis. Good at winning balls, kinda not good at figuring out what to do with them after he wins possession. Ray is a pretty well regarded guy by fans and teammates alike, but how he fits into the current roster is a big question mark. Given what the Union got for Sheanon Williams, it isn't out of the question that Gaddis might be on his way out in the Summer for the right price.

The Ugly: Stupidity Groups: Thought we were done talking about the Third Rail/SoB debacle yet? Sorry, I didn't get my chance to weigh in. I'll be brief as we've already talked about this over here but I'll say this. For both clubs, this is not indicative of Major League anything. It's childish, unprofessional and as visible and passionate fans and liaisons of both the Philadelphia Union and New York City Football Club it is without a doubt a very bad look. Chant all you want, make all the gestures and tifo and disparaging comments that you want. Don't throw things across sections. Don't throw things period. I love this league, I love the growing popularity and I love that there is a large supporter group culture around the league. However, being frustrated with a result or a group of results is something to get mad at your ownership/coaches/players at. Don't be surprised when people say that your team sucks, and learn how to differentiate between personal attacks and attacks on a club you love.

Anyway, next week the Union take on MLS/US Soccer golden child "I can't finish from two feet away against Belgium" Chris Wondolowski and the San Jose Earthquakes. Game plan: let Wondo shoot from right in front of Andre Blake, he'll take it from there.