Sharp Gazdag, healthy Ilsinho a boost for Union ahead of playoffs

The international window has presented a double-edged sword for the Philadelphia Union in 2021.

Having seven internationals away to play pivotal World Cup qualifiers is a signifier of quality. But it’s also a disruption to practice schedules, particularly on the eve of the playoffs.

So as glad as Jim Curtin was to see 10 players — the seven plus three U.S. Under-20 homegrowns — pursuing their international aspirations this week, he also missed the training time. Nine of those players have arrived back in Chester as of Thursday morning (Olivier Mbaizo remains in transit), all healthy and some with boosted form.

Mbaizo has Cameroon playing on in the bid for a World Cup berth, while Jamiro Monteiro and Cape Verde showed well in a door-die game against Nigeria. Andre Blake backstopped a draw against the United States on Tuesday that helped the Reggae Boyz arrest a slide in the CONCACAF Octagonal, and Daniel Gazdag is coming off consecutive goals for Hungary.

The latter is particularly intriguing as the Union approach Saturday’s MLS Cup playoff opener (2:30, PHL17) against the New York Red Bulls. After a sputtering start to life in MLS, Gazdag has found his feet. He’s a play with game-changing class when he’s on in a knockout tournament.

“He comes back into training the past couple of days and he’s been very sharp,” Curtin said. “He’s a high-quality player and you guys are just starting to see how dominant he can be.”

The two weeks have allowed the Union to get fully healthy. Sergio Santos is ready to start after a litany of leg injuries, Curtin said. But Gazdag’s form and the success of the Union’s two 10s in the 4-3-2-1 formation casts doubt on whether the Brazilian forward will be required from the start. His speed offers a field-stretching alternative that is valuable against a very good defensive side.

Also in the mix for the first time in months is Ilsinho. The Brazilian magician has been limited to 78 minutes over five appearances this season by a succession of leg issues. He hasn’t played since Aug. 18. But the 36-year-old is healthy enough to make the squad, which means he’s just one flinch by Curtin away from getting in a game.

“If he can play any role, he’ll be on the bench,” Curtin said. “That’s a good bullet to have in an elimination game.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO - PHILADELPHIA UNION Union midfielder Daniel Gazdag, right, tries to turn past a pair of Nashville defenders during a game in October.