Premier League's Bournemouth beats Union, 4-1
For a team that recently began its preseason training, AFC Bournemouth looked to be in midseason form. At least it seemed that way to the Union, who lost, 4-1, to the Cherries Tuesday night in an international friendly at PPL Park.
For a team that recently began its preseason training, AFC Bournemouth looked to be in midseason form.
At least it seemed that way to the Union, who lost, 4-1, to the Cherries Tuesday night in an international friendly at PPL Park.
The team will make its first entry into the English Premier League. Bournemouth's players rarely held the ball, relying on crisp passing, and their decision-making separated them from the Union.
No doubt, this faster-paced game will benefit the Union when they return to Major League Soccer play Saturday in Toronto.
"No teams in MLS right now press and close the ball down like that and have the big, physical bodies they do," Union coach Jim Curtin said.
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe was kind in his assessment of the Union.
"This was our first game and we wanted to hit the ground running, so it was difficult to judge the Union tonight," Howe said. "From what I saw in their league, they are very competitive."
Bournemouth used an entirely different lineup in the second half and it didn't matter. Each unit played with precision and confidence.
Union goalkeeper John McCarthy made several strong first-half saves, but finally Bournemouth's Joshua King chipped a shot over the sliding keeper for the game's first goal in the 20th minute.
The Cherries doubled their lead when Callum Wilson scored on a one-timer after receiving a pass from Adam Smith in the 26th minute.
The Union made it competitive when defender Richie Marquez scored on a header from a Sheanon Williams cross in the 35th minute.
Bournemouth's Marc Pugh made it 3-1, scoring on a wide-open eight-yarder in the 62d minute. Teammate Tokelo Rantie ended the scoring on a penalty kick in the 85th minute.
Deals fall through
The Union continue their attempt to unload goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi, who has a salary of about $500,000 and two seasons remaining on his contract.
Despite the steep contract, a source familiar with the proceedings said the Union thought they recently had two deals for Mbolhi that fell through at the last minute.
The Algerian World Cup keeper continues to be on the roster but has not practiced with the team or dressed for a game since he started the first five matches of the MLS season.
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