His first press conference made it clear that the years of tactical inflexibility were a thing of the past (and there was much rejoicing!). The Union have trotted out their 4-2-3-1 formation every game for years and it now appears that Stewart was as much to blame as Curtin. Tanner has stated that a new flexible style will be implemented, but he has only offered hints as to what that will look like.

His second clue arrived when he said that Fafa Picault, the Union’s fast and crafty left winger, would play more of a forward position. Whether or not that meant a two striker system was coming was unclear, but it left flexibility for a formation that did not require a classic 10. Borek Dockal, the MLS assist leader in 2018, manned that role for the Union with aplomb, but he was unable to be resigned for 2019 due to contract issues (said another way, too much money required). Would the Union replace him skill for skill or, with a two striker system, would they be looking for more of a central midfielder? Tanner’s comments to the media kept his options open for either type of player.

Next, Tanner offered that he preferred his fullbacks to play more of a wing back position. He also said they will not play with classic wingers. This has fans dreaming of 3-5-2s or 3-4-3s, but the Union have been going with 4-4-2 diamonds in the preseason. Tanner jettisoned solid full back Keegan Rosenberry to Colorado and is betting that Bethlehem Steel and Cameroon youth international product Olivier MBaizo can fill the changed role. He also signed Kai Wagner from the third division in Germany for depth at left back behind homegrown Mathew Real. The dice have been rolled on the wing backs and how they land will begin to establish Tanner’s legacy.

Exactly how the Union will come out tactically will be a significant story for the Union, but until we see it in action it will still be a mystery. After years of skipping over that part of the post game analysis, the fans will have something to actually discuss again.

The PreCrime Unit

If only we had an agency like the one in Minority Report who could solve mysteries before they happen. American Soccer Analysis is working on such AI, but until then we must look at the 2019 season through a glass dimly. The Union ended up replacing Dockal with a similar skillset in Mexican international Marco Fabian. This is a major signing for the club as he raises its profile. Already Fabian was visible at the star studded NBA event between the Lakers and Sixers. The fact that he drew a camera shows that the Union could be poised to earn more mainstream appeal. But of course he’ll need to be the difference maker on the field to move the Union forward, and his overall health is something of a concern after dealing with back issues for the past two seasons.

The Union doubled up offensively with Sergio Santos, a 24 year old striker from the Chilean league. If he can make the transition the Union will have by far their most depth at the attacking end. They retained the services of CJ Sapong, Ilshino, the aforementioned Picault, and rookie ten goal scorer Corey Burke. If you believe that David Accam can return from his injury and regain his lethal form, then the Union have a deep group of known scorers. Of course, without wingers in the formation it could be more of a logjam than true depth.

The Union are still anchored in the middle by veterans Haris Medunjanin and Alejandro Bedoya with Derrick Jones and Warren Creavalle being the options for the third central position. They should be able to help protect a central defense that can only get better. Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty and Jack Elliott form a fine young set of three central defenders, and the Union added veteran enemy Aurelien Collin. If the Union do experiment with a back three, all of those players will be in the rotation.

With a strong set of attacking options and an experienced center of the field, the attention turns to the full backs. As I said earlier, this is where Tanner is planting a flag, and where the PreCrime department needs a lot more data for their AI. On the left Wagner and Real are unknown talents, as is Mbaizo on the right. Only veteran Ray Gaddis has a clear value, and oh by the way wingback is not a term to be uttered when defining his skills. If there is a weakness in this year’s Union it will be out wide.

So how have we done, Watson? Our modest clues have lead us to this final scene. The Union have the talent to track again to a point total in the high 40s, and even scratch 50 points. That should be good enough for a playoff appearance. To the upside is the most offensive talent they’ve ever collected To the downside are unknowns at full back. And just for fun, new formations with pressing, two forwards, and wingbacks will at least wake a slumbering fanbase.

If the Union continue with their 4-4-2 diamond formation then this lineup will execute it the best.

The verdict is that the Philadelphia Union should be a fun team to watch this season. Their tactical approach will be unique, and the high pressure system with a young back line is sure to lead to goals scored. It’s unlikely they’ll be pushing the top of the table, but they will be competent and could comfortably make the playoffs. That’s a mystery Union fans would like to see solved again.