John Smallwood: Union getting a red reputation in MLS

THE UNION soccer club is dancing a fine line.

They say their physical style of play is just tough soccer - the way the game is supposed to be played.

Other people in Major League Soccer may not think so.

The growing perception around the league is that the Union is an overly aggressive group that isn't afraid to use some over-the-line tactics every now and then.

Whether perception matches reality doesn't matter because it is clear that Union players are being watched closely and are losing the benefit of the doubt in the eyes of officials.

In Saturday's 3-1 loss at the Los Angeles Galaxy, Union defender Stefani Miglioranzi received a red card for a tackle from behind on LA's Juninho.

It marked the third time in five games that the Union had to play the second half with 10 players because someone had been red-carded.

Philadelphia's three red cards are the most in MLS.

That's a losing proposition.

In hockey, a strong penalty kill helps a team overcome being penalized for an overly aggressive foul.

In football, a 15-yard personal-foul penalty usually isn't going to be the difference in a game.

A technical foul in basketball is only worth a maximum of two points.

In soccer, a red card is an ejection. The offending team doesn't get to substitute. It plays a man down.

In a game where one score usually means the difference between victory and defeat, playing 10 on 11 is not a handicap that is easy to overcome.

"Yeah, it's too many red cards, but some of that stuff we can't control," said Union coach John Hackworth. "Some of it we need to be more disciplined and some of it is just bad luck.

"The problem for me is that the officials in the league are starting thinking of us as a team that is very physical and committing all these fouls, which clearly there is that idea out there, that's a bad thing."

That's where that "perception is reality" thing comes into play.

You can break down any red-card transgression and come up with a reason why it should have been called a lesser offense, but if your team has a reputation for tough play, then the intent of your actions is going to be even more scrutinized.

"We're not trying to say that we are a physical team," Hackworth said. "We're not trying to be the Broad Street Bullies.