The headline is somewhat merciless as a result of we aren’t right here to select on Haak, who was positioned into an uncomfortable place in an especially troublesome scenario.
It wasn’t Haak that misplaced NYCFC recreation, however relatively a distinct battle. All week, NYCFC was compelled to struggle off the harm bug, and so they misplaced.
Haak, a midfielder, was thrust right into a beginning berth as a result of absence of Maxime Chanot. Haak was requested to play in a James Sands-esque position for simply the second time, with the primary being the second half of final week’s Jap Convention semifinal in opposition to CF Montreal.
It did not work.
Haak struggled mightily throughout Philly’s three-goal blitz, regardless of being comparatively good up till then. He was caught out of place, very similar to the remainder of NYCFC’s backline on the primary two targets, whereas he was completely bullied by Corey Burke on the third.
Haak is simply 21, so there will probably be higher days forward in additional snug positions. This simply wasn’t his day or his recreation, and it was one of many keys to NYCFC’s undoing.