McInerney trying to find rhythm, routine

Jack McInerney served as a sub in the MLS All-Star Game on July 31.

In life, everyone wants a routine. They want to get into a rhythm. For athletes, like the Union’s Jack McInerney, this is no different.

McInerney has 10 goals this season for the Union. His 10 goals ranks fourth in the MLS, but recently the scoring machine has gone cold. The forward hasn’t netted a goal for the Union since June 5.

“I think I just need to get back in rhythm and find what was working for me in the beginning of the year,” said McInerney. “Mainly it’s just being able to find the right spots and holes in the defense. I think I’m putting a little too much pressure on myself now when I get the ball, to make the special plays happen, but I need to let the game just come to me and not think about it as much and I think the goals will come.”

McInerney was away for half of July training with Team USA in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. He returned to the Union on July 19, then he was chosen as a sub in the MLS All-Star Game on July 31.

“I was away from the team for quite a bit and kind of got away from my routine,” said McInerney. “Lately, I feel like I’m starting to find that rhythm and routine again, and as a team we’re coming along and playing very well right now.”

While McInerney is finding his own rhythm, the Union have looked in sync for the past month. They sit in third place in the Eastern Conference with 37 points. They’re just two points behind first-place Sporting Kansas City.

“This year we’ve been a really good road team, but we just have to really stay focused at home and get these games,” he said. “I know there’s still going to be times where we slip up and make mistakes a little bit, but if we can make up for them and not miss a beat, then I think we can finish great.”

The Union head to New York on Saturday to face the rival Red Bulls at 8 p.m. The game will be aired on the NBC Sports Network.

On training with Team USA …

“It was very helpful and I think I gained a ton of experience working with those guys everyday,” McInerney said. “I got to play on a level that I never really had the opportunity to play on before. It was great to get my foot in the door and play with some of the best players in the country. I hope I left a good impression and that I can get back in there soon.”