Jones’s goal lifts Union over Rowdies

A second-half goal from Derrick Jones was all the Philadelphia Union needed to open up their Rowdies Suncoast Invitational campaign with a win. 21 Union players took part in the 1-0 victory over the host Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Jones created the goal almost single-handedly, forcing a costly turnover from a Rowdy (a Rowdies player can be referred to as a Rowdy) in the midfield, then continuing up the field and dancing past goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald.

First Half

Union XI: Andre Blake; Fabinho, Richie Marquez, Jack Elliott, Ray Gaddis; Derrick Jones, Haris Medunjanin; Marcus Epps, Alejandro Bedoya, Fabian Herbers; CJ Sapong

Though the first half was fairly messy as a whole, the Union did have a few pieces of really good play in the opening stages. The common denominator in all of them was Haris Medunjanin, the Bosnian midfielder who joined the club less than a month ago. Medunjanin’s quality was on display early, as he pulled off a few slick turns and sprayed the ball around the midfield with ease. His most impressive actions came in quick succession, as he hit inch-perfect 30-yard entry passes to Fabian Herbers and Marcus Epps within minutes of each other.

Alejandro Bedoya created the best chance of the half in the seventh minute, threading a ball to CJ Sapong from the top of the box. Though Sapong was one-on-one with the ‘keeper, his attempt wasn’t clean enough to give his team the lead.

Second Half

Union XI: Blake; Keegan Rosenberry, Ken Tribbett, Jack Elliott, Giliano Wijnaldum; Warren Creavalle, Jones (Brian Carroll 76’); Ilsinho, Adam Najem (Anthony Fontana 76’), Chris Pontius; Charlie Davies

The final 45 minutes were played at a bit of a slower pace, but the quality remained consistent with that of a preseason game. Still, the Union managed to create a few chances, including the one that would earn them the win.

In the 70th minute, Chris Pontius shook a defender loose at the top of the box before unleashing a driven shot on goal. While the power was there, the placement wasn’t, as Fitzgerald controlled the ball without much trouble.

Ten minutes later, 17-year-old Anthony Fontana created a similar chance for himself, but he too couldn’t beat Fitzgerald.

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