Match recap: New York Red Bulls 1, Philadelphia Union 1 (5-3 penalties)

The Philadelphia Union failed to capitalized on their chances and it ended up costing them the game, as luck was not on their side in a loss in penalty kicks. You could see the New York Red Bulls’ goal coming from a mile away in the first half, it was just surprising that it came in the 42nd minute, as the Red Bulls peppered the Union throughout the first half with shots. New York finished the first half with triple the amount of shots as the Union twelve to four, while doubling their their actually shots on goal, four to two. The Union weren’t without chances in the first half as the Union had two quality chances from Fafa Picault, the second one coming on a breakaway. Also of note in the first half was the injury to New York’s defender Aurelien Collin, who had to be subbed off in the twenty third minute. New York’s goal came from United State’s National Team member Sacha Kljestan on an assist in the box by Bradley Wright-Phillips. Credit to back Philly keeper John McCarthy for keeping the Union in the game by only allowing one goal in the first half.

The second half was a much better effort from the Union, as they had more chances to score and they were able to keep the Red Bulls on the score sheet. CJ Sapong and Fafa Picault had especially strong halves with a number of chances for the Union, but they just weren’t able to put the ball in the back of the net. The breakthrough came in the eighty-sixth minute as Roland Alberg was able to tie the game and send it to extra time. The first half of extra time was more of the same, with a number of good chances for the Union – most notably Fafa Picault having another breakaway. This one was sent high and wide, as the first extra time came to a close with no further goals scored. CJ Sapong had to be subbed off with an injury at the end of the first half of extra time, and was replaced with Chris Pontius.

Stop me if you heard this before but the Union again dominated the second half of extra time as the Red Bulls were clearly playing for penalty kicks. The Union were not able to capitalize and it all came down to spot kicks. The first five penalty kicks were converted making the score 3-2 New York. Fafa Picault’s shot, like most of the night, was saved and this gave the Red Bulls the advantage. Felipe would convert, and the Red Bulls won the game with a 5-3 edge in the penalty kicks.