Fontana brace leads Philadelphia Union to win over DC United in final preseason match

CHESTER, PA — Anthony Fontana connected on a pair of goals in the first half and the Philadelphia Union cruised to a 2-0 win over DC United on a rainy day to pick up their first win of 2021 in their preseason finale at Subaru Park Wednesday afternoon.

Fontana connected early when he pounced on a ball on a poor clearance off his own ball sent into the box and easily beat DC United goalkeeper and Philadelphia Union original Chris Seitz in the third minute.

Fontana doubled the advantage in the 37th minute when Jack McGlynn’s shot attempt in the box was deflected and fell to Fontana’s feet for volley.

DC United’s starting lineup on the day was filled with unnamed academy players and trialists. They didn’t challenge Andre Blake often and when they did find time in the final third, the starting center back pairing of Jakob Glesnes and Jack Elliott did well to shut things down. Rookie right back Nathan Harriel also put in a solid shift at right back.

The Union had a chance to stretch the lead to three in the second half when DC United was whistled for an obvious handball in the box but Kai Wagner’s penalty hit the right post and deflected out into play.

New signings Stuart Findlay and Leon Flach saw their first game action for the Union when they came in with a group of substitutes in the 76th minute. Findlay paired with veteran Aurelien Collin in the back. Flach played in the left midfield spot and had a few bright attacking moments going forward.

Jose Martinez started the match in his first action since leaving with an injury against the Chicago Fire on March 20. He appeared to be limping and took a while to get up from a challenge at one point before being replaced at halftime by Cole Turner, who finished out the game.

With four forwards out injured, rookies Paxten Aaronson and Quinn Sullivan started up top with Fontana at the 10 and McGlynn and Alejandro Bedoya in the wide midfield spots.

The 2-0 win was the first of the preseason for the Union, which begin their season in Costa Rica for the first leg of the Concacaf Champions League Round of 16 on April 7.