Union suffers first loss of 2023 season, falls 2-0 to Inter Miami

The Philadelphia Union lost to Inter Miami CF on Saturday night, in a disappointing 2-0 loss at DRV PNK Stadium.

The Union started its best XI against The Flamingos with Concacaf Champions League action coming three days later, but still dropped points on the road.

Much like the Union’s match against Columbus Crew SC the week prior, Philadelphia did not look strong to start its match against Miami. Poor decision-making gave Miami several good chances in front of goal and gave the Union several cautions from referee Chris Penso.

Just as the Union began to push back against Miami, Corentin Jean stepped up in the 32nd minute. Jean ripped a shot from outside the penalty area; the ball just grazed the fingertips of Andre Blake as it found the far post.

A textbook finish to put us in the lead🃏 ➡️ 🥥#MIAvPHI | 1-0 pic.twitter.com/MN4CPoabgG

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) March 5, 2023

The Union’s situation improved somewhat through the duration of the first half. Mikael Uhre, Daniel Gazdag and Julian Carranza were all involved in front of the net, but struggled to find the end product.

The Union worked on a slow build toward the end of the first half, which continued at the start of the second. Still, balls just weren’t finding the back of the net, even as Philadelphia created chaos in the box.

With a match coming on Tuesday against El Salvador side Alianza, Jim Curtin brought his first substitutes onto the pitch in the forms of Jack McGlynn and Joaquin Torres with 30 minutes remaining. While Miami earned the next chance of the evening, Torres and McGlynn began to become involved in play as the Union made a push to draw.

The draw would not come, as sealed by Robert Taylor in the 77th. After coming onto the field and adjusting the formation of Miami to a 5-4-1, Taylor let a shot rip toward goal and instantly challenged to win MLS Goal of the Week.

PUTTING THIS GOAL ON REPLAY 🔁

Mota ➡️ Taylor to put us up by two. #MIAvPHI | 2-0 pic.twitter.com/swcBo6hZlR

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) March 5, 2023

With 20 minutes left to play, neither team made much of a push at changing the scoreline. Miami held a massive home victory, while the Union secured a statement loss before Champions League action.

Despite Philadelphia’s struggles, former Inter Miami loanee Julian Carranza stood out. The Argentinian made good runs to the box, and was physical when needed.

The Union is scheduled for an 8 p.m. kickoff against Alianza on Tuesday, March 7. The match will be the first of two in the first round of the Champions League, with this leg to take place in El Salvador.