Philadelphia Union defeats NYCFC 2-1

It was a nervous finish on a hot and muggy night in Chester, Pennsylvania, but the Philadelphia Union managed to defeat their rivals New York City FC 2-1. Two goals by two unlikely heroes and a typical masterclass in net by Andre Blake helped maintain the three points for the Union heading into Leagues Cup play.

Early on it looked as though the Union were going to have to try and break down their opponents with a heavy possession style. The opponents set up in a defensive block as the Union tried to find an opening. However, it was NYCFC who had the first real opportunity.

A high cross from Santiago Rodriguez found the head of Keaton Parks, but it was a bit too high of a cross. Parks’ header went sailing over the bar. Parks had another header opportunity in the 20th minute on a set piece but was thwarted by Andre Blake.

Unfortunately for the Union, they had some dangerous balls over the top through the first 20 or so minutes, but couldn’t find the connection. The breakthrough finally came in the 23rd minute by Jose Martinez of all people. Not satisfied with one goal on the year, Martinez gave the Union the lead with a fantastic volley.

It was the exact sort of sequence we’ve grown accustomed to over the years from the Union. A great tackle in their own half by Jack Elliott sprang a counterattack. Daniel Gazdag pushed the play along to Quinn Sullivan, who floated a beautiful ball in to a streaking Jose Martinez in the box. The finish was simply sublime, only topped by his incredible sprint from his own end.

The Union had another great counterattacking possibility in the 36th minute, but Mikael Uhre was stopped by a crunching tackle.

The Union went into half with a solid 1-0 lead, but the two sides would flip in the second half. Now the visitors would be the more dangerous of the two sides, finding some new life on the ball. As been the problem all year for them, they just couldn’t find the end result.

Kevin O’Toole had a fantastic opportunity in the 56th minute. A great cross from Ilenic was almost identical to Quinn Sullivan’s assist earlier in the match. Unfortunately for the away side, it was not nearly the same finish by O’Toole. A horrible missed chance.

NYCFC continued to build momentum and create chances from there, but still couldn’t find a goal. They came close in the 69th minute, with Kai Wagner blocking a great chance in the box for Pellegrini.

Philadelphia would score what would prove to be a crucial goal in the 75th minute. Chris Donovan scored his first MLS goal! It was a nice bit of linkup play from Donovan, aided by some defending ineptitude from Tayvon Gray and the goalkeeper.

Just when it all looked to be over, NYCFC managed to bring a goal back. Andre Jasson scored his first MLS goal, but the true magic came from Gabi Pereira. Against one of the league’s best defenders in Jack Elliott, Pereira completely disregarded him with a fantastic move from the wing. The cross into Jasson was pretty dang great too.

Everyone in Subaru Park was on edge for the last 5 minutes of the match, and New York City gave everything they had. They probably would have stolen a point from Philadelphia had it not been for Andre Blake.

Blake had the save of the night in the 94th minute, stoning Pereira at point blank range. A week ago this would have been a goal. Tonight, it’s a 2-1 victory and three monumental points earned for the Union.