Philadelphia Union draw in first ever matchup against Austin FC

Saturday night was a great example of what the MLS does best. It was fast-paced, frenetic action as the Philadelphia Union traveled to play Austin FC in an early-season contest. In front of quite possibly the best atmosphere in the league, this game had the high-energy feel of a long-storied rivalry game as the match ended in a 2-2 draw.

Philadelphia received a bit of luck early in this one, earning a penalty in the 11th minute. What looked like a wasted free kick in a dangerous area turned into a handball call after a quick VAR check. Daniel Gazdag stepped up to the spot, and you know the result. 1-0 for the Union who were looking rejuvenated following their 6-0 loss to Pachuca earlier this week.

It truly was just the first half that Philadelphia needed after such an embarrassing loss earlier in the week. They looked energetic, hustling to every loose ball. They had quite a few chances in the first half, Carranza nearly giving them a 2-0 lead in the 22nd minute off of a good header in the box. As for Austin, they didn’t really string together many chances in the first half. Diego Rubio’s effort in the 37th minute that flew over the net was their closest chance at a goal.

We went into the half with the Union up 1-0, and this is when this game would kick into another gear. Austin came out firing for a goal, completely taking over the game. Rubio would provide the equalizer in the 56th minute. A cross from Hector Jimenez somehow skipped past both Union centerbacks, finding Rubio right in front of goal for the finish. With the green lights only just turning off, Jon Gallagher would set them off again just minutes later. Another poor defensive display in the box by the Union backline.

While many would have expected this game to unravel for Philadelphia, to their credit, they got right back up and delivered a heavy strike of their own. Mikael Uhre scored one of the easiest goals that he will all season in the 65th minute. A Nathan Harriel cross deflected off of the keeper, falling right to the Danish striker for a tap-in to make it two-all.

From here it’s a good time to mention the  complete card-fest, both teams entering the book fast and furiously. Nine total players recieved yellow cards in this match, five coming from the Union’s side.

Austin FC continued to have looks at goal in the closing minutes of the match, and it surely looked as though they would earn the last-second winner. Jose Martinez blocked a shot in the 92nd minute with his forehead. Rigoni nearly won it with a strike that went just wide in the 93rd. Kai Wagner thwarted an attack by Owen Wolff in the 95. Sebastian Driussi very nearly walked it off in the 96th minute with his shot from outside of the box, but it went just wide.

Somehow, Philadelphia survived and escape Austin with a point. It was a hard-earned point for both sides, fighting that entire second half for the winning goal. It is the third-straight draw to start the season for Philadelphia. They look to win their first game of the season next week as they travel to Portland.