Philadelphia Union overcome two-goal deficit, play DC United to 2-2 draw

A pivotal three points were at stake on Friday night as the Philadelphia Union took on DC United. For Philadelphia, it may only be May but fans can already feel the season slipping from the Union. Entering the contest seventh in the Eastern Conference, Philadelphia has dropped their last two games, failing to capture a win in their last three games. The vibes have been down for the Union, with star goalkeeper Andre Blake out due to another injury. Fans have also speculated on his overall happiness with the club. With their past couple of matches and overall feeling about the club, the result of this contest can play a major influence in how the rest of the season goes for the Union.

Philadelphia certainly did not get the start you’d hope to see in such a momentous game, conceding the first goal of the match in the ninth minute. It was a bad goal to concede, someone clearly missing their assignment to let Christian Dajome waltz freely into the box. Unmarked, Dajome buried the crossing pass from Jared Stroud to give the hosts the lead. It was a rough defensive sequence for Philadelphia in general. They allowed D.C. to penetrate through their line far too easily, and they neglected to put a defender on Dajome in the box. 1-0 D.C. after nine minutes.

Dájome absolutely smashes it home for his first goal of the season! D.C. are up 1-0. ⚡️

📺 #MLSSeasonPass: https://t.co/rF85Xo3RFg pic.twitter.com/qvQs8OBLex

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 4, 2024

After the goal, things didn’t really start to look better for Philadelphia. They looked uninspiring moving forward, a common theme of this season so far. Julian Carranza picked up a yellow card in the 20th minute and will now be suspended for the Union’s next match against Orlando. Carranza nearly made up for it in the 31st minute, pinging a shot off the crossbar.

Carranza’s chance was Philadelphia’s best chance of the night thus far. Unfortunately, it did not result in a goal. D.C. United made Philadelphia pay for not capitalizing on their chance, extending the lead in the 33rd minute. Christian Benteke headed forward a long ball, to which Jared Stroud also headed forward to the feet of Jacob Murrell. Just outside the box, Murrell fired a shot and it somehow made it past the outstretched arms of Oliver Semmle. It was bad defense by Glesnes, and Semmle should have done better in goal. 2-0 D.C. United.

The hometown kid, Jacob Murrell, doubles the lead for D.C.! 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/D0SkPSnocq

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 5, 2024

Just when they looked down and out, Philadelphia injected some life back into their team. The Captain Alejandro Bedoya brought the Union to within one in the 42nd minute off of a set piece. D.C. United just didn’t recognize the set piece play, allowing Bedoya to streak into the box unmarked. Kai Wagner doesn’t miss the pass. Ale Bedoya doesn’t miss the shot. Philadelphia now are only down 2-1 heading into half.

Ale Bedoya answers for Philly and cuts the home squad's lead in half! It's 2-1 in the capital.

📺 Free on @appletv: https://t.co/rF85Xo3RFg pic.twitter.com/qHxJ6JMTLs

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 5, 2024

Now having gained some momentum leaving the first half, Philadelphia started to respond a bit better early in the second half. The defense did well to cut down on clear cut chances for the confident D.C. United attack. Quinn Sullivan nearly tied it for the Union, his chipped shot from outside the box in the 54th minute barely saved by the keeper Bono.

Somehow the hosts did not score in the 72nd minute, Nathan Harriel’s goal line clearance the only thing keeping Philadelphia in the contest. Jack McGlynn would make them pay for not capitalizing on their chances, drawing the Union level with a wonder-strike in the 79th minute. The best left foot in the business did it again, curling an incredible shot into the top left corner of the net from well outside of the box. Simply a fantastic strike to make it 2-2.

JACK MCGLYNN! TOP BINS!

Philly equalize and we've got a game here in D.C. 😳 pic.twitter.com/lzlJBzJppS

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 5, 2024

Both teams had some chances at the end of the game but could not break the deadlock. This one would end 2-2. You like seeing the team making a comeback and stealing a point. However, it’s a result that fans have seen far too often now. They earned a point, but more often than not they looked like the inferior team. It’s not a draw that tanks them moving forward, but fans certainly won’t feel very inspired by the last 90 minutes of play.