Union Overcome Red Card to Reach Leagues Cup Semis

The Philadelphia Union is advancing to the Leagues Cup semifinals after a penalty shootout win against Mazatlán. But the drama didn’t start there, striker Tai Baribo was sent off during stoppage time in the first half. Baribo first saw yellow in the 40th minute after a shoving match with a Mazatlán player, who fell to the ground. Just minutes later, in the 44th minute, Baribo was shown a straight red for a similar incident. However, after a VAR review, the referee downgraded it to a second yellow, leading to Baribo’s ejection.

Both yellow cards shown to Baribo seemed questionable, but the Union didn’t let the decision dampen their spirits. Within two minutes of the sendoff, Jack McGlynn sent a brilliant ball up the left side to a streaking Mikael Uhre. Uhre then turned on the jets, outrunning the defenders, and coolly chipped the ball over the goalkeeper into the net, putting the Union up 1-0.

The second half began just as chippy as the first half ended. In the 59th minute, Mazatlán tied the game with a well-executed set piece that was nearly impossible for Andre Blake to save. Despite this, Blake made several spectacular saves afterward to keep the score level.

As the game entered the 90th minute, Union fans were treated to a bittersweet moment as José Martínez came on for his final appearance in a Philadelphia Union kit, replacing Leon Flach.

With the match tied at 1-1 after regulation, it all came down to penalties. Andre Blake set the tone early, making a crucial save on Mazatlán’s first attempt. José Martínez then stepped up for the Union and calmly converted his shot, followed by successful kicks from Jack Elliott and Damion Lowe. Although Mazatlán managed to convert three of their last four attempts, it was Jesús Bueno who sealed the deal in the fifth round, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and securing the Union’s spot in the semifinals.

Next up, the Union will travel to Columbus to face the Columbus Crew in the Leagues Cup semifinals. The match is set for Wednesday, August 16, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Union will be looking to carry their momentum into this crucial fixture as they inch closer to a potential Leagues Cup title.