Union drop crucial points at home, tie Atlanta 1-1

Saturday night’s matchup against Atlanta United signified an opportunity for the Philadelphia Union to set themselves up for the best possible route to the playoffs with three difficult matches remaining. A win and three points would bolster their spot in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. And they would be closer to avoiding the opening knockout round matchup between the eight and ninth teams.

But they couldn’t hold the lead created by right back Nate Harriel’s 61st minute blast from outside the box. Harriel’s goal, his first of the season, was the product of yet another key pass and assist from fellow outside back on the left side of the pitch, Kai Wagner. Wagner also etched his name in the Union’s all-time record book with the assist. It was his 51st assist in MLS play and passing club legend Sebastian Le Toux.

Nate Harriel gives Kai Wagner his record-breaking assist 🤩

Watch on #MLSSeasonPass on @AppleTV 📺 https://t.co/6mY9BwtQPb#DOOP |#PHIvATL 1-0 pic.twitter.com/3uVnu7VErn

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) September 29, 2024

The lead was short-lived, with an equalizer coming from Atlanta just 11 minutes later. Atlanta United’s Saba Lobzhanidze was left all alone on the back post in the 72nd minute and headed home a rather easy goal. Philadelphia struggled to find a game winner late due to Atlanta keeper Brad Guzan standing on his head at times. The match ended 1-1.

Philadelphia knew the first 15-20 minutes would be crucial. Head coach Jim Curtin lamented that fact a few times in the build-up to the match earlier in the week. And they succeeded with a fast start. Unfortunately, the early possession did not create an important early goal at home.

The Union garnered over 60% of the possession through the first segment of the first half. Atlanta absorbed the pressure and essentially invited Philadelphia to come break them down. All match long, Atlanta featured five or six players bunkered inside their own half and box when Philadelphia were in the attacking half. All Philadelphia action was routed to the wide areas, and forwards Mikael Uhre and Tai Baribo struggled to get touches in the center of the pitch.

Instead of attempting to find creative and aggressive attacking moves, Philadelphia were content with attempting several soft hit lofted crosses into Atlanta’s box. With extra numbers in the box, Atlanta handled all of those attempts rather comfortably.

Then Philadelphia dropped their high line and Atlanta took over. Atlanta ended the first half on the front foot despite being out shot early on. Philadelphia managed the first 25 minutes well, but struggled in the second segment of the half.

Fans were hoping an early goal in the second half would continue the momentum Philadelphia have gathered following two massive victories as of late.

The first goal arrived in the 61st minute. But Atlanta were not phased and stuck with their gameplan which featured some intense pressure on and off the ball throughout the match. Fresh off his first goal of the year, Harriel succumbed to sloppy defense both in the build-up to Atlanta’s equalizer and with man marking which created the open header for Lobzhanidze.

ADMIN NEVER GETS TIRED OF SAYING IT’S SABA TIMEEEE ⌚️🇬🇪 pic.twitter.com/2IFBPeERMl

— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) September 29, 2024

The sequence that occurred following the go-ahead goal is a microcosm of Philadelphia’s season overall. It’s been very up and down, and inconsistency late in the year could ultimately foil their chances of making the playoffs.

Curtin attempted to salvage the game by bringing on striker Sam Adeniran for midfielder Leon Flach. Adeniran had his chances, but couldn’t convert.

When Atlanta needed it most, Guzan reverted to his earlier pro soccer days by making clutch diving saves both to his left and right. Guzan made three saves in the last 10 minutes of the match including an impressive kick save in the fourth minute of second half stoppage time. Philadelphia threw everything at Atlanta late, registering eight shots in the last 10-15 minutes of action. But none found the back of the net.

The draw keeps Philadelphia in ninth place behind Toronto FC. Next for the U, are two road games against teams that are in the top four spots of the conference. They’ll fly to Orlando for a midweek matchup before going to Columbus for the final regular season match.