Union blow late lead, tie Columbus 2-2 at home

In what was a highly touted matchup between the top two teams in the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia Union blew a late lead and a crucial opportunity to leapfrog Columbus Crew in the Eastern Conference standings. A goal in the final minute of second half stoppage time from Crew defender Sean Zawadzki dampened what was destined to be a celebratory night for Union fans in Chester as the match ended in a 2-2 draw.

The Union faithful were a few verses into a “Go Back to Ohio” chant as Zawadzki beat Kai Wagner at the backpost on the final corner kick of the match for the goal. The defensive breakdown sullied what would have been a scrappy victory for Philadelphia. Instead, they’re left with a sour taste in their mouths and the thoughts of what could have been considering the implications on the match tonight.

The game tying goal sent shockwaves through the crowd, mostly because the Union managed the game quite well up until the dying embers of it. They struggled to find their footing throughout several stretches of the opening half. Columbus registered four chances and three corners in the opening 25 minutes of play. But Philadelphia started to battle back as they cleaned up their passing to in the final 20 of the first half.

Their efforts culminated in Tai Baribo’s 8th MLS goal of the year in the final minute of the first half thanks to a perfectly placed cross from Quinn Sullivan. The goal occurred following a restart in their defensive half. Backup keeper, Andrew Rick – in place of the injured Andre Blake – booted a long ball directly into the path of Sullivan who timed his run well enough to stay onside. Sullivan then found Baribo in front of goal for his seventh assist on the year. Both Baribo and Sullivan are both tied for first place in goals and assists respectively throughout all of MLS.

But the positive vibes carried over into the second half for Philadelphia. They registered three shots in the first 10 minutes, forcing a save from Columbus keeper Patrick Schulte. But Columbus flipped the script for the first time on the night in the 60th minute.

Crew midfielder Max Arfsten was left all alone on the backpost, which turned out to be a bit of foreshadowing considering how the game ended – Philadelphia being beaten at the backpost. Arfsten was unmarked and placed a shot well out of reach of Rick on a cross into the box to tie the match at 1-1.

Philadelphia didn’t wallow for long though. Just three minutes later, Union Homegrown defender Frankie Westfield buried a potential MLS Goal of the Matchday winner from outside the box to regain the lead and to reignite the home crowd. Danley sprang forward on a counter attack to create the opportunity for Baribo to find Westfield for a volleyed stunner of a goal. The blast was Westfield’s first MLS goal.

A flurry of substitutions followed the goal. Olwethyu Makhanya and Mikael Uhre came on for Baribo and Bruno Damiani. 10 minutes later Chris Donovan and Jesus Bueno entered the match for Danley and Sullivan. And Union Head Coach Bradley Carnell shifted tactics to bring nine players behind the ball in the defensive half creating a low defensive block for the remainder of the match.

The strategy paid off up until the final seconds of play.

Philadelphia did have a golden opportunity to net a third goal in the first minute of second half stoppage time though. Donovan made a solid run forward and gained entry into the box on a counter attack opportunity. He found Uhre in the center of the box, but the Danish striker flubbed his chance and failed to convert.

A few minutes later, the Crew plowed forward for their last offensive move to create a corner. The Union were beat at the nearpost, the Crew managed to flick the cross along the front of goal, and Wagner was caught flat footed allowing Zawadzki to spoil the evening.

Despite the end result, the night was not all negative. Former Union midfielder and standout goal scorer, Daniel Gazdag made his return to Chester for the first time since the trade to Columbus. He signed autographs for fans upon arrival, the Union honored him with a pre-game video tribute, the home crowd serenaded him with cheers, and he was able to reconnect with his family who still reside in the area for the time being. The night could’ve ended on an even higher note, but the football gods chose otherwise.

For now, the Union find themselves stuck in third place, trailing Columbus and FC Cincinnati by two points.