With this win, the Union are unbeaten in their last six league matches.
(Photo courtesy of The Philadelphia Inquirer)
Starting XI's:
Philadelphia Union: Andre Blake, Kai Wagner (Matt Real), Damion Lowe, Jack Elliott, Jakob Glesnes, Olivier Mbaizo, Jose Martinez, Leon Flach, Daniel Gazdag (Jesus Bueno), Julian Carranza, Mikael Uhre (Chris Donovan).
New England Revolution: Djordje Petrovic, DeJuan Jones, Dave Romney, Andrew Farrell, Brandon Bye, Latif Blessing (Justin Rennicks), Matt Polster (Joey Altidore), Emmanuel Boateng (Esmir Bajraktarevic), Carles Gil (Jack Panayotou), Noel Buck, Bobby Wood (Giacomo Vrioni).
Goal Scoring Summary:
56' Daniel Gazdag
74' Daniel Gazdag (PK)
88' Julian Carranza
First Half Recap:
The Union started off hot in this game as they won most of the early duels in midfield. Around four minutes in, Latif Blessing was shown the yellow card for a foul. The Union continued their dominance with shots from Carranza and Gazdag, that produced saves out of Petrovic. Soon after, Wood had a great chance to open the scoring but his shot sailed wide of the right post. However, the game changed when star playmaker Carles Gil picked up what looked like a muscle injury and could not continue. This allowed Martinez to push forward more and join the attack. The teams remained scoreless at the break.
Second Half Recap:
The Union continued right where they left off in the first half. Around the fifty-sixth minute, Gazdag's through-ball pushed Farrell into making a clearance by the sideline. Farrell, however, slipped when doing so and Uhre was able to take the throw quick. Uhre found Gazdag who rifled it off the post and into the net. The Union doubled their lead close to twenty minutes later when Uhre drew a penalty in the box and Gazdag buried it home. The Union defense remained firm to withstand the Revolution chances in front of net. Substitute, Chris Donovan, blocked a pass and found himself and Carranza on a two-on-one counter-attack. They combined together before Carranza put the ball past the outstretched hands of Petrovic, capping off a vintage Union victory.
3 Points to Note:
This was by far the best game the Union have played this season. Although Bedoya, the captain, was missing, the Union found their old form and got it done at home. I thought every player had a very good game and I was pleased to see the combination play and fight from all of the players.
The one negative of the game was actually the Union in front of net. There were times in the game where the Union should have scored or at least made the right decision. Instead, we saw too many passes as everyone wanted to make that perfect pass.
The defense has really stepped up. That is two clean sheets in a row for Blake, who has continued to prove to the league why he is one of the best in the business. Having Damion Lowe as a third center back really changes how the Union can approach and play each game. Also, Elliott was outstanding as the central center back.
My Player Ratings:
Andre Blake: 8
Kai Wagner: 8
Damion Lowe: 8.5
Jack Elliott: 9
Jakob Glesnes: 8
Olivier Mbaizo: 8
Jose Martinez: 9
Leon Flach: 8.5
Daniel Gazdag: 8.5
Julian Carranza: 8
Mikael Uhre: 9
Donovan: 8
Bueno: N/A
Real: N/A
Next Match:
The Union travel to the Big Apple to take on NYCFC on Saturday, May 27th, at 7:30 PM ET.
Ben Brecher
Twitter: @BenBrecher18