Photo: Paul Rudderow

With Michael Lahoud suspended, Jim Curtin made only one change to his preferred team from the past three matches with Brian Carroll returning to the lineup. The performance itself felt very similar to the match in New England a few weeks ago when Philadelphia Union ran out 3-1 winners. Amobi Okugo and Brian Carroll were very good in containing Lee Nguyen, who put on a show the last time he was at PPL Park.

Conor Casey and Sebastien Le Toux continued their good goal scoring form. In particular, Casey’s goal was well taken, but a resurgence from both forwards is really paying dividends for Philadelphia.

It must be said that it always felt like it wasn’t going to be New England’s night. Saer Sene’s chance off the crossbar was really the best chance the guests fashioned. Surely a nice clean sheet for the Union backline, but the Revolution attack continued to look a bit off the pace.

Player Ratings

Zac MacMath – 7

Not a ton of work on the night for MacMath, but did well when called upon (and got a little luck from his good friend the crossbar). Strong save on Steve Neumann with his fists in the second half.

Fabinho – 7

After a real struggle in Dallas, a better performance from the left back. Did well in his early tussles with Teal Bunbury. Got forward at times, but missed out on serving up the final ball for the most part. Could have had a really nice assist when Williams crashed his header off the bar.

Maurice Edu – 7

Assured performance from Edu. Outside a few scares in the first half from Saer Sene, did well to manage the backline and snuff out the Revolution attack before it really got going.

Sheanon Williams – 7

Better from Williams who hasn’t appeared to be himself at times this season. Could have scored with a well taken header that cannoned off the bar. Did well to deal with Bunbury for most of the match. Seemed to get into the head of Diego Fagundez in the second half with a little bit of gritty defending.

Ray Gaddis – 8

Another good defensive performance from Gaddis, but what was even better were his powerful runs forward. Should have had an assist in the first half when Casey shot wide. Had another very good run in the second half, eventually being fouled and earning a New England player a yellow card.

Amobi Okugo – 7

After an off night in Dallas, Okugo returned to form, dominating the central midfield. Did very well to deny the ball to the very dangerous Revolution midfield.

Brian Carroll – 7

Restored to the side with Michael Lahoud suspended, the Union captain put in a solid shift in the holding midfield. Along with Amobi Okugo, did a very comprehensive job denying the ball to Lee Nguyen and later Diego Fagundez and Kelyn Rowe. Was constantly clogging up passing lanes and his distribution was simple and smart. Even had a good left footed shot late in the second half.

Danny Cruz – 7

Strong match from Cruz. Found more luck when positioned out right like Le Toux, but did well to run at the New England backline and cause problems. As always, could be a little more clinical when in the final third,  especially in shooting situations.

Sebastien Le Toux – 7

Found plenty of room to run with the ball when playing down the right side. Led a few good breaks down that side, and just missed a few breakaway chances as the passing out of the back was just a little late on occasion. His goal probably won’t make his all-time highlight real, but still a great achievement to set the goalscoring record in the modern pro era of the US Open Cup.

Cristian Maidana – 8

Maidana seems to be finding his form playing in the No. 10 role. Showed up on both sides of the pitch and held possession extremely well. Struck a few good dead balls. Still wish he would be a little more greedy with his shots in and around the box.

Conor Casey – 7

Got his goal early and should have had another before the half. Did well to occasionally drift into the wide areas to chase down long balls and hold up play. His goal was well taken, with a cool touch to get around Knighton and a confident finish.

Subs

Aaron Wheeler – 6

Had a good scoring chance right after coming on which he did well to earn for himself. Spent a lot of time closing space and chasing the ball as New England looked to get back into the match.

Andrew Wenger – 6

Hardly had a touch coming on with about 10 minutes to play. Did make one powerful run with the ball that resulted in A.J. Soares’ second yellow card.

Fred – n/a