Photo: Earl Gardner
All-time record: 3–3–2
At PPL Park: 2–0–2
At CenturyLink Field: 1–3–0
Goals for: 10
Goals against: 8
Did you know?
The Union’s 1-0 home win on June 24, 2015 was their first over Seattle since the 2-0 road win on Oct. 8, 2011.
June 24, 2015: Philadelphia Union 1-0 Seattle Sounders
PSP Match Report Highlights
CJ Sapong scored the only goal of the game in the 69th minute as Philadelphia Union defeated Seattle Sounders 1-0 on Wednesday night at PPL Park. Injuries and suspensions took their toll on the quality of both starting lineups, with Seattle sending out a particularly weakened side.
The game seemed destined for a draw before Sapong nodded in Sheanon Williams’ cross midway through the second half.
PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights
Jim Curtin said after Philadelphia Union’s 1-0 win over Seattle Sounders on Wednesday night, “You can only play the team that’s here.”
Luckily for the Union boss, that meant a Seattle Sounders that not only was missing the likes of Clint Dempsey, Obafemi Martins, and Oswaldo Alonso, but also their entire backline.
These are the little breaks that come in MLS’ world of irrational scheduling and Curtin, speaking on the subject in his press conference, knew his side had to take advantage. With a flight back to the West Coast and a match against bitter rivals, Portland Timbers, on Sunday, Sigi Schmid fielded an extremely inexperienced side that was full of energy, but completely bereft of chemistry.
PSP Postgame Video and Quotesheet
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
Brian Sylvestre, Fabinho, Richie Marquez, Maurice Edu, Sheanon Williams, Brian Carroll, Vincent Nogueira, Cristian Maidana (Fred 79′), Andrew Wenger (Eric Ayuk 61′), Zach Pfeffer (Ray Gaddis 90+1′), CJ Sapong
Unused Subs: John McCarthy, Ethan White, Dzenan Catic, Antoine Hoppenot
Seattle Sounders
Stefan Frei, Oniel Fisher, Jimmy Ockford, Zach Scott, Dylan Remick (Chad Marshall 81′), Cristian Roldan, Michael Azira, Gonzalo Pineda, Marco Pappa, Aaron Kovar (Thomas 75′), Lamar Neagle (Darwin Jones 70′)
Unused Subs: Troy Perkins, Chad Marshall, Andy Rose, Victor Mansaray, Tyrone Mears, Darwin Jones, Thomas
Scoring Summary
PHI: CJ Sapong (Sheanon Williams) — 69
Disciplinary Summary
SEA: Dylan Remick (foul) — 30
SEA: Zach Scott (foul) — 49
May 4, 2014: Seattle Sounders 2-1 Philadelphia Union
PSP Match Report Highlights
A late Chad Marshall header assured Seattle of all three points after Obafemi Martins canceled out a first half Brad Evans own goal to give the Seattle Sounders a 2-1 win Saturday over the Philadelphia Union at CenturyLink Field.
The Union broke their three-plus-game scoreless streak when Brad Evans headed into his own net from a Cristian Maidana free kick 15 minutes into the first half. Things looked to be going Philadelphia’s way for a change as Zac MacMath saved Osvaldo Alonso’s penalty kick in the 40th minute.
But Martins was quickest to react to a bouncing ball in the Union box to draw Seattle level on 61 minutes, and Marshall scored the winner with just five minutes remaining, heading in Marco Pappa’s corner kick.
PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights
L-D-D-D-L-D-L-L
Since claiming all three points against New England back on March 15, the Union have claimed just 4 of the last 24 points on offer. And while few would have expected them to break their winless streak in Seattle, the lackadaisical performance turned in by the Sounders gifted the Union not only the lead, but their best chance at a victory in quite some time.
In the end though, mistakes at the back and poor communication yet again doomed John Hackworth’s men, and they squandered yet another sterling performance from Zac MacMath.
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath, Sheanon Williams (Antoine Hoppenot 87’), Amobi Okugo, Aaron Wheeler, Ray Gaddis, Brian Carroll, Maurice Edu, Vincent Nogueira, Cristian Maidana (Leo Fernandes 76’), Andrew Wenger (Conor Casey 81’), Sebastien Le Toux.
Unused substitutes: Andre Blake, Fabinho, Austin Berry, Michael Lahoud
Seattle Sounders
Stefan Frei, Dylan Remick (Marco Pappa 51’), Chad Marshall, Djimi Traore, DeAndre Yedlin, Lamar Neagle (Kenny Cooper 79’), Gonzalo Pineda, Osvaldo Alonso, Brad Evans, Clint Dempsey, Obafemi Martins (Zach Scott 88’).
Unused substitutes: Marcus Hahnemann, Jalil Anibaba, Andy Rose, Chad Barrett
Scoring Summary
PHI: Evans (own goal) 13’
SEA: Martins 61’ (Evans)
SEA: Marshall 84’ (Pappa)
Disciplinary Summary
PHI: Williams 31’ (yellow)
PHI: Edu 35’ (yellow)
SEA: Dempsey 91’ (yellow)
May 4, 2013: Philadelphia Union 2-2 Seattle Sounders
PSP Match Report Highlights
Despite having the better of the chances, Philadelphia Union failed to grab all three points on Saturday afternoon and played to a 2-2 draw with the visiting Seattle Sounders.
The Union fell behind through an Eddie Johnson header that Zac MacMath was unable to keep from crossing the line.
While the Union eventually grabbed the momentum, it was not until the second half when Danny Cruz was finally able to level the score, powering home after Conor Casey rang his header off the post. Cruz doubled his personal tally only a minute later, this time latching onto a poor clearance before firing past Michael Gspurning to give the home side the advantage. The lead would not last, however, as Mauro Rosales was able to bundle home on 64 minutes.
PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights
While there are plenty of positives and negatives from Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Seattle, the match has the distinct feeling of a draw that feels like a loss. Not only because of the missed penalty call or the three posts struck by the Philadelphia Union players, but because it was a winnable match that slipped through their fingers.
To be successful in MLS, the Union must win games at home. Furthermore, when a team like Seattle limps into PPL Park sporting the worst record in the Western Conference and missing four starters, claiming all three points is critical. Yet, for the third consecutive week, the Union lacked the cutting edge to dispatch a lesser opponent.
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath; Sheanon Williams, Amobi Okugo, Jeff Parke (Gabriel Farfan ’45), Ray Gaddis; Danny Cruz (Antoine Hoppenot ‘72), Brian Carroll, Keon Daniel, Michael Farfan; Conor Casey, Jack McInerney (Sebastien Le Toux ’85)
Unused substitutes: Chris Konopka, Kleberson, Michael Lahoud, Aaron Wheeler
Seattle Sounders
Michael Gspurning; DeAndre Yedlin, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Djimi Traore, Leonardo Gonzalez; Alex Caskey (Mario Martinez ’62), Servando Carrasco, Mauro Rosales (David Estrada ’83), Brad Evans (Andy Rose ’74); Eddie Johnson, Lamar Neagle
Unused Substitutes: Marcus Hahnemann, Zach Scott, Patrick Ianni, Eriq Zavaleta
Scoring Summary
10 – SEA: Johnson (Rosales)
50 – PHI: Cruz (Casey)
51 – PHI: Cruz
64 – SEA: Rosales (Gonzalez)
Discipline Summary
43 – PHI: M. Farfan (caution)
81 – PHI: G. Farfan (caution)
85 – SEA: Neagle (ejection)
85 – PHI: Williams (ejection)
90 – SEA: Yedlin (ejection)
90 – SEA: Johnson (caution)
Referee
Jorge Gonzalez
May 5, 2012: Seattle Sounders 1-0 Philadelphia Union
PSP Match Report Highlights
“In the end, the Union could only muster one shot on goal: A weak, rolling effort that failed to trouble Bryan Meredith, who, was never bothered as he recorded a shutout in his first MLS start.”
“Defensively, rookie Ray Gaddis swapped places with Sheanon Williams, moving to left fullback for the first time as a pro and facing off with Seattle’s captain and playmaker, Rosales.”
PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights
“Tasked with operating in the defensive midfield role, the coaching staff probably would have told Gomez to win the ball and start the attack, spreading the field and bringing his teammates into the game. Instead, Gomez tried to do it all by himself, dribbling into trouble and completing a shockingly poor 61% of his passes.”
“Once the goal was conceded, stand-in manager John Hackworth should have rung the changes immediately. Instead he waited 13 minutes before introducing Danny Mwanga. When Josue Martinez finally entered the match with only 8 minutes to play and Lionard Pajoy moved to left midfield, it was clear that the Union were out of options and ideas.”
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Scoring Summary
63 – Seattle: Mauro Rosales (Fredy Montero)
Misconduct Summary
18 – Seattle: Andy Ross (Caution)
78 – Philadelphia: Gabriel Gomez (Caution)
Referee
Ricardo Salazar
Lineup:
Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath; Sheanon Williams, Danny Califf, Carlos Valdés, Raymon Gaddis; Gabriel Gomez (Josué Martinez ’83), Keon Daniel, Kai Herdling (Brian Carroll ’61), Michael Farfan (Danny Mwanga ’76), Freddy Adu; Lionard Pajoy
Unused Substitutes: Chase Harrison, Porfirio Lopez, Amobi Okugo, Cristhian Hernandez
Seattle Sounders
Bryan Meredith; Marc Burch, Patrick Ianni, Jeff Parke, Adam Johansson; Osvaldo Alonso, Andy Rose (Eddie Johnson ’61), Mauro Rosales (Leo Gonzalez ’82), Alex Caskey (Servando Carrasco ’89); Fredy Montero, David Estrada
Unused Substitutes: Andrew Weber, Zach Scott, Cordell Cato, Sammy Ochoa
October 8, 2011: Seattle Sounders 0 -2 Philadelphia Union
PSP Match Report Highlights
“Second half goals from Freddy Adu and Brian Carroll lifted the Union into first place with a 2-0 win in front of a sold out crowd at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, WA. It was a night that should offer a lot to the Union’s confidence as they prepare for a playoff run against a strong Western Conference field.”
“[Garfan] attacked James Riley with speed and tried to beat him on the endline. Riley was shielding the ball out when Garfan raced around him and tapped it into the six-yard box, where Freddy Adu roofed the go-ahead goal above Keller’s frustrated grasp.”
PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights
“I would rather retrieve baseballs from the yard of the scary neighbor from The Sandlot than invade MacMath’s box. Crosses, breakaways, aerial challenges, anything. Once play enters the box, MacMath wants to be a part of it. Even on an injured ankle, he was chasing crosses with aplomb.”
“For ninety minutes, the Union back four played textbook pressure-and-help defense behind Brian Carroll.”
Scoring Summary:
PHI — Freddy Adu 2 (Gabriel Farfan 2) 60
PHI — Brian Carroll 1 (Sebastien Le Toux 9) 70
Misconduct Summary:
SEA — Lamar Neagle (caution; Reckless Foul) 63
Lineup:
Philadelphia Union — Zac MacMath, Sheanon Williams, Carlos Valdes, Danny Califf, Gabriel Farfan, Michael Farfan, Brian Carroll, Justin Mapp (Jack McInerney 86), Freddy Adu (Amobi Okugo 75), Sebastien Le Toux, Veljko Paunovic (Stefani Miglioranzi 89).
Substitutes Not Used: Danny Mwanga, Kyle Nakazawa, Roger Torres, Chase Harrison.
Seattle Sounders — Kasey Keller, James Riley, Jeff Parke (Patrick Ianni 46), Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Tyson Wahl, Brad Evans, Osvaldo Alonso, Erik Friberg, Lamar Neagle, Mike Fucito (Nate Jaqua 68), Pat Noonan (Sammy Ochoa 62).
Substitutes Not Used: Alvaro Fernandez, Roger Levesque, Zach Scott, Josh Ford.
Referee: Baldomero Toledo
Referee’s Assistants: George Gansner; Ian Anderson
4th Official: Ramon Hernandez
Time of Game: 1:51
Weather: Partly Cloudy and 62 degrees
Attendance: 36,304
April 16, 2011: Philadelphia Union 1-1 Seattle Sounders
PSP Match Report Highlights
““Don’t be afraid to score the second goal.” That was Peter Nowak’s message to his team after Saturday’s 1-1 home tie against Seattle.”
“Carlos Ruiz stepped up to the free kick 25 yards from goal and, with the spin of a seasoned politician, clubbed the ball into the back of Keller’s net. It should have been the crowning moment of the Union’s best 90 of the season. But a late defensive lapse allowed Seattle to steal a split of the points and deal a blow to the Union’s stout defense.”
PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights
“There are definite positives to take away from Saturday’s tie. Possession numbers were up while kick-and-chase was used as a last resort rather than a plan of action. Passes were completed in bunches instead of frustrating pairs. The young midfielders played well.”
“Ruiz and Le Toux have no chemistry right now. It was less of an issue when the defense was unbreakable, but Alvaro Fernandez shattered that illusion with one soft, seeing-eye header. Now the Union need to know why their starting strike force has combined for two scoring opportunities in four matches.”
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more.
Scoring Summary:
Scoring Summary
PHI — Carlos Ruiz 2 (unassisted) 32
SEA — Alvaro Fernandez 1 (Fredy Montero 1) 91+
Seattle Sounders — Kasey Keller, James Riley, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Jeff Parke, Leo Gonzalez (Fredy Montero 66), Erik Friberg (Alvaro Fernandez 77), Osvaldo Alonso, Brad Evans, Mauro Rosales, O’Brian White(Nate Jaqua 66), Steve Zakuani.
Substitutes Not Used: Patrick Ianni, Roger Levesque, Tyson Wahl, Terry Boss.
Philadelphia Union — Faryd Mondragon, Sheanon Williams, Danny Califf, Carlos Valdes, Jordan Harvey, Keon Daniel, Stefani Miglioranzi (Danny Mwanga 59), Amobi Okugo, Kyle Nakazawa, Sebastien Le Toux, Carlos Ruiz (Justin Mapp 80).
Substitutes Not Used: Michael Farfan, Juan Diego Gonzalez, Jack McInerney, Roger Torres, Zac MacMath.
Misconduct Summary:
SEA — Osvaldo Alonso (caution; Reckless Tackle) 30
PHI — Stefani Miglioranzi (caution; Reckless Tackle) 55
PHI — Amobi Okugo (caution; Reckless Tackle) 65
PHI — Carlos Valdes (caution; Reckless Tackle) 88
Referee: Terry Vaughn
Referee’s Assistants: Greg Barkey; Matthew Kreitzer
4th Official: John McCloskey
Attendance: 15,149
Time of Game: 1:51
Weather: Rain-and-52-degrees
June 27, 2010: Philadelphia Union 3-1 Seattle Sounders
PSP Match Report Highlights:
“Philadelphia Union vs. Seattle Sounders, 60th minute at PPL Park, Sunday, June 27, 2010. The first match in the new stadium. Seattle forward Pat Noonan lines up to take a penalty kick after a clear dive by Fredy Montero draws a penalty call…Seitz goes right, dives and stops it before falling on the ball. The crowd goes wild.”
Scoring Summary:
SEA — Pat Noonan 1 (Fredy Montero 5, Steve Zakuani 3) 44
PHI — Sebastien Le Toux 6 (penalty kick) 54
PHI — Fred 1 (Sebastien Le Toux 4) 79
PHI — Danny Mwanga 4 (unassisted) 84
Misconduct Summary:
SEA — Patrick Ianni (caution; Reckless Tackle) 20
Seattle Sounders — Kasey Keller, Leo Gonzalez, Jeff Parke, Tyrone Marshall, James Riley, Steve Zakuani (Nate Jaqua 72), Patrick Ianni, Peter Vagenas (Mike Seamon 66), Fredy Montero, Freddie Ljungberg, Pat Noonan (Roger Levesque 80).
Substitutes Not Used: Nathan Sturgis, Tyson Wahl, Sanna Nyassi, Terry Boss.
Philadelphia Union — Chris Seitz, Shea Salinas, Jordan Harvey, Danny Califf, Cristian Arrieta, Stefani Miglioranzi, Roger Torres (Andrew Jacobson 63), Fred (Amobi Okugo 81), Sebastien Le Toux, Danny Mwanga (Nick Zimmerman 87), Alejandro Moreno.
Substitutes Not Used: Shavar Thomas, Jack McInerney, Toni Stahl, Brad Knighton.
Referee: Baldomero Toledo
Referee’s Assistants: C.J. Morgante; Craig Lowry
4th Official: Hilario Grajeda
Time of Game: 1:52
Attendance: 18, 755
Weather: Clear and 90 degrees
March 26, 2010: Seattle Sounders 2-0 Philadelphia Union
Check out the very first match report from PSP to see some old school we’re-just-figuring-out-this-blogging-thing writing.
Highlight from that: “The honeymoon lasted all of 33 seconds. That’s how long it took veteran centerback, Danny Califf, to get booked last night.”
Couldn’t find complete stats for this on the Union’s site or MLSsoccer.com. Here’s what I dug up from Seattle’s site:
Lineups
Sounders FC – Kasey Keller, Zach Scott, Tyrone Marshall, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Leo Gonzalez, Roger Levesque, Brad Evans, Osvaldo Alonso, Steve Zakuani (Mike Fucito 76), Freddie Ljungberg (Sanna Nyassi 60), Fredy Montero.
Union – Chris Seitz, Jordan Harvey, Danny Califf, Toni Stahl, David Myrie (Jack McInerney 78), Andrew Jacobson, Danny Mwanga (Stefani Miglioranzi 46), Roger Torres (Amobi Okugo 71), Michael Orozco, Sebastien Le Toux, Alejandro Moreno.
Scoring Summary
Brad Evans (Steve Zakuani, Fredy Montero) 12;
Fredy Montero (Osvaldo Alonso) 43.
If the Union are down by 3 goals by halftime I say we organize a pickup game in Lot A. This is a serious statement with serious potential.
I’m thinking Lot C would be better for that…It’s paved.