Photo: Paul Rudderow
All time record: 2-2-2
At Talen Energy Stadium: 1-0-2
At BC Place: 1-2-0
Goals For: 5
Goals Against: 7
Did you know…
John Hackworth’s last game as head coach of Philadelphia Union came against Vancouver in the 3-3 draw on June 7, 2014.
May 9, 2015: Vancouver Whitecaps 3-0 Philadelphia Union
PSP Match Report Highlights
The Vancouver Whitecaps easily defeated Philadelphia Union 3-0 at BC Place Saturday evening.
Pedro Morales and Octavio Rivero scored first half goals and Darren Mattocks added a third late in the second half after Richie Marquez was shown a straight red card. Philadelphia dropped their fourth straight match.
PSP Analysis and Player Ratings Highlights
Brace yourself. It’s time to analyze another Philadelphia Union match that started out promising and devolved into the depressing inevitability of unnecessary mistakes and underwhelming individual efforts.
And to be clear: It is not fun to write about these utterly deficient Union performances. There is no joy derived from sitting in judgment of other human beings as they scuffle along, very publicly displaying few of the talents we know them to be capable of. But we do it during the good times and we must during the bad as well.
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
Brian Sylvestre, Sheanon Williams, Ethan White (Conor Casey 76′), Richie Marquez, Raymon Gaddis,Maurice Edu, Zach Pfeffer, Cristian Maidana, Eric Ayuk, Andrew Wenger (Vincent Nogueira 62′), Fernando Aristeguieta (Sebastien Le Toux 62′)
Unused Subs: Trey Mitchell, Brian Carroll, Fabinho, Fred
Vancouver Whitecaps
David Ousted, Tim Parker, Kendall Watson, Pa Modou Kah, Jordan Harvey, Matias Laba, Russell Teibert, Mauro Rosales (Cristian Techera 12′), Pedro Morales (Robert Earnshaw 87′), Kekuta Manneh, Octavio Rivero (Darren Mattocks 69′)
Unused Subs: Paolo Tornaghi, Sam Adekugbe, Gershon Koffie, Nicolas Mezquida
Scoring Summary
VAN: Pedro Morales — 32
VAN: Octavio Rivero – 44
VAN: Darren Mattocks – 81
Disciplinary Summary
PHI: Richie Marquez (serious foul) — 78
VAN: Cristian Techera (encroachment) — 80
June 7, 2014: Philadelphia Union 3-3 Vancouver Whitecaps
PSP Match Report Highlights
In front of a sellout PPL Park crowd, Philadelphia Union treated their supporters to the most entertaining match of the season, though they were unable to claim a vital three points, drawing 3-3 with Vancouver Whitecaps.
After a first half in which the Whitecaps took advantage of two counterattacking chances to storm into a 2-0 lead, the Union reorganized at halftime, turning the tables on the visitors in a torrid 8 minute span in which they scored three times. Two Conor Casey goals sandwiched a tally from second half substitute Sebastien Le Toux and saw the Whitecaps pushed back on their heels.
Unfortunately for the home crowd, the Union were unable to make the 3-2 lead stand up, with Pedro Morales converting from the penalty spot after Zac MacMath felled second half substitute Darren Mattocks in the box.
PSP Analysis and Player Ratings Highlights
It was not quite Istanbul, 2005. But like Rafa Benitez, John Hackworth inserted a defensive midfielder at halftime, fixed his team’s shape, and allowed the Union to earn an unlikely point at home. After hitting the Union with two first half sucker punches, Vancouver put no shots on goal in the second half except for the penalty kick that would earn them a road point.
Last week, PSP suggested that the coaching staff could focus on the positives of the win over Chivas or the negatives of the stinging loss to the Galaxy. Based on the Union’s tactics to start the Vancouver match, Hackworth opted for the former.
It was an unfortunate choice.
The Whitecaps did not overrun the Union like Los Angeles (and New England before them). Instead, they did what they have done throughout their current seven-game unbeaten run: Let the Union take their shots, then break out with speed.
PSP Postgame Video and Quote Sheet
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath; Ray Gaddis, Sheanon Williams, Amobi Okugo, Fabinho; Maurice Edu, Vincent Nogueira; Danny Cruz (Sebastien Le Toux ’66), Cristian Maidana (Leo Fernandes ’88), Zach Pfeffer (Michael Lahoud ’46); Conor Casey
Unused substitutes: Andre Blake; Ethan White, Brian Carroll, Andrew Wenger
Vancouver Whitecaps
David Ousted; Nigel Reo-Coker, Johnny Leveron, Jay DeMerit (Andy O’Brien ’24), Jordan Harvey; Gershon Koffie, Matias Laba (Darren Mattocks ’74); Nicolas Mezquida (Sebastian Fernandez ’66), Pedro Morales, Russell Teibert; Erik Hurtado
Unused substitutes: Paolo Tornaghi, Mehdi Ballouchy, Omar Salgado, Kekuta Manneh
Scoring Summary
18 – VAN: Hurtado (Reo-Coker, Teibert)
41 – VAN: Mezquida (Hurtado)
63 – PHI: Casey (Maidana, Fabinho)
68 – PHI: Le Toux (Nogueira, Maidana)
71 – PHI: Casey (Maidana)
81 – VAN: Morales (penalty)
Disciplinary Summary
53 – PHI: Gaddis (caution)
80 – PHI: MacMath (caution)
90 – VAN: Leveron (caution)
90 – VAN: Morales (caution)
90 – PHI: Lahoud (caution)
Referee: Jose Carlos Rivero
July 27, 2013: Vancouver Whitecaps 0-1 Philadelphia Union
PSP Match Report Highlights
Despite playing up a man from the 8th minute, Philadelphia Union rarely looked like they would beat Brad Knighton.
Then Antoine Hoppenot latched onto Aaron Wheeler’s 85th minute backheel and sent his shot inside the back post to stun the B.C. Place crowd into silence as the Union stole three precious road points with a 1-0 win.
PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights
Another game, another red card.
The Union are certainly living a charmed existence in 2013, and it can no longer be said that referees haven’t given Philadelphia the benefit of a number of calls.
Not that there was any question of whether Jun Marques Davidson would be issued his marching orders after the Whitecaps midfielder buried his head into Keon Daniel’s back. What was surprising was that Daniel did not join Davidson in the locker room after he kicked the midfielder. With the play close to the sideline and the ball trapped between Davidson’s feet, Daniel’s reckless kick was no mere attempt to make a play on the ball. Fortunately for both himself and the Union, Daniel ended up with only a yellow card.
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath; Sheanon Williams, Amobi Okugo, Jeff Parke, Ray Gaddis; Michael Farfan, Brian Carroll; Sebastien Le Toux, Keon Daniel (Fabinho ’65), Danny Cruz (Antoine Hoppenot ’67); Jack McInerney (Aaron Wheeler ’82)
Unused substitutes: Chris Konopka, Matt Kassel, Leo Fernandes, Kleberson
Vancouver Whitecaps
Brad Knighton; Lee Young-Pyo (Erik Hurtado ’88), Brad Rusin (Carlyle Mitchell ’82), Johnny Leveron, Jordan Harvey; Gershon Koffie, Jun Marques Davidson, Nigel Reo-Coker; Russell Teibert, Kenny Miller (Kekuta Manneh ’48), Camilo Sanvezzo
Unused substitutes: Corey Hertzog, Daigo Kobayashi, David Ousted, Matt Watson
Scoring Summary
85 – PHI: Hoppenot (Wheeler)
Discipline Summary
8 – VAN: Davidson (ejection)
9 – PHI: Daniel (caution)
25 – PHI: McInerney (caution)
59 – VAN: Leveron (caution)
65 – PHI: Cruz (caution)
73 – VAN: Koffie (caution)
Referee
Baldomero Toledo
March 31, 2012: Philadelphia Union 0-0 Vancouver Whitecaps
PSP Match Report Highlights
In drawing 0-0 with the Vancouver Whitecaps at PPL Park on Saturday, the Union earned their first point of the season, though they will lament a series of missed opportunities to take all three points in a tightly contested match.
Rookie first round draft pick Chandler Hoffman earned his debut for the Union, but could not provide the offensive spark required to kickstart the Union attack. And while it was no victory, Zac MacMath and the Union defense will take confidence from their first clean sheet of the season.
PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights
While the Union had plenty of opportunities to pound home a match winner, none of those chances involved any recognized attackers. It was Brian Carroll, Carlos Valdes and Danny Califf who all failed to put the match away from close range.
From childish arm flailing to condescending gesticulation, straight down the spine of the Union lineup, Carlos Valdes, Gabriel Gomez and Lionard Pajoy were all guilty of remonstrating against the referee, Whitecaps’ players and, worst of all, their own teammates.
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Scoring Summary
None
Misconduct Summary
PHI — 43′ Gabriel Gómez (Time wasting)
PHI — 56′ Brian Carroll (Foul)
VAN — 65′ Atiba Harris (Foul)
PHI — 77′ Michael Farfan (Foul)
Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath; Sheanon Williams, Danny Califf, Carlos Valdes, Porfirio Lopez (Michael Farfan ’45); Brian Carroll, Keon Daniel (Danny Mwanga ’86), Gabriel Gomez, Gabriel Farfan; Chandler Hoffman (Jack McInerney ’51), Lionard Pajoy
Unused Substitutes: Amobi Okugo, Chase Harrison, Josue Martinez, Chris Albright
Vancouver Whitecaps
Joe Cannon; Lee Young-Pyo, Martin Bonjour, Jay DeMerit, Jordan Harvey; Jun Davidson, Matt Watson, John Thorrington (Gershon Koffie ’59), Davide Chiumiento; Sebastien Le Toux, Atiba Harris (Long Tan ’70)
Unused Substitutes: Floyd Franks, Carlyle Mitchell, Brad Knighton, Greg Klazura, Omar Salgado
Referee: Elias Bazakos
Attendance: 17,189
June 18, 2011: Vancouver Whitecaps 1 – 0 Philadelphia Union
PSP Match Report Highlights
The Union lost 1-0 to the Vancouver Whitecaps Saturday night. It was the expansion club’s first win since the opening match of the season. [A 14 game winless streak]
Many will question the team selection, which left Keon Daniel (goal against RSL) and Michael Farfan (assist against RSL) sitting next to in-form Danny Mwanga on the bench. Peter Nowak returned Justin Mapp and Stefani Miglioranzi to the starting lineup and handed aged Serbian scamp Paunovic his first start.
If anything, Union fans expected a minimum of two changes [at halftime]. What they got was Peter Nowak’s continuing tradition of using subs to completely change tactics…Not that this helped. It was just, well, different.
It was a much-needed win for struggling Vancouver and a huge missed opportunity for Philadelphia.
PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights
Maybe it is simply this: The Union can put any front six out on the pitch and compete. But they can only dictate play and dominate a match with the right front six.
And come on. Vancouver generating passing moves against Philly? If David Chiumiento is out of that lineup they might as well start a kickball team or join the Canucks to toughen that squad up a bit.
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Scoring Summary:
VAN — Alain Rochat 2 (Davide Chiumiento 6) 12
Misconduct Summary:
VAN — Terry Dunfield (caution; Handball) 22
PHI — Carlos Valdes (caution; Reckless Tackle) 36
PHI — Brian Carroll (caution; Reckless Foul) 51
Lineups:
Philadelphia Union — Faryd Mondragon, Sheanon Williams, Danny Califf, Carlos Valdes, Jordan Harvey (Roger Torres 81), Justin Mapp, Kyle Nakazawa, Stefani Miglioranzi (Danny Mwanga 46), Brian Carroll, Sebastien Le Toux, Veljko Paunovic (Michael Farfan 59).
Substitutes Not Used: Keon Daniel, Juan Diego Gonzalez, Jack McInerney, Zac MacMath.
Vancouver Whitecaps — Joe Cannon, Jay DeMerit, Jonathan Leathers, Michael Boxall, Alain Rochat, Shea Salinas, Jeb Brovsky, Terry Dunfield (Gershon Koffie 83), Camilo (Nizar Khalfan 76), Davide Chiumiento, Eric Hassli.
Substitutes Not Used: Mouloud Akloul, Bilal Duckett, Omar Salgado, Russell Teibert, Brian Sylvestre.
Referee: Alex Prus
Referee’s Assistants: Corey Parker; Mike Kampmeinert
4th Official: Alejandro Mariscal
Attendance: 20,168
Weather: Cloudy and 60 degrees
March 26, 2011 Philadelphia Union 1 – 0 Vancouver Whitecaps
PSP Match Report Highlights
Another inconsistent offensive performance paired with stellar play in the back suggest a new makeup to this year’s Philadelphia Union.
In the 77th, a fortuitous bounce from a Miglioranzi 30 yard volley broke to Le Toux on the right. He drove at Cannon before crossing for Ruiz to tap into a gaping River End net.
PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights
This “fluid system” Nowak talks about? It just means the coach has the freedom to manually adjust his formation whenever he sees fit.
Torres is a dream on the ball. Except when he isn’t. With all the time and space in the world, Torres came inches away from picking apart the Whitecaps defense on a few occasions. But he also gave up possession and attempted impossible passes while the Union were sitting on a one-goal lead.
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Scoring Summary:
PHI — Carlos Ruiz 1 (Sebastien Le Toux 1) 77
Misconduct Summary:
VAN — Eric Hassli (caution; Reckless Foul) 25
PHI — Kyle Nakazawa (caution; Reckless Foul) 26
PHI — Danny Califf (caution; Dissent) 31
PHI — Danny Mwanga (caution; Reckless Foul) 35
VAN — Nizar Khalfan (caution; Reckless Tackle) 46+
VAN — Alain Rochat (caution; Reckless Tackle) 48
VAN — Eric Hassli (caution; Reckless Foul) 57
VAN — Eric Hassli (ejection; Second Caution) 57
Lineups:
Vancouver Whitecaps — Joe Cannon, Jonathan Leathers, Greg Janicki, Alain Rochat, Blake Wagner, Nizar Khalfan (Long Tan 88), Terry Dunfield, Gershon Koffie, Russell Teibert (Wes Knight 64), Eric Hassli, Atiba Harris (Camilo 83).
Substitutes Not Used: Jeb Brovsky, Bilal Duckett, Brian Sylvestre, Kevin Harmse.
Philadelphia Union — Faryd Mondragon, Sheanon Williams, Carlos Valdes, Danny Califf, Jordan Harvey (Jack McInerney 66), Brian Carroll, Sebastien Le Toux, Stefani Miglioranzi, Kyle Nakazawa (Roger Torres 66), Carlos Ruiz, Danny Mwanga (Gabriel Farfan 83).
Substitutes Not Used: Chris Agorsor, Michael Farfan, Levi Houapeu, Thorne Holder.
Referee: Yader Reyes
Referee’s Assistants: Craig Lowry; Paul Scott
4th Official: Chris Penso
Weather: Clear and 45 degrees
Attendance: 18,591
How are we collectively honoring Le Toux?
By beating the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Touche
Serious? I would more likely burn his jersey than cheer him.
You don’t like Le Toux. We get it already…
hahaha I guess I understand thinking he is overrated but hating him so much you want to burn his jersey? He leads the league in assists right now
wait, is this from last year? uh
Frank, we simply update the quick reference before each new game rather than publish an new post each time. With some 3,700 articles in our archive, we need to keep things tidy! And anyway, isn’t it fun looking back on past comments?
Suggestion: Union change standing protocol and announce the visiting team after the teams come out. Would allow the fans to give Le Toux the extended standing ovation he is due.
After kickoff, root for the U.
Before kickoff, honor Le Toux!
Are you serious? Le Toux is gone. He is on another team. Why should we honor him? Yeah he was the best player in the history of the franchise and we all loved him, but he only played here two years and people treat him like a god. We have to get over this obsession. We got what we got, and pining for Le Toix won’t make anything better.
Maybe “honor” is too strong a word but I fully intend to show my respect and thanks to Seba for the efforts he made on the field for the U. I will applaud him when he’s announced. Once the game starts, all my cheers go for the U but I don’t plan to ignore the fact that Seba was our best and most beloved player who was forced out by the meglomaniacal douche that runs the team. I’ll keep showing up at PPL and I’ll keep rooting them on but let’s face facts, right now this team blows. I keep hearing about how early in the season it is and that’s true but I don’t see where the improvement will come from as long as Nowak keeps them going in this downward spiral with his ridiculous formations and constant meddling. Not to mention how infuriating his arrogant disregard for anyone who dares to suggest there might be a better way to do things is. So treating Le Toux like a god? No. Obsessing on him? No. Showing him the same level of respect that he showed us when he was here? Absof’inlutely!
Well said.
I hope you are trolling, if not hand in your season tickets and get the MLS package so you can root for the Craps.
I cannot wait to see what Nowak does tactically to make me question his sanity even more!
He is gonna start a lineup, use a formation and tactics that makes sense to everyone (at least I hope so)…which will make us question his sanity…I just hope an individual mistake doesnt doom us…I think the U is gonna play scared…scared of making a mistake, just a second hesitation can EFF us…
On a website full of endearing quirks, this is one of the quirkiest
Wow, just look at that line-up from 2012 – only 4 starters and 8 players in the 18 are still on the team. The turnover in this league, and for the Union in particular, is astounding.
FLASHBACKS! Games AND comments!
Shouldn’t the all-time record be 1-1-1? I know I’m sometimes bad at math, but…