Photo: Paul Rudderow
All-time record: 5–11–3
At Talen Energy Stadium: 4–4–2
At Red Bull Arena: 1–7–1
Goals for: 24
Goals against: 33
Did you know…
Everyone is aware of Philadelphia’s winless streak dating back to last year. The Union, however, are approaching another ignominious honor. After failing to win the opening eight games of the season, Philadelphia now owns the third longest such streak. Only Real Salt Lake (0-5-6) in 2007 and Toronto FC (0-9-0) in 2012 have had worse starts.
October 23, 2016: Philadelphia Union 0-2 New York Red Bulls
PSP Match Report Highlights
Alex Muyl and Bradley Wright-Phillips tallied for the Red Bulls as New York defeated Philadelphia Union 2-0 on Sunday in the final regular season match of the season.
Despite the loss, the Union officially clinched their first playoff berth in five seasons, finishing 6th in the Eastern Conference.
The Red Bulls would take the lead in the 26th minute. Aurelien Collin lofted a ball over the top of the Union defense that Wright-Phillips would latch onto just outside the Union box. Wright-Phillips chipped the ball over the onrushing Andre Blake and finished into the open net for his 24th goal of the season.
The Red Bulls would take a 2-0 lead in the 57th minute through Muyl. Dax McCarty made a run to the endline and backheeled a pass into the path of Sacha Kljestan. Kljestan calmly slid a pass across the six-yard box and Muyl was able to beat Blake low to the left side.
PSP Analysis and Player Ratings Highlights
On Bradley Wright-Phillips’ opener, Ken Tribbett fails to track the run of the Golden Boot winner as he finds space between the center back and Fabinho. It looks like Tribbett steps up hoping to pull Wright-Phillips offside, but Fabinho isn’t on the same page.
Starting with a throw in just above the 18-yard box, Keegan Rosenberry lazily tries to tackle the ball off of Mike Grella who receives the throw, and then fails to stop the midfielder from playing the ball into the box for Dax McCarty. Tribbett tries to close McCarty down but a clever backheel takes him out of the play completely. Rosenberry is then too far away from Sacha Kljestan, who has plenty of time to pass across the Union six yard box.
Yes, I know that I just criticized his (Rosenberry) play in the paragraph above. And I’d agree that he’s maybe looked a little tired down the stretch, but the rookie has been impressive. Coming into the season not even assured of a starting job, the rookie grabbed his opportunity and never looked back. He didn’t look out of place in the MLS All-Star game and has been one of the team’s most consistent performers all season. It’s exciting to think about what the future might hold.
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
Andre Blake, Fabinho, Richie Marquez, Ken Tribbett, Keegan Rosenberry, Warren Creavalle (Brian Carroll 46′), Alejandro Bedoya, Roland Alberg, Ilsinho (Tranquillo Barnetta 62′), Eric Ayuk, Fabian Herbers (C.J. Sapong 76′)
Unused Subs: John McCarthy, Ray Gaddis, Auston Trusty, Chris Pontius
New York Red Bulls
Luis Robles, Damien Perrinelle, Aurelien Collin, Chris Duvall, Kemar Lawrence, Felipe, Dac McCarty, Alex Muyl (Sal Zizzo 88′), Mike Grella (Omer Demari 62′), Sacha Kljestan, Bradley Wright-Phillips (Gonzalo Veron 69′)
Unused subs: Roland Zubar, Klye Reynish, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Sean Davis
Scoring Summary
NY: Bradley Wright-Phillips (Aurelien Collin) – 26
NY: Alex Muyl – 57′
Disciplinary Summary
PHI: Ilsinho (argument) — 22′
NY: Mike Grella (argument) — 22′
PHI: Warren Creavalle (unsporting behavior) — 45+1′
NY: Damien Perrinelle (unsporting behavior) –54′
PHI: Ken Tribbett (unsporting behavior) — 78′
October 1, 2016: New York Red Bulls 3-2 Philadelphia Union
PSP Match Report Highlights
With a chance to secure their first playoff appearance in five years, Philadelphia Union came up small against New York Red Bulls, dropping a wild, back-and-forth affair 3-2…
As the playoffs approach, the Union are stumbling. Philadelphia has two points from their last five games, and has dropped eight points from winning or tied positions in that span. In addition, injuries to Josh Yaro and Alejandro Bedoya sound a further bell of alarm as the Union reset before their final two matches of the season.
PSP Analysis and Player Ratings Highlights
There are a lot of potential takeaways from Philadelphia Union’s breathless, solar plexus-throbbing defeat in New Jersey Saturday evening. On one hand, you could point to a five-match winless streak during which Philly has given up 10 goals and only scored five. On the other hand, you could say Philly fell asleep at the wheel against Chicago and have since given up only four goals from open play in the last four games.
You could jump on the train (a train PSP has admittedly been riding for quite some time) of pundits coming up with new ways to put C.J. Sapong’s goal-scoring slump in perspective. Or you could try to figure out how a team that has given up 51 goals is one of only two clubs in a playoff position to be without double digit goals from the striker position (The other is Colorado, who have given up eight (!) fewer goals than the next stingiest MLS defense.)
You could also argue that Philly is simply showing their true colors, and that the early season march up the standings was driven by a collection of statistical bubbles bound to burst (and there is some level of undeniable truth there). Or you could ask whether something more was at play during the pre-summer success: Was Jim Curtin’s team doing something different than they are now? Were other teams treating them differently than they are now?
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
Andre Blake, Fabinho, Richie Marquez, Joshua Yaro (Ken Tribbett 31′), Keegan Rosenberry, Warren Creavalle, Alejandro Bedoya (Brian Carroll 52′), Tranquillo Barnetta, Fabian Herbers (Roland Alberg 80′), Chris Pontius, C.J. Sapong
Unused Subs: John McCarthy, Ray Gaddis, Leo Fernandes, Brian Carroll, Roland Alberg, Charlie Davies.
New York Red Bulls
Luis Robles, Chris Duvall, Damien Perrinelle, Aurelien Collin, Kemar Lawrence, Felipe, Dax McCarty, Alex Muyl, Sacha Kljestan, Mike Grella (Gonzalo Veron 80′), Bradley Wright-Phillips
Unused subs: Kyle Reynish, Aaron Long, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Sal Zizzo, Sean Davis, Omer Damari
Scoring Summary
PHI: Fabian Herbers (Chris Pontius) — 15′
NYRB: Sacha Kljestan (Felipe) — 44′
NYRB: Bradley Wright-Phillips (Dax McCarty) — 47′
PHI: Chris Pontius (Fabinho) — 55′
NYRB: Dax McCarty (Sacha Kljestan) — 70′
Disciplinary Summary
NYRB: Damien Perrinelle (unsporting behavior) — 58′
PHI: Fabian Herbers (entering field) — 59′
PHI: Tranquillo Barnetta (unsporting behavior) — 72′
PHI: Chris Pontius (dissent) — 88′
July 17, 2016: Philadelphia Union 2-2 New York Red Bulls
PSP Match Report Highlights
Philadelphia Union came from two goals down at halftime to earn a point against New York Red Bulls in Chester, PA Sunday night.
CJ Sapong rifled home a penalty and Chris Pontius scored a minute later to cancel out Sacha Kljestan’s first half brace.
PSP Analysis and Player Ratings Highlights
For the second straight game, Jesse Marsch devised an excellent and creative tactical plan. And for the second straight time, his former teammate correctly identified the plan’s Achilles heel and shot a Pontius-shaped arrow through it. After taking only a single shot in the first half, the Union thwacked 15 in the second frame, a change in fortune that is unique in MLS history.
After Philly’s US Open Cup win, Jim Curtin talked about needing to move the ball so fast that you had to commit to doing it “blind.” That takes a special type of coordination and organization for a team to implement at halftime but the Union pulled it off.
On Sunday night, Jim Curtin pushed and prodded with Chris Pontius up the left for over an hour, then inserted Fabian Herbers on the right to wreak havoc against a tiring offside trap. Herbers was magnificent, and Jesse Marsch “ridiculously” had to go to five in the back while up a man late in the match.
PSP Postgame Video and Quote Sheet
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
Andre Blake; Keegan Rosenberry, Ken Tribbett, Richie Marquez, Fabinho; Brian Carroll, Tranquillo Barnetta (Creavalle 90+3′), Roland Alberg (Herbers 64′); Chris Pontius (Le Toux 82′), Ilsinho; CJ Sapong
Unused substitutes: John McCarthy, Ray Gaddis, Leo Fernandes, Joshua Yaro
New York Red Bulls
Luis Robles, Sal Zizzo (Duvall 67′), Damien Perrinelle, Aurelien Collin, Connor Lade; Dax McCarty, Felipe, Sacha Kljestan; Alex Muyl (Veron 80′), Mike Grella; Bradley Wright-Phillips (Ronald Zubar 83′)
Unused substitutes: Kyle Reynish, Justin Bilyeu, Derrick Etienne, Sean Davis
Scoring summary
NYRB: Kljestan (Wright-Phillips) — 27′
NYRB: Kljestan — 44′
PHI: Sapong (penalty) — 67′
PHI: Pontius (Herbers) — 68′
Disciplinary summary
PHI: Carroll (unsporting behavior) — 36′
PHI: Ilsinho (unsporting behavior) — 43′
NYRB: Zizzo (unsporting behavior) — 66′
PHI: Ilsinho (violent conduct) — 72′
NYRB: Lade (unsporting behavior) — 73′
October 18, 2015: New York Red Bulls 4-1 Philadelphia Union
PSP Match Report Highlights
Philadelphia Union’s forgettable season will get them into the MLS record book. Mike Grella scored the fastest goal in league history seven seconds into the match and New York Red Bulls added three more before the first half was over, going on to win 4-1 at Red Bull Arena Sunday afternoon.
The Union pulled one back through Sebastien Le Toux as New York took their foot off the pedal, but the match was decided inside of five minutes when Bradley Wright-Phillips made the score 2-0.
That Jim Curtin’s best available lineup was so comprehensively beaten speaks both to the growth of Red Bulls under Jesse Marsch and Philadelphia’s extended stasis.
PSP Analysis and Player Ratings Highlights
Since the preseason, Jim Curtin has said that his team was not good enough to have bad days. Yet, the one thing that could elevate a mediocre team above more expensive, talent-laden squads — consistent organization — has only appeared for fleeting moments. Perhaps this is purely a coaching issue and a function of a young coach struggling to communicate his ideas. But looking at the season as a whole, it appears more likely that there is another element strongly exerting its influence.
Over and over again, the Union have been undone not by better players or better tactics, but by the one thing Curtin promised they would not have: A weak mentality.
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
Andre Blake; Andrew Wenger, Richie Marquez, Steven Vitoria (White 45′), Fabinho; Michael Lahoud, Vincent Nogueira, Sebastien Le Toux, Cristian Maidana (Aristeguieta 45′), Tranquillo Barnetta; CJ Sapong (Ayuk 77′)
Unused Subs: John McCarthy, Raymon Gaddis, Warren Creavalle, Conor Casey
New York Red Bulls
Luis Robles; Sal Zizzo, Ronald Zubar, Damien Perrinelle, Kemar Lawrence; Felipe, Dax McCarty (Davis 65′), Lloyd Sam (Veron 72′), Sacha Kljestan (Lade 82′), Mike Grella, Bradley Wright-Phillips
Unused Subs: Kyle Reynish, Karl Ouimette, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Anthony Wallace
Scoring Summary
NYRB: Grella — 1′
NYRB: B. Wright-Phillips (Perrinelle, Kljestan) — 4′
NYRB: Grella (McCarty) — 17′
NYRB: Lawrence (McCarty, Sam) — 44′
PHI: Le Toux (Barnetta) — 55′
Disciplinary Summary
PHI: Vitoria (foul) — 41′
August 1, 2015: Philadelphia Union 1-3 New York Red Bulls
PSP Match Report Highlights
New York Red Bulls defeated Philadelphia Union 3-1 on Saturday night at PPL Park. Sacha Kljestan opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Tranquillo Barnetta was adjudged to have fouled Shaun Wright-Phillips inside the Union box.
Sebastien Le Toux equalized for the Union in the 73rd minute but Bradley Wright-Phillips restored New York’s lead just a minute later. Anatole Abang sealed the points for the Red Bulls deep into stoppage time, finishing a breakaway from 18 yards.
PSP Analysis and Player Ratings Highlights
Give Jim Curtin credit: He knows what his team has to do to succeed. He just can’t quite figure out how to make it happen.
Curtin’s early season mantra was that the Union needed every player to have a good game to compete against the best in MLS. In other words, the roster did not have the depth or flexibility to overcome injuries or poor form. On the surface, this seems a fairly obvious statement that offers little practical guidance. But this statement can actually give insight into Curtin’s team selection and strategy.
When the going gets tough, Curtin reaches into his bench and pulls out… Ethan White. Or Fabinho. Or Brian Carroll. Or Conor Casey. Nobody on that list is a bad soccer player by any stretch of the imagination. But to a man they have proven to be better supporting players than starters. And yet Philadelphia Union have leaned heavily on each of them to be consistent game in and game out. And that is something that a team requiring every player to be in good form each match simply cannot do (and this is not my opinion, this is the opinion of the league table over the past two seasons).
PSP Postgame Video and Quotes Sheet
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
John McCarthy, Fabinho, Maurice Edu, Ethan White (Conor Casey 82′), Ray Gaddis, Brian Carroll, Zach Pfeffer (Tranquilla Barnetta 64′), Cristian Maidana, Eric Ayuk (Fernando Aristeguieta 64′), Sebastien Le Toux, CJ Sapong
Unused Subs: Andre Blake, Steven Vitoria, Fred, Richie Marquez
New York Red Bulls
Luis Robles, Connor Lade, Damien Perrinelle, Matt Miazga, Anthony Wallace, Sacha Kljestan, Lloyd Sam (Shaun Wright-Phillips 60′), Dax McCarty, Felipe, Mike Grella (Antole Abang 77′), Bradley Wright-Phillips (Karl Ouimette 64′)
Unused Subs: Kyle Reynish, Shawn McLaws, Sal Zizzo, Sean Davis
Scoring Summary
NY: Sacha Kljestan (PK) — 66
PHI: Sebastian Le Toux (Fernando Aristeguieta, Christian Maidana) — 73
NY: Bradley Wright-Phillips (Shaun Wright-Phillips) — 74
NY: Anatole Abang (Sacha Kljestan) – 90+4
Disciplinary Summary
NY: Damien Perrinelle (foul) – 51
NY:Anthony Wallace (foul) – 56
PHI: Sebastien Le Toux (foul) – 62
PHI: Fernando Aristeguieta (foul) – 90′
May 24, 2015: New York Red Bulls 0-2 Philadelphia Union
PSP Match Report Highlights
After a tepid first half, Philadelphia Union roared to life with two goals to topple the New York Red Bulls 2-0 and earn their first road win of the season.
Vincent Nogueira beautifully backheeled a strike from Cristian Maidana into the Red Bulls net to open the scoring. Only minutes later, C.J. Sapong doubled the lead, finishing off a wonderful Fabinho run. The Union frustrated the Red Bulls vaunted midfield and fought their way to a huge victory — their first in MLS at Red Bull Arena.
“I’m not going to sit here and say it was a perfect performance because it wasn’t, but you have to grind games out,” Jim Curtin said after the match. “I thought our team put in a great effort.”
PSP Analysis and Player Ratings Highlights
In consecutive weeks, Philadelphia Union has beaten the top two teams in the Eastern Conference (by ppg). Even more impressive: They did not allow a goal to either team.
The formula, if you can call it that, has been incredibly simple, and slightly mischaracterized by Jim Curtin. After the DC match, Curtin said that he went back to the guys that earned him the head coaching job in the first place. In short, he was forced to play Conor Casey with Andrew Wenger and Sebastien Le Toux, and he finally had Cristian Maidana and Vincent Nogueira available and healthy at the same time. So… a bit of a coach’s decision but also a whole lot of circumstance led Philly back to the midfield and front line that guided their 2014 hot streak.
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
Brian Sylvestre, Fabinho, Ethan White, Richie Marquez, Sheanon Williams, Brian Carroll, Vincent Nogueira, Cristian Maidana, Andrew Wenger (Zach Pfeffer, 61′), Sebastien Le Toux (Eric Ayuk 90+1′), Conor Casey (C.J. Sapong, 53′)
Unused Subs: John McCarthy, Raymond Lee, Fred, Jimmy McLaughlin
New York Red Bulls
Luis Robles, Roy Miller (Anatole Bertrand Abang, 81′), Kemar Lawrence (Connor Lade, 30′), Chris Duvall, Karl Ouimette, Sacha Kljestan, Felipe, Dax McCarty (Dane Richards, 67′), Lloyd Sam, Mike Grella, Bradley Wright-Phillips
Unused Subs: Kyle Reynish, Andrew Jean-Baptise, Sean Davis, Marius Obekop
Scoring Summary
PHI: Vincent Nogueira – 57
PHI: C.J. Sapong – 62
Disciplinary Summary
PHI: C.J. Sapong (foul) — 73
NJRB: Felipe (argument) — 78
PHI: Cristian Maidana (argument) – 78
PHI: Vincent Nogueira (foul) – 80
NJRB: Karl Ouimette (foul) – 84
September 13, 2014: Philadelphia Union 2-2 New York Red Bulls
PSP Match Report Highlights
After an hour and a half delay to the start of the game, the Philadelphia Union left it late on Saturday afternoon, but when Ibrahim Sekagya cut down Pedro Ribeiro in second half stoppage time, Sebastien Le Toux stepped up and buried the penalty, giving his side a share of the points. Two early mistakes looked to have doomed the Union, with Ethan White conceding a penalty to Peguy Luyindula, and Zac MacMath fumbling a Thierry Henry shot into his own net.
But Ribeiro responded two minutes after the Red Bulls went up 2-0, charging down a Jamison Olave clearance and halving the deficit. From that moment until the final whistle, the Union were on the front foot, though it was not until nearly the final kick of the ball that Le Toux dragged the Union level.
PSP Analysis and Player Ratings Highlights
It would be easy to focus on the negatives after splitting points with a clearly obviously and absurdly inferior opponent. But a pair of #OnlyInMLS penalties and a disagreement between Zac MacMath and the slick PPL Park surface meant the Philadelphia Union only earned one point from a dominant display, and they will look to carry the momentum of a late goal into Tuesday night’s US Open Cup final against Seattle.
Describing the Union’s play as dominant fails to do justice to an insipid New York Red Bulls performance. Retaining the 4-2-3-1 that represents Mike Petke giving up on tactics in favor of an, “If we don’t know what we’re doing, nobody else can either” style, the Red Bulls mustered one shot on goal. And a penalty. They both went in.
Otherwise, New York played like a team that recognizes its impending irrelevance and is determined to meet expectations. The deep positions taken up by Dax McCarty and Eric Alexander meant the Red Bulls started every attack far back in their own half. And a continued reliance on the Grumpy Old Men plus Lloyd Sam going forward allowed the Union to treat counterattacks the way New York treats the Red Bulls. In short, they ignored them.
PSP Postgame Video and Quotes Sheet
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath; Ray Gaddis, Ethan White, Maurice Edu, Fabinho; Amobi Okugo, Brian Carroll (Vincent Nogueira ’70); Danny Cruz (Sebastien Le Toux ’49), Fred (Cristian Maidana ’61), Andrew Wenger; Pedro Ribeiro
Unused substitutes: Andre Blake, Brian Brown, Carlos Valdes, Sheanon Williams
New York Red Bulls
Luis Robles; Chris Duvall, Jamison Olave, Ibrahim Sekagya, Armando; Lloyd Sam, Dax McCarty, Peguy Luyindula, Eric Alexander; Tim Cahill (Saer Sene ’76), Thierry Henry (Ruben Bover ’55)
Unused substitutes: Richard Eckersley, Eric Stevenson, Ryan Meara, Kosuke Kimura, Ian Christianson
Scoring Summary
37 – NYRB: Luyindula (penalty)
39 – NYRB: Henry (Duvall)
41 – PHI: Ribeiro
90 – PHI: Le Toux (penalty)
Discipline Summary
30 – PHI: Cruz (caution)
63 – NYRB: Cahill (caution)
69 – NYRB: Robles (caution)
81 – NYRB: Bover (caution)
Referee: Allen Chapman
July 16, 2014: Philadelphia Union 3-1 New York Red Bulls
PSP Match Report Highlights
Philadelphia Union rode early goals in each half to a comprehensive 3-1 victory over the visiting Red Bulls at PPL Park on Wednesday evening. With both teams in good goal-scoring form, a high-scoring affair seemed on the cards, but where the Union pushed the game, New York lacked the energy and despite controlling possession for extended stretches, Zac MacMath’s goal wasn’t truly tested until the second half.
PSP Analysis and Player Ratings Highlights
Finally, a home victory.
It has been an age since Philadelphia Union tasted victory at home, and what better way to break their seven game home winless streak than with a comprehensive three goal victory over last year’s Supporters’ Shield winners, the New York Red Bulls.
PSP Postgame Video and Quotes Sheet
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath, Sheanon Williams, Maurice Edu, Ray Gaddis, Ethan White, Brian Carroll, Sebastien Le Toux, Cristian Maidana (Fred, 38′), Vincent Nogueira, Andrew Wenger (Danny Cruz, 74′), Casey (Aaron Wheeler, 86′)
Unused substitutes: Andre Blake, Austin Berry, Fabinho, Brian Brown
New York Red Bulls
Luis Robles, Matt Miazga, Chris Duvall (Connor Lade, 89′), Jamison Olave, Ambroise Oyongo-Bitolo, Dax McCarty (Bobby Convey, 87′), Lloyd Sam, Tim Cahill, Eric Alexander (Akpan, 80′), Thierry Henry, Bradley Wright-Phillips
Unused substitutes: Ryan Meara, Ibrahim Sekagya, Kosuke Kimura, Ruben Bover Izquierdo
Scoring Summary
PHI: Casey (Wenger) 9′
PHI: Fred (Casey, Williams) 51′
NY: Wright-Phillips (Henry, Oyongo-Bitolo) 60′
PHI: Le Toux (penalty kick) 69′
Disciplinary Summary
NY: Miazga (foul) 86’
April 16, 2014: New York Red Bulls 2-1 Philadelphia Union
PSP Match Report Highlights
In what is becoming an unfortunate tradition, Philadelphia Union again fell short on a trip to Red Bull Arena in a 2-1 loss to the home side.
Sebastien Le Toux converted an 80th minute penalty kick, but early second half goals from Thierry Henry and Lloyd Sam were enough to see the Red Bulls secure their first win of the season.
PSP Analysis and Player Ratings Highlights
Watching the Union flounder and struggle yet again at Red Bull Arena, some glaring oddities were visible for all to see. For example, what was Maurice Edu’s job in that match?
Not what should it have been, but what was he told. Edu has played the powerful, defensive foil to a more creative midfielder for years, with great effect. However on Wednesday night, he never committed to being the dominant ball-winner he can be. More concerning was that he didn’t really get forward effectively either. More often than not, Edu could be found sitting just a bit too high for defense and a bit too deep to attack. When the Union had possession in the final third, he took little part. Yet when New York broke, he was somehow too often out of position and was forced to call on his athleticism to get him back into the play.
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath, Ray Gaddis, Amobi Okugo, Aaron Wheeler, Fabinho, Maurice Edu, Vincent Nogueira, Cristian Maidana (Antoine Hoppenot ’76), Leo Fernandes (Mike Lahoud ’76), Sebastien Le Toux, Andrew Wenger (Conor Casey ’66)
Unused substitutes: Sheanon Williams, Austin Berry, Brian Carroll, Andre Blake.
New York
Luis Robles, Kosuke Komura, Ibrahim Sekagya, Jamison Olave, Roy Miller, Dax McCarty, Peguy Luyindula (Tim Cahill ’63), Eric Alexander, Lloyd Sam, Thierry Henry (Jonny Steele ’89), Bradley Wright-Phillips (Armando ’80)
Unused substitutes: Ryan Meara, Connor Lade, Ruben Izquierdo, Eric Stevenson
Scoring summary
NY: Henry (Miller, Alexander) ’57
NY: Sam (Alexander) ’67
PHI: Le Toux ’80
Disciplinary summary
PHI: Fabinho (foul) ’17 — yellow
NY: Sekagya (handle on the line) ’78 — red
NY: Olave (foul) ’82 — yellow
NY: Henry (foul) ’86 — yellow
August 17, 2013: New York Red Bulls 0-0 Philadelphia Union
PSP Match Report Highlights
Despite being outplayed for large stretches at Red Bull Arena, Philadelphia Union nearly stole a road victory before settling for a 0-0 draw.
Backstopped by a sure-handed performance from Zac MacMath, the Union nearly grabbed all three points when Sebastien Le Toux found space in the 73rd minute. The winger’s powerful effort struck the crossbar and Antoine Hoppenot’s trailing run put him in an offside position.
PSP Analysis and Player Ratings Highlights
In earning their first ever point at Red Bull Arena, the Union did just enough to get the job done. While it may not have been pretty, road points rarely draw rave reviews for style and quality.
Yet, it was hardly a typical road performance. It was neither energetic nor inspired. The Union did not enter the match flowing with confidence after dispatching a second-rate DC United side. They actually began the match identically to last week’s contest, sitting deep and absorbing pressure. As New York set to work building an attacking shape while they shredded through the nearly nonexistent Union midfield, the visitors struggled to find a foothold in the match.
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath; Sheanon Williams, Amobi Okugo, Jeff Parke, Fabinho; Sebastien Le Toux, Brian Carroll, Keon Daniel, Danny Cruz (Michael Farfan ’71); Jack McInerney (Antoine Hoppenot ’66), Conor Casey (Aaron Wheeler ’89)
Unused substitutes: Kleberson, Oka Nikolov, Michael Lahoud, Leo Fernandes
New York Red Bulls
Luis Robles; Ibrahim Sekagya, Markus Holgersson, Jamison Olave (Brandon Barklage ’76), Roy Miller; Eric Alexander (Lloyd Sam ’66), Tim Cahill, Dax McCarty, Jonny Steele; Thierry Henry, Fabian Espindola (Peguy Luyindula ’61)
Unused Substitutes: Connor Lade, Matt Miazga, Ryan Meara, Marius Obekop
Scoring Summary
None
Discipline Summary
30 – NYRB: Espindola (caution)
Referee: Jair Marrufo
Attendance: 25355
June 23, 2013: Philadelphia Union 3-0 New York Red Bulls
PSP Match Report Highlights
Philadelphia Union pounded a listless New York Red Bulls side 3-0 on Sunday behind a dominant performance from Conor Casey at a sold out PPL Park…
After having a goal called back for offside, Casey made no mistake in the 7th minute, powering home a towering header. With the Union on the front foot, Lloyd Sam’s 28th minute red card provided even more space for the home side.
The Union were unable to make the most of their chances until the second half, when Casey doubled the advantage, tucking home a rebound after Luis Robles failed to hold Keon Daniel’s initial effort. With New York frustrated and beaten, the Union poured forward. Antoine Hoppenot grabbed the Union’s third, smashing home Sebastien Le Toux’s clever cutback to wrap up the contest.
PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights
Confident.
Aggressive.
Dominant.
While the 2013 Union have had moments when each of the above adjectives have been fitting, it was not until Sunday’s match against New York that they actually strung together an entire performance worthy of all three. From front to back, players not only responsibly handled their own play but also helped their teammates create space, identify mismatches and snuff out attacks against a Red Bulls side that wilted under the pressure before quitting entirely.
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more.
Scoring Summary
7 – PHI: Casey (Williams)
64 – PHI: Casey
89 – PHI: Hoppenot (Le Toux)
Discipline Summary
28 – NYRB: Sam (ejection)
42 – PHI: Farfan (caution)
Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath; Sheanon Williams, Amobi Okugo, Jeff Parke, Ray Gaddis; Sebastien Le Toux, Brian Carroll (Matt Kassel ’90), Keon Daniel, Danny Cruz (Michael Farfan ’35); Jack McInerney, Conor Casey (Antoine Hoppenot ’73)
Unused Substitutes: Chris Konopka, Aaron Wheeler, Roger Torres, Leo Fernandes
New York Red Bulls
Luis Robles; Brandon Barklage (Kosuke Kimura ’46), Markus Holgersson, Heath Pearce, Roy Miller; Lloyd Sam; Eric Alexander, Dax McCarty, Jonny Steele (Fabian Espindola ’67); Peguy Luyindula (Andre Akpan ’83), Thierry Henry
Unused Substitutes: Ryan Meara, Connor Lade, Michael Bustamante, Ruben Bover
Referee: Baldomero Toledo
Attendance: 19013
March 30, 2013: New York Red Bulls 2-1 Philadelphia Union
PSP Match Report Highlights
The Union were looking for their first ever win at Red Bull Arena and looked to have done enough to at least earn a point, but Henry’s introduction to the game in the 60th minute proved to be the deciding factor. The Frenchman came close twice before finally beating Zac MacMath in the 82nd minute.
Casey would reward his coach almost immediately, evening up the score in the 63rd minute. A traditional Sheanon Williams long throw from the right was easily headed in at the near post by Casey, who completely lost marker Markus Holgersson.
PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights
On the opposite flank, the combative duo of Heath Pearce and Johnny Steele easily saw through Cruz’s “bull in a china shop” approach to wing play, cutting off any supply line to the winger by simply staying goal side.
For the Union to have success with this pairing down the road, either McInerney will have to continue his development by sharing more of the midfield workload, or Le Toux will have to raise his game and improve his touch, making him a more valuable asset in the team’s build-up play.
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard, and more.
Scoring Summary
55 – NY: McCarty (Steele)
63 – PHI: Casey (Williams)
81 – NY: Henry (Luyindula)
Discipline Summary
92- PHI: Casey (caution)
Red Bulls: Luis Robles, Markus Holgersson, Jamison Olave, Heath Pearce, Kosuke Kimura, Dax McCarty, Eric Alexander (Lloyd Sam, 73′), Juninho, Jonathan Steele, Tim Cahill (Thierry Henry, 59′), Péguy Luyindula
Unused substitutes: Andre Akpan, Santiago Castano, Digao, Ruben Bover Izquierdo, Roy Miller
Union: Zach MacMath, Raymon Gaddis, Jeff Parke, Amobi Okugo, Sheanon Williams, Briam Carroll, Michael Lahoud, Michael Farfan, Danny Cruz (Antoine Hoppenot, 61′), Sebastien Le Toux Conor Casey, 61′), Jack McInerney (Keon Daniel, 80′)
Unused substitutes: Leonardo Fernandes, Chris Konopka, Roger Torres, Greg Jordan
Match Info
Referee: Silviu Petrescu
Attendance: 15,824
October 27, 2012 Philadelphia Union 0-3 New York Red Bulls
PSP Match Report Highlights
There would be no joy for the PPL Park faithful on the afternoon the 2012 season closed with the visiting Red Bulls pounding the Union 3-0.
In the final minute of regulation, McInerney summed up the Union’s season when he missed a sitter. After Farfan found Cruz powering forward on the right wing, Cruz served the ball to the back post. With New York scrambling to recover, McInerney had time to settle the ball inside the New York six-yard box. Somehow he missed the target, pushing his shot across the face of goal.
PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights
Also, by including both Brian Carroll and Michael Lahoud, Hackworth insured that his side would have little attacking fluidity since neither player can list “quality distribution” on their resumes.
As they are constituted, the Union simply cannot make this formation work and whether it is a 4-4-2, a 4-3-3, or any combination there within, Hackworth must do a better job of getting multiple attackers on the pitch and in the box come 2013.
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard, and more.
Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath; Raymon Gaddis, Amobi Okugo, Carlos Valdes, Chris Albright (Roger Torres ’63); Michael Lahoud (Antoine Hoppenot ’46), Michael Farfan, Brian Carroll, Keon Daniel (Zach Pfeffer ’86), Danny Cruz; Jack McInerney
Unused substitutes: Chris Konopka, Chandler Hoffman, Gabriel Gomez, Jimmy McLaughlin
New York Red Bulls
Luis Robles; Connor Lade, Markus Holgersson, Rafael Marquez, Heath Pearce; Joel Lindpere (Jan Gunnar Solli ’64), Tim Cahill, Teemu Tainio, Dax McCarty (Roy Miller ’89); Kenny Cooper (Sebastien Le Toux ’74), Thierry Henry
Unused substitutes: Stephen Keel, Bill Gaudette, Tyler Ruthven, Digao
Scoring Summary
13 – NYRB: Cooper (penalty)
35 – NYRB: Henry
67 – NYRB: Cooper (McCarty)
Discipline Summary
61 – NYRB: Marquez (caution)
90 – NYRB: Henry (caution)
Referee
Chris Penso
July 21, 2012: New York Red Bulls 2-0 Philadelphia Union
PSP Match Report Highlights
For the second time in 2012, Kenny Cooper proved a Union killer, scoring both goals as the New York Red Bulls emerged comfortable 2-0 winners over the Union on Saturday afternoon in Harrison, N.J.
Substitute Antoine Hoppenot again provided an attacking spark for the Union, challenging the New York defense but too often, he found the box empty when he looked up for passing options.
PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights
Michael Farfan in particular must find the next gear if he is to run the Union attack with any consistency. He has all the tools for the job — vision, awareness and excellent skill on the ball — but at times he simply seems to be managing the tempo of the game, methodically knocking the ball around when a sharper, more aggressive tactic is required.
Against New York, the lack of defensive work rate from the wing forwards simply left too much ground for Carroll and Lahoud to cover.
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard, and more.
Scoring Summary
43 – NYRB: Cooper (Lade, Lindpere)
58 – NYRB: Cooper (Henry)
Discipline Summary
49 – PHI: Pajoy (caution)
54 – PHI: G. Farfan (caution)
62 – NYRB: Cooper (caution)
90 – PHI: Hoppenot (caution)
Referee
Hilario Grajeda
Union: Zac MacMath; Sheanon Williams, Amobi Okugo, Carlos Valdes, Gabriel Farfan; Brian Carroll, Michael Lahoud (Gabriel Gomez ‘60), Michael Farfan; Lionard Pajoy (Roger Torres ’72), Jack McInerney, Josue Martinez (Antoine Hoppenot ’60)
Unused substitutes: Chris Konopka, Keon Daniel, Chris Albright, Ray Gaddis
Red Bulls: Bill Gaudette; Roy Miller, Markus Holgersson, Wilman Conde, Brandon Barklage (Jonathan Borrajo ’16); Dax McCarty, Connor Lade, Joel Lindpere (Mehdi Ballouchy ’87); Sebastien Le Toux, Kenny Cooper, Thierry Henry
Unused substitutes: Jeremy Vuolo, Jhonny Arteaga, Tyler Ruthven, Stephen Keel, Victor Palsson
May 13, 2012: Philadelphia Union 2-3 New York Red Bulls
PSP Match Report Highlights
In a match played at a breathless pace from whistle to whistle, the New York Red Bulls stole a 3-2 victory at PPL Park after a questionable refereeing decision, despite being comfortably outplayed by Philadelphia Union.
When the whistle blew, PPL Park erupted at the thought of a penalty. Their hopes were immediately dashed by referee Jorge Gonzalez, who did not hesitate in pulling a second yellow card and then a red card for an alleged dive by Adu, reducing the Union to 10 men for the rest of the contest.
PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights
Battling until the very end, it was only their own inefficiency in front of goal that kept the Union from earning at least one hard fought point from the match.
Though Freddy Adu’s red card did not turn the game for New York, it did insure that as the match wore on, the legs of the remaining 10 Union players would grow weary far more rapidly than those of their opponents. But the Union fought on and despite the gut-wrenching loss, deserve credit for the heart and intensity with which they stayed in the match.
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard, and more.
Philadelphia: Zac MacMath; Michael Farfan, Sheanon Williams, Carlos Valdes, Raymon Gaddis; Keon Daniel (Chandler Hoffman ‘77), Gabriel Gomez (Josue Martinez ’84), Brian Carroll, Freddy Adu; Lionard Pajoy, Danny Mwanga (Kai Herdling ’67)
Unused substitutes: Chase Harrison, Cristhian Hernandez, Porfirio Lopez, Amobi Okugo
New York: Ryan Meara; Brandon Barklage, Markus Holgersson, Tyler Ruthven (Victor Palsson ’64), Roy Miller; Joel Lindpere, Dax McCarty, Rafael Marquez, Mehdi Ballouchy (Juan Agudelo ’54), Kenny Cooper
Unused Substitutes: Jeremy Vuolo, Jonathan Borrajo, Ryan Maduro, Connor Lade, Jhonny Arteaga
Scoring Summary
17 – NY: Lindpere (Ballouchy)
31 – PHI: Pajoy (Adu)
46 – PHI: Pajoy (Mwanga)
68 – NY: Holgersson (Barklage)
78 – NY: Cooper (Marquez)
Discipline Summary
5 – PHI: Adu (Caution)
19 – PHI: Pajoy (Caution)
22 – NY: Ballouchy (Caution)
43 – PHI: Adu (2nd Caution/Ejection)
54 – NY: Lindpere (Caution)
94 – NY: Meara (Caution)
Referee: Jorge Gonzalez
October 20, 2011: New York Red Bulls 1-0 Philadelphia Union
PSP Match Report Highlights
In a match that was billed as a great Eastern Conference showdown with both teams having plenty to play for, the New York Red Bulls dominated the Union with a 1-0 scoreline that could have been far more lopsided in favor of the hosts.
Gabe Farfan, Brian Carroll and Justin Mapp would join Valdes in being guilty of sloppy turnovers as the Union simply could not find any rhythm in possession.
PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights
It was an embarrassing loss. One embarrassing loss. Of course the timing was terrible and everyone, players, coaches and fans would have preferred a different result and performance. But in the end it was one game.
While there is no doubting his ability to be an immense talent, throwing him in at the deep end the way he [Zach Pfeffer] was on Thursday, has a greater chance of damaging his confidence than improving him as a player.
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard, and more.
Lineups:
Philadelphia Union — Faryd Mondragon, Sheanon Williams, Danny Califf, Carlos Valdes, Gabriel Farfan, Amobi Okugo (Freddy Adu 46), Zach Pfeffer (Danny Mwanga 46), Brian Carroll, Justin Mapp (Roger Torres 70), Sebastien Le Toux, Michael Farfan.
Substitutes Not Used: Jack McInerney, Stefani Miglioranzi, Kyle Nakazawa, Zac MacMath.
New York Red Bulls — Frank Rost, Jan Gunnar Solli, Stephen Keel, Tim Ream, Roy Miller, Dax McCarty, Rafael Marquez, Teemu Tainio, Joel Lindpere, Luke Rodgers (Juan Agudelo 89), Dane Richards.
Substitutes Not Used: Stephane Auvray, Mehdi Ballouchy, Corey Hertzog, Matt Kassel, Carlos Mendes, Bouna Coundoul.
Scoring Summary:
NY — Dane Richards 7 (Jan Gunnar Solli 7, Dax McCarty 6) 8′
Misconduct Summary:
NY — Teemu Tainio (caution; Reckless Foul) 29
PHI — Brian Carroll (caution; Reckless Tackle) 55
NY — Luke Rodgers (caution; Dissent) 66
Referee: Mark Geiger
Referee’s Assistants: Eric Proctor; Daniel Belleau
4th Official: Drew Fischer
Time of Game: 1:50
Weather: Partly Cloudy-and-59-degrees
Attendance: 25,044
April 9, 2011: Philadelphia Union 1-0 New York Red Bulls
PSP Match Report Highlights
With the Eastern Conference favorite New York Red Bulls in town, it was the teenagers that made the difference as Danny Mwanga set up a Roger Torres goal in the 68th minute to lead the Union to a 1-0 Union victory.
As the final whistle sounded, Danny Califf leaped into the arms of his captain and goalkeeper. A boisterous and deserved celebration by a defense that has yet to allow a goal in open play this season.
PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights
Luck, fate, four-leaf clovers… Nowak doesn’t care what it looks like as long as it adds up to three points. And it’s good for the Union that he doesn’t care because the third win of the young season was only marginally prettier than the first two.
Torres, of course, scored with his first touch and turned that star-making moment into twenty minutes of intelligent and incisive ball movement that wore down the Energy Drinks as they struggled to find an equalizer.
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard, and more.
New York Red Bulls — Bouna Coundoul, Jan Gunnar Solli, Tim Ream, Rafael Marquez, Roy Miller, Dane Richards (Luke Rodgers 67), Teemu Tainio, Dwayne De Rosario, Joel Lindpere, Juan Agudelo (Mehdi Ballouchy 84), Thierry Henry.
Substitutes Not Used: Stephen Keel, Tyler Lassiter, Carl Robinson, John Rooney, Alex Horwath.
TOTAL SHOTS: 7 (Juan Agudelo 2, Dwayne De Rosario 2); SHOTS ON GOAL: 1 (Dwayne De Rosario 1); FOULS: 8 (Thierry Henry 3); OFFSIDES: 2 (Juan Agudelo 2); CORNER KICKS: 6 (Rafael Marquez 6); SAVES: 2 (Bouna Coundoul 2)
Philadelphia Union — Faryd Mondragon, Sheanon Williams, Danny Califf, Carlos Valdes, Jordan Harvey, Stefani Miglioranzi, Brian Carroll (Amobi Okugo 6), Keon Daniel, Justin Mapp (Danny Mwanga 59), Carlos Ruiz (Roger Torres 67), Sebastien Le Toux.
Substitutes Not Used: Chris Agorsor, Michael Farfan, Juan Diego Gonzalez, Zac MacMath.
TOTAL SHOTS: 7 (Sebastien Le Toux 2, Carlos Ruiz 2); SHOTS ON GOAL: 3 (3 tied with 1); FOULS: 8 (Stefani Miglioranzi 3, Sheanon Williams 3); OFFSIDES: 2 (Danny Mwanga 1, Carlos Ruiz 1); CORNER KICKS: 1 (Justin Mapp 1); SAVES: 1 (Faryd Mondragon 1)
Scoring Summary:
PHI — Roger Torres 1 (Danny Mwanga 1) 68
Misconduct Summary:
NY — Rafael Marquez (caution; Dissent) 14
NY — Dane Richards (caution; Reckless Tackle) 29
PHI — Danny Mwanga (caution; Reckless Tackle) 77
NY — Roy Miller (caution; Reckless Tackle) 82
Referee: Alex Prus
Referee’s Assistants: Rob Fereday; Corey Parker
4th Official: Mark Kadlecik
Attendance: 19,027
Time of Game: 1:50
Weather: Cloudy-and-62-degrees
October 16, 2010: Philadelphia Union 2 – 1 New York Red Bulls
PSP Match Report Highlights:
It was a night for Philadelphia fans to remember. The team they fought so hard to get, playing the final match of the season in the stadium they’ve filled with noise and energy all year.
After the final whistle, the Union thanked the fans. PPL Park will go dark for now, but many of the same faces will take the field again next season and it was clear that they will all welcome the fantastic home atmosphere their rabid supporters provide.
New York Red Bulls — Bouna Coundoul, Chris Albright (Jeremy Hall 78), Carlos Mendes, Tim Ream, Danleigh Borman, Dane Richards, Rafael Marquez (Juan Agudelo 78), Tony Tchani (Salou Ibrahim 46), Joel Lindpere, Juan Pablo Angel, Mehdi Ballouchy.
Substitutes Not Used: Austin Da Luz, Carl Robinson, Sinisa Ubiparipovic, Greg Sutton.
Philadelphia Union — Brad Knighton, Sheanon Williams, Michael Orozco Fiscal, Danny Califf, Jordan Harvey, Sebastien Le Toux, Eduardo Coudet (Andrew Jacobson 65), Stefani Miglioranzi, Fred, Alejandro Moreno (Justin Mapp 62), Danny Mwanga (Shea Salinas 83).
Substitutes Not Used: Juan Diego Gonzalez, Roger Torres, Nick Zimmerman, Chris Seitz.
Scoring Summary:
PHI — Fred 4 (Alejandro Moreno 6) 8
PHI — Michael Orozco Fiscal 2 (Sebastien Le Toux 11) 28
NY — Danleigh Borman 1 (Mehdi Ballouchy 1) 48
Misconduct Summary:
NY — Danleigh Borman (caution; Reckless Tackle) 18
NY — Juan Pablo Angel (caution; Reckless Foul) 55
PHI — Fred (caution; Reckless Foul) 67
Referee: Paul Ward
Referee’s Assistants: Philippe Briere; Cameron Blair
4th Official: Terry Vaughn
Time of Game: 1:53
Weather: Clear and 58 degrees
Attendance: 18,578
April 24, 2010 New York Red Bulls 2 – 1 Philadelphia Union
PSP Match Report Highlights:
Same Le Toux + same Seitz + same brain cramp = same result.
Unfortunately for the hundreds of SoBs and other supporters making their way to the gleaming Red Bull Arena for the first leg of the newly minted I-95 derby, this formula was all too apparent…Nowak, in his fourth game at the helm, continued his policy of mixing it up and keeping us on our toes.
Scoring Summary:
NY — Salou Ibrahim 1 (Jeremy Hall 1) 50
PHI — Sébastien Le Toux 4 (Alejandro Moreno 3) 59
NY — Juan Pablo Ángel 3 (penalty kick) 67
Misconduct Summary:
NY — Mike Petke (caution; Reckless Tackle) 70
Referee: Kevin Stott
Referee’s Assistants: Kermit Quisenberry; Peter Balciunas
4th Official: Mark Geiger
Time of Game: 1:49
Attendance:15,619
Weather: Clear and 68 degrees
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