Photo: Daniel Studio

All-time record: 1–3–5
At Talen Energy Stadium:  0–2–3
At Dick’s Sporting Goods Park: 1–1–2
Goals For: 11
Goals Against: 15

Did you know…

The Union struggled on the road against Western Conference teams in 2016, earning one point all season. That single point came in last season’s only match against the Rapids.

May 28, 2016: Colorado Rapids 1-1 Philadelphia Union

PSP Match Report Highlights

Chances were at a premium in a first half that saw both sides making sure they did not make a mistake rather than take many chances.

Sam Cronin looked to have given the Rapids a deserved three points with a header in the 87th minute, finishing a Marlon Hairston cross. Hairston found time and space to cross from the right side and picked out the run of Sam Cronin, who lost Alberg before beating Ken Tribbett to the cross with a headed finish into the left corner of Blake’s goal.

But the Union would again come up with some late magic to rescue a point on the road. With time running out, Gaddis lofted a ball into the Rapids’ box that Herbers did well to flick on from near the penalty spot. Captain Brian Carroll made a great late run into the box, latched onto the flick, and finished with a controlled volley from close range past Zac MacMath.

PSP Analysis and Player Ratings Highlights

Philadelphia Union and the Colorado Rapids both logged a lot of miles on tired legs, and each team left with a point because it would just be plain mean to give out zero points even if that’s what the combined shooting deserved.

The Union saw very little of the ball, and when they had it, they still sought to attack as if they had won it back in a good position with Colorado retreating. Oddly, Philly seemed to be pushing forward with less patience as they won the ball back in deeper positions. This led to the team’s best attacking threats struggling to connect passes as they were squeezed out of dangerous zones by Colorado’s incredibly well-organized midfield.

Philly, with Vincent Nogueira in the side, try to pull teams in to the sidelines then switch play and attack. Without Nogueira, the Union often end up becoming more vertical in their attack, looking to move through the lines quickly instead of building possession.

PSP Postgame Quote Sheet

Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more

March 7, 2015: Philadelphia Union 0-0 Colorado Rapids

PSP Match Report Highlights

Philadelphia Union dominated their opening match of the 2015 campaign but could not find a goal against a resilient Colorado Rapids team that earned a scoreless draw despite playing the final 20 minutes of the contest with 10 men.

Bobby Burling was sent off in 68th minute for a second yellow card offense, and a host of Union attackers missed chances. Rais Mbolhi was not forced to make a single save, with the Rapids managing zero shots on goal.

PSP Analysis and Player Ratings Highlights

For a game with no goals and few chances, it is incredibly easy to identify the major storyline.

In the first half, Philadelphia Union played what was nominally a 4-4-2 but, in practice, resembled a back four behind a giant hexagon with nothing in the middle. After 45 minutes of playing kickball with a laughably disorganized Colorado side, a head injury to CJ Sapong led Jim Curtin to introduce Cristian Maidana and switch to a 4-1-4-1. The results were immediate and positive.

The most interesting question is whether Curtin would have been aggressive enough to make a personnel and tactical change if Sapong had not sustained a concussion. Whether you look at it visually or statistically, there are only two possible conclusions to draw: a) The Union and Rapids are both very, very bad at soccer, or b) Both coaches made some oopsies in the tactics department.

PSP Postgame Video and Quote Sheet

PSP Photo Essay

Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more

Philadelphia Union
Rais Mbolhi, Raymond Gaddis, Steven Vitoria, Ethan White, Sheanon Williams, Maurice Edu, Vincent Nogueira (Zach Pfeffer 85′), Sebastien Le Toux (Conor Casey 85′), Andrew Wenger, CJ Sapong (Cristian Maidana 45′), Fernando Aristegueta
Unused Subs: John McCarthy, Richie Marquez, Michael Lahoud, Fabinho

Colorado Rapids
Clint Irwin, Michael Harrington, Jame Riley, Bobby Burling, Axel Sjoberg, Lucas Pittanri, Marcelo Sarvas, Vicente Sanchez (Dillon Powers 55′), Dillon Serna, Gabriel Torres (Shane O’Neil 74′), Dominque Badji (Deshorn Brown 88′)
Unused Subs: Marc Burch, Sam Cronin, John Berner, Carlos Alvarez

Scoring Summary
None

Disciplinary Summary
COL: Bobby Burling (foul) — 24
PHI: Steven Vitoria (foul) — 25
COL: Axel Sjoberg (foul) — 45
COL: Bobby Burling (foul) — 68
COL: Dillon Serna (foul) — 73
PHI: Fernando Aristeguieta (Unsporting behavior) — 90+7
COL: Lucas Pittinari (foul) — 90+7

July 12, 2014: Philadelphia Union 3-3 Colorado Rapids

PSP Match Report Highlights

Despite taking a 3-1 lead into the 75th minute, Philadelphia Union were only able to hold on for a 3-3 draw against the Colorado Rapids Saturday night at PPL Park. Michael Lahoud was shown a straight red card in the 76th minute for a dangerous play when he tried to clear a ball with an overhead kick, striking Colorado’s Jared Watts in the face.

The Rapids took advantage of their manpower advantage by converting the resulting penalty kick and adding a late Deshorn Brown goal to salvage a point on the road.

PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights

So, as it turns out, that’s what dropping points looks like.

From the moment when Michael Lahoud karate-kicked Jared Watts square in the face to the final whistle, the Union were panicked, confused, and ultimately, exposed.

PSP Postgame Video and Quote Sheet

PSP Photo Essay

Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more

Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath, Fabinho, Sheanon Williams, Ethan White, Ray Gaddis, Amobi Okugo, Michael Lahoud, Sebastien Le Toux, Danny Cruz (Andrew Wenger 69′), Cristian Maidana (Aaron Wheeler 82′), Conor Casey (Brian Carroll 80′)
Unused Subs: Andre Blake, Austin Berry, Brian Brown, Vincent Nogueira

Colorado Rapids
Clint, Irwin, Shane O’Neill, Marvell Wynne, Drew Moor, Marc Burch, Jared Watts (Marion Hairston 78′), Dillon Powers, Kamani Hill (Carlos Alvarez 65′), Dillon, Serna (Gabriel Torres 83′), Nick LaBrocca, Deshorn Brown
Unused Subs: John Berner, Danny Mwanga, Thomas Piermayr, Chris Klute

Scoring Summary
16 – PHI: Casey (Gaddis)
18 – COL: Serna (Powers)
31 – PHI: Williams (Maidana)
74 – PHI: Wenger (Okugo)
79 – COL: Powers (PK)
86 – COL: Brown (Torres)

Disciplinary Summary
12 – COL: O’Neill (foul)
29 – PHI: Lahoud (foul)
34 – COL: LaBrocca (dissent)
76 – PHI: Lahoud (serious foul)
90+4 – PHI: Okugo (not visible)

March 10, 2013 Colorado Rapids 1-2 Philadelphia Union

PSP Match Report Highlights

Just when it looked like Philadelphia Union were set to throw away their second first half lead in as many weeks, Jack McInerney pounded home his first goal of the year, helping his side to a 2-1 victory over Colorado Rapids.

In a reverse of last week’s fortunes, the Union were dominated by an opponent yet proved sharper in front of goal, with Amobi Okugo opening his MLS account before McInerney’s eventual winner.

PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights

Better lucky than good, right?

That must have been what John Hackworth was thinking after he bunkered in for a road draw, only to see his team commit a three-point felony against a dominant but still subpar Colorado side.

Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more.

Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath; Sheanon Williams, Amobi Okugo, Jeff Parke, Raymon Gaddis; Danny Cruz, Michael Farfan (Michael Lahoud ’79), Brian Carroll, Keon Daniel (Gabriel Farfan ’64); Sebastien Le Toux (Antoine Hoppenot ‘70), Jack McInerney
Unused substitutes: Chris Konopka, Chris Albright, Bakary Soumare, Roger Torres

Colorado Rapids
Matt Pickens; Marvell Wynne, Drew Moor, Diego Calderón, Brian Mullan; Pablo Mastroeni (Nick LaBrocca ‘8), Hendry Thomas, Dillon Powers (Jamie Smith ’46), Atiba Harris (Tony Cascio ’71), Kevin Harbottle, Deshorn Brown
Unused substitutes: Chris Klute, Andre Akpan, Kamani Hill, Clinton Irwin

Scoring Summary
34 – PHI: Okugo (Le Toux)
69 – COL: Smith (Brown)
70 – PHI: McInerney (Hoppenot)

Discipline Summary
37 – COL: Harbottle (caution)
67 – COL: Thomas (caution)
90 – PHI: Cruz (caution)

March 18, 2012 Philadelphia Union 1-2 Colorado Rapids

PSP Match Report Highlights

Though they huffed and they puffed, the Union could not find a late equalizer after conceding two second-half goals to the visiting Colorado Rapids.

Despite the Union’s relentless pressure, Colorado retained composure, staying compact in front of Pickens and refusing to be drawn out as the Union switched fields in their searched for a gap that, in the end, did not come.

PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights

Whether it is a lack of confidence, a desire to be unselfish, or simple lack of technique, the Union must improve on their finishing before they can be considered a legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference.

Porfirio Lopez’s inauspicious start to his Union career is a cause for concern for the Union, but it pales in comparison to the coaching staff’s tinkering with the unit that made the Union a playoff contender in 2011.

Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more.

Scoring Summary: 
56 – Colorado: Jaime Castrillon
62 – Colorado: Tony Cascio
67 – Philadelphia: Lionard Pajoy (Roger Torres)

Misconduct Summary:
31 – Philadelphia: Gomez (Caution)
44 – Colorado: Larentowicz (Caution)
52 – Philadelphia: M Farfan (Caution)
58 – Colorado: Larentowicz (Second caution – Ejection)
74 – Colorado: Castrillon (Caution)
91 – Philadelphia: Torres (Caution)

Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath; Chris Albright (Roger Torres ’63), Sheanon Williams, Carlos Valdes, Porfirio Lopez; Brian Carroll (Josue Martinez ’79), Gabriel Gomez, Michael Farfan, Keon Daniel (Christhian Hernandez ’72); Danny Mwanga, Lionard Pajoy
Unused Substitutes: Chase Harrison, Zach Pfeffer, Chandler Hoffman, Danny Califf

Colorado Rapids
Matt Pickens; Kosuke Kimura, Marvell Wynne, Drew Moor, Luis Zapata; Pablo Mastroeni (Ross LaBauex ’76), Jeff Larentowicz, Jaime Castrillon; Brian Mullan, Omar Cummings (Quincy Amarikwa ’83), Tony Cascio (Wells Thompson ’68)
Unused Substitutes: Andre Akpan, Scott Palguta, Steward Ceus, Tyrone Marshall

Referees:
Mark Geiger, CJ Morgante (Assistant), Steven Taylor (Assistant), Andrew Chapin (Fourth)

July 29, 2011: Philadelphia Union 1–2 Colorado Rapids

PSP match report highlight:

The throwback combo of Le Toux and Mwanga was working well early. The two strikers found each other with regularity but the Union could not find a final pass.

Neither team could wrestle control of the tempo, as evidenced in how they would forgo switching fields to remain trapped on the same side for for long periods of time…

There was no point of attack for Philadelphia. Justin Mapp was too high, Kyle Nakazawa was too static, and Keon Daniel was receiving the ball much too deep to take anybody on. Additionally, Brian Carroll’s cross field balls were falling short of their runners.

PSP player ratings and analysis highlight:

The team that was so impressive in two international friendlies failed to show up on Friday night. Instead, the 2010 Union gave away possession, played disjointed defense, and struggled in front of net…

But there were bright spots on Friday. Torres and Michael Farfan had immediate positive impacts as subs, and Gabe Farfan had another strong defensive performance. The fight the Union showed in the second half is the kind of thing we’ve come to always expect from the Union and is part of the foundation laid down by the team—and its supporters—from the beginning of its short history. It is thrilling, and entertaining, and ever to be admired. Unfortunately, save for the late Torres strike, the finishing, or lack there of, is also something that we’ve come to expect.

PSP stat chat on the game.

PSP photo essay of the game.

Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more.

Scoring Summary: 
COL — Pablo Mastroeni 1 (unassisted) 35
COL — Sanna Nyassi 4 (Omar Cummings 6) 45
PHI — Roger Torres 2 (unassisted) 92+

Misconduct Summary: 
PHI — Sheanon Williams (ejection; Abusive Language) 64
COL — Caleb Folan (caution; Reckless Foul) 65
COL — Brian Mullan (caution; Reckless Tackle) 67

Colorado Rapids — Matt Pickens, Kosuke Kimura, Marvell Wynne, Tyrone Marshall (Scott Palguta 69), Drew Moor, Brian Mullan, Pablo Mastroeni (Joseph Nane 78), Sanna Nyassi, Jeff Larentowicz, Wells Thompson, Omar Cummings (Caleb Folan 61).
Substitutes Not Used: Andre Akpan, Mike Holody, Jamie Smith, Steward Ceus.

Philadelphia Union — Faryd Mondragon, Sheanon Williams, Danny Califf, Carlos Valdes, Gabriel Farfan, Justin Mapp (Veljko Paunovic 72), Kyle Nakazawa (Roger Torres 46), Brian Carroll, Keon Daniel (Michael Farfan 46), Sebastien Le Toux, Danny Mwanga.
Substitutes Not Used: Jack McInerney, Stefani Miglioranzi, Amobi Okugo, Zac MacMath.

Referee: Jorge Gonzalez
Referee’s Assistants: Claudio Badea; Matthew Kreitzer
4th Official: Armando Villarreal
Time of Game: 1:52
Weather: Cloudy and 89 degrees
Attendance: 18,770

June 4, 2011: Colorado Rapids 1–1 Philadelphia Union

PSP match report highlight:

But if the McInerney sub is a mystery, the penalty called on Danny Califf in the 63rd minute is worthy of Agatha Christie.

Pablo Mastroeni is listed at 5’10″ and 190 pounds. Maybe the rocky mountain air had an extreme effect on his balance, because he developed a sudden case of vertigo and collapsed in a heap as soon as he felt Danny Califf on his shoulder. The referee, clearly a fan of Michael Bay movies, decided that if nobody was going to create fireworks naturally, he would just insert them at random by pointing to the penalty spot…

The Union’s second shot on goal was a beauty. Receiving a ball from Le Toux, Mwanga executed a deft turn to the middle of the pitch and lasered a shot into the left side netting. It was the finish of a natural striker.

PSP player ratings and analysis highlight:

It is disappointing that the Union did not beat the Rapids. At the start of this season I never thought I would be anything less than pleased to see the Union picking up a point at Colorado. So there is a silver lining to this disappointment. It means this team is capable of still more…

The only real flaw in the Union’s game right now is set pieces (well, that and MLS refereeing). The Union are terribly shaky defending dead balls and Le Toux is terribly terrible at delivering them.

Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more.

Scoring Summary:
COL – Conor Casey 2 (penalty kick) 63′
PHI – Danny Mwanga 4 (Sebastien Le Toux 4) 66′

Philadelphia Union — Faryd Mondragon, Sheanon Williams, Danny Califf, Carlos Valdes, Jordan Harvey, Kyle Nakazawa, Gabriel Farfan, Brian Carroll, Justin Mapp (Keon Daniel 25) (Stefani Miglioranzi 79), Sebastien Le Toux, Jack McInerney (Danny Mwanga 58).
Substitutes Not Used: Juan Diego Gonzalez, Zach Pfeffer, Roger Torres, Zac MacMath.

Colorado Rapids — Matt Pickens, Kosuke Kimura (Scott Palguta 77), Tyrone Marshall, Drew Moor, Anthony Wallace, Jamie Smith, Pablo Mastroeni, Jeff Larentowicz, Wells Thompson, Andre Akpan (Quincy Amarikwa 46), Conor Casey (Caleb Folan 73).
Substitutes Not Used: Danny Earls, Mike Holody, Ross LaBauex, Steward Ceus.

Misconduct Summary:
COL — Anthony Wallace (caution; Tactical Foul) 26

Referee: Jasen Anno
Referee’s Assistants: Greg Barkey; Mike Kampmeinert
4th Official: Armando Villarreal
Attendance: 12,779
Time of Game: 1:50
Weather: Partly Cloudy-and-77-degrees

September 29, 2010: Colorado Rapids 4–1 Philadelphia Union

View match highlights here.

PSP match report highlight:

Four days after recording their statistically biggest win ever, Philadelphia Union suffered their worst loss ever with a 4-1 defeat Wednesday to the Colorado Rapids.

Colorado’s Omar Cummings scored twice in the first 15 minutes, and two second half goals sealed the game and the Union’s playoff hopes. Cummings found just enough room in the defense to toe-poke in the first goal seven minutes in, and then he was inexplicably left unmarked on a corner kick to score the second after 15 minutes.

The Union looked sluggish from the outset, perhaps worn down from the high altitude in Colorado and having to travel there for a road game after just playing on Saturday…

In perhaps the lone bright spot for the Union, McInerney scored an 89th minute goal long after the outcome was decided to collapse the margin just enough so that the loss merely tied a Union record for worst loss, rather than break it…

The loss essentially puts an end to the Union’s already slim playoff hopes.

Scoring Summary:
COL – Omar Cummings 11 (Macoumba Kandji 2, Wells Thompson, 1) 8’
COL – Omar Cummings 12 (Jamie Smith 6) 15’
COL – Well Thompsons 2 (Unassisted) 68’
COL – Quincy Amarikwa 1 (Macoumba Kandji 3) 86′
PHI – Jack McInerney 3 (Unassisted) 90′

Philadelphia Union — Brad Knighton, Sheanon Williams, Michael Orozco Fiscal, Danny Califf, Jordan Harvey, Justin Mapp (Jack McInerney 46), Stefani Miglioranzi (Andrew Jacobson 46), Amobi Okugo, Fred (Kyle Nakazawa 46), Sebastien Le Toux, Alejandro Moreno.
Substitutes Not Used: Juan Diego Gonzalez, Roger Torres, Nick Zimmerman, Chris Seitz.

TOTAL SHOTS: 6; SHOTS ON GOAL: 2; FOULS: 16; OFFSIDES: 2; CORNER KICKS: 1; SAVES: 5

Colorado Rapids — Matt Pickens, Kosuke Kimura, Drew Moor, Marvell Wynne, Anthony Wallace, Wells Thompson, Jeff Larentowicz, Pablo Mastroeni (Claudio Lopez 70), Jamie Smith (Brian Mullan 62), Omar Cummings (Quincy Amarikwa 75), Macoumba Kandji.
Substitutes Not Used: Andre Akpan, Danny Earls, Scott Palguta, Ian Joyce.

TOTAL SHOTS: 17; SHOTS ON GOAL: 9; FOULS: 3; OFFSIDES: 8; CORNER KICKS: 2; SAVES: 1

Misconduct Summary:
PHI — Danny Califf (caution; Unsporting Behavior) 10′

Referee: Baldomero Toledo
Referee’s Assistants: Craig Lowry; C.J. Morgante
4th Official: Ben Chouaf
Time of Game: 1:48
Attendance: 10,165
Weather: Clear-and-73-degrees

August 14, 2010: Philadelphia Union 1–1 Colorado Rapids

PSP match report highlight:

Danny Mwanga and Sebastian Le Toux continued their strong play, but for all their sustained possession and pressure Philadelphia Union made the same mistakes that have plagued them all season.

Union fans must wonder if the standings are correct when they see performances like the one the home team put on today at PPL Park. The Union took twice as many shots as Colorado and put twice as many shots on goal. They took four corner kicks and allowed only one, yet they earned a single point from a game in which they were clearly the better side.

PSP photo essay of the game.

Scoring Summary:
COL – Jeff Larentowicz 2 (Unassisted) 59’
PHI – Danny Mwanga 7 (Sebastien Le Toux 9) 73’

Misconduct Summary:
COL — Jeff Larentowicz (caution; Reckless Tackle) 20
COL — Omar Cummings (caution; Reckless Tackle) 66
COL — Matt Pickens (caution; Delaying a Restart) 71
COL — Jamie Smith (caution; Reckless Tackle) 85

Colorado Rapids — Matt Pickens, Marvell Wynne, Julien Baudet, Drew Moor,Kosuke Kimura, Wells Thompson (Conor Casey 61), Jeff Larentowicz, Pablo Mastroeni, Jamie Smith, Omar Cummings, Quincy Amarikwa (Mehdi Ballouchy46)
Substitutes Not Used: Danny Earls, Ross LaBauex, Claudio Lopez, Anthony Wallace, Ian Joyce

TOTAL SHOTS: 7; SHOTS ON GOAL: 2; FOULS: 17; OFFSIDES: 2; CORNER KICKS: 1; SAVES: 2

Philadelphia Union — Chris Seitz, Michael Orozco Fiscal, Danny Califf, Juan Diego Gonzalez, Jordan Harvey, Sebastien Le Toux, Fred (Jack McInerney 86), Eduardo Coudet (Roger Torres 63), Stefani Miglioranzi, Alejandro Moreno (Justin Mapp 60), Danny Mwanga
Substitutes Not Used: Cristian Arrieta, Kyle Nakazawa, Amobi Okugo, Brad Knighton

TOTAL SHOTS: 13; SHOTS ON GOAL: 3; FOULS: 16; OFFSIDES: 2; CORNER KICKS: 4; SAVES: 1

Referee: Terry Vaughn
Referee’s Assistants: Greg Barkey; Corey Rockwell
4th Official: Lee Suckle
Time of Game: 1:52
Attendance: 17,749
Weather: Clear-and-80-degrees