Photo: Earl Gardner
All-time record: 2-3-1
At Talen Energy Stadium: 2-2-0
At Yankee Stadium: 0-1-1
Goals for: 8
Goals against: 9
Did you know…
David Villa will have extra incentive to score against the Union. Why? A goal on Saturday would be his 50th for NYCFC.
April 14, 2016: Philadelphia Union 0-2 New York City FC
PSP Match Report Highlights
Second half goals from Jack Harrison and David Villa were enough for New York City FC to take down the Philadelphia Union 2-0 at Talen Energy.
The visitors took the lead in the 52nd minute. Ronald Matarrita was given time and space on the left corner of the Union area and picked out a fine angled pass to hit Jack Harrison’s run behind the Union backline. The striker took one touch to settle before sending a shot past Blake into the Union goal.
David Villa added gloss to the scoreline with a stunning goal on the 90th minute. Latching onto a bouncing ball just past the halfline, the Spanish striker hit a beautifully struck half volley that spun over the outstretched Blake.
PSP Match Analysis Highlights
In desperate need of a result, Philadelphia Union put zero shots on frame inside the box, and only two shots from distance could lay mild claims to threatening New York City FC’s goal. Despite creating turnovers in the visitor’s half throughout the opening forty-five minutes, the Union never showed anything more than bluster and hustle.
So he [Alberg] can score, but the question has always been whether he can do anything else. On Saturday, Alberg proved he can mark a 40-year-old for about 50 minutes, but far too few of his other qualities showed through.
A strange aspect of the Union’s attack is how it rarely builds effective triangles on the wings. The striker is dedicated to remaining between the center backs, so the Union are simultaneously dropping one or more midfielders deep to instigate buildups and playing long passes out wide to get behind the first line of pressure.
PSP Player Ratings Highlights
On Fabinho — Poor defending and ineffectual offensive contributions… He was a key contributor to the pinball game in front of the Union’s goal that closed the first half, and some sloppy play lead directly to Jack Harrison’s 52′ goal.
On Alberg — After his admittedly wonderful cross in the 28th minute, Alberg failed to have much meaningful impact on the game. Maybe this is a product of fitness.
PSP Postgame Video and Quote Sheet
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
Andre Blake, Fabinho, Richie Marquez, Jack Elliott, Keegan Rosenberry, Haris Medunjanin, Ilsinho (Jay Simpson 77′), Alejandro Bedoya, Chris Pontius (Fabian Herbers 60′), Roland Alberg (Adam Najem 71′), C.J. Sapong
Unused Subs: Jake McGuire, Ray Gaddis, Oguchi Onyewu, Derrick Jones
New York City FC
Sean Johnson, Alexander Callens, Ronald Matarrita, Maxime Chanot, Maximilano Moralez, Alexander Ring, Andrea Pirlo (Yangel Herrera 77′), Jack Harrison (Khiry Shelton 71′), Rodney Wallace, David Villa
Unused subs: Ben Sweat, Thomas McNamara, Eirik Johansen, Frederic Brillant, Minguel Camargo
Scoring summary
NYC: Jack Harrison — 52′ (Ronald Matarrita)
NYC: David Villa — 90′
Disciplinary summary
PHI: Jack Elliott — 25′ (unsporting behavior)
NYC: Alexander Ring — 43′ (unsporting behavior)
POR: Ronald Matarrita – 55′ (unsporting behavior)
June 18, 2016: New York City FC 3-2 Philadelphia Union
PSP Match Report Highlights
After falling behind 3-0, Philadelphia Union spent forty minutes fighting back only to lose 3-2 at Yankee Stadium to NYCFC.
Frank Lampard, David Villa, and Andrea Pirlo scored for the home side whileRoland Alberg dispatched a penalty for the Union. Frederic Brillant was credited with a late own goal after he deflected Brian Carroll’s header into the net for the visitors’ second.
PSP Analysis and Player Ratings Highlights
Philadelphia Union came out of the gate flat against NYCFC on Saturday, falling prey to the great play of a talented rookie and a trio of savvy vets.
New York City FC not only pressed hard on Philly’s soft spots, the home side also executed at an alarmingly high level against what has been one of the stronger defenses in MLS this season. Though Jim Curtin said David Villa was the best player on the pitch by a mile, it was rookie Jack Harrison who shined brightest on the ball. Harrison’s positioning, combined with team-wide confidence on the ball and quick switches of play, doomed the Union to a road defeat. Philly did not help themselves by executing their press poorly and giving David Villa too much respect.
In short, the match was a combination of one team playing extremely well and another playing like they just found out a franchise cornerstone was gone forever.
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
Andre Blake, Ray Gaddis, Richie Marquez, Ken Tribbett, Keegan Rosenberry, Brian Carroll, Warren Creavalle (Roland Alberg 45′), Chris Pontius (Ilsinho 53′), Tranquillo Barnetta, Sebastien Le Toux, Fabian Herbers (Walter Restrepo 77′)
Unused Subs: John McCarthy, Anderson Conceicao, Fabinho, Leo Fernandes
New York City FC
Josh Saunders, Ronald Matarrita, Frederic Brillant, Jason Hernandez, RJ Allen, Andoni Iraola, Andrea Pirlo, Jack Harrison (Kwadwo Poku 81′), Frank Lampard (Mikey Lopez 75′), Tommy McNamara (Ethan White 64′), David Villa
Unused subs: Eirik Johansen, Jefferson Mena, Tony Taylor, Steven Mendoza
Scoring Summary
NYC: Frank Lampard (McNamara, Allen) — 8′
NYC: David Villa (Harrison) — 21′
NYC: Andrea Pirlo — 50′
PHI: Roland Alberg — 55′
PHI: Frederic Brillant (OG) — 88′
Disciplinary Summary
PHI: Tranquillo Barnetta (unsporting behavior) — 31′
NYC: Frank Lampard (unsporting behavior) — 43′
NYC: RJ Allen (unsporting behavior) — 45′
PHI: Ray Gaddis (unsporting behavior) — 49′
NYC: Jason Hernandez (unsporting behavior) — 54′
NYC: Jason Hernandez (unsporting behavior; red) — 85′
NYC: Ronald Matarrita (dissent) — 90+5′
April 23, 2016: Philadelphia Union 2-0 New York City FC
PSP Match Report Highlights
Chris Pontius and C.J. Sapong scored first half goals and the Union coasted to a 2-0 victory over NYCFC on Saturday afternoon at Talen Energy Stadium.
Pontius turned in Tranquillo Barnetta’s low cross in the 26th minute to open the scoring, the goal his third of the season. Sapong doubled the Union’s lead in the 41st minute, redirecting Sebastien Le Toux’ shot for his fourth goal of the season.
PSP Analysis and Player Ratings Highlights
After Saturday’s match, New York City FC head coach Patrick Viera and a reporter discussed their differing views on how the visitors played. Viera thought his team deserved something from a match in which they dominated possession and held the Union to a low number of chances at home. The reporter thought Viera’s admission that his team made simple mistakes to give up the goals and NYC’s indisputably muted attack meant it was off-base at best (and disingenuous at worst) to argue that the visitors deserved a share of the outcome.
At one point, Viera says, “I respectfully understand your view, but like you said, we have a different view of the game.”
PSP Postgame Video and Quote Sheet
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
Andre Blake, Keegan Rosenberry, Josh Yaro, Richie Marquez, Fabinho (Ray Gaddis 46′), Brian Carroll, Vincent Nogueira, Tranquillo Barnetta (Ilsinho 65′), Chris Pontius (Warren Creavalle 81′), Sebastien Le Toux, C.J. Sapong
Unused Subs: Matt Jones, Anderson Conceicao, Fabian Herbers, Leo Fernandes
New York City FC
Josh Saunders, Jason Hernandez, Frederic Brillant, Andoni Iraola, Roland Matarrita (RJ Allen 70′), Federico Bravo, Kwadwo Poku (Thomas McNamara 59′), Mikey Lopez (Mix Diskerud 77′), Steven Mendoza, David Villa, Khiry Shelton
Unused Subs: Eirik Johansen, Diego Martinez, Tony Taylor, Patrick Mullins
Scoring Summary
PHL: Chris Pontius – 26′ (Tranquillo Barnetta)
PHL: C.J. Sapong – 41′ (Sebastien Le Toux)
Disciplinary Summary
NYC: Mikey Lopez (foul) – 15′
PHL: Fabinho (foul) – 36′
NYC: David Villa (foul) – 70′
NYC: Federico Bravo (foul) – 89′
PHL: Warren Creavalle (unsporting behavior) – 90+1′
June 6, 2015: Philadelphia Union 1-2 New York City FC
PSP Match Report Highlights
Patrick Mullins scored in the 87th minute to give New York City FC a 2-1 win Saturday night at PPL Park.
C.J. Sapong opened the scoring just after halftime before Thomas McNamara equalized just six minutes later. But Mullins snuck a shot past Brian Sylvestre at the near post late to give the visitors from New York all three points.
PSP Analysis and Player Ratings Highlights
After rolling to a comfortable and deserved midweek romp over Columbus, Philadelphia Union should have been poised to consolidate their claim as a playoff contender in the Eastern Conference. Instead, playing in their third match in an eight-day stretch, a listless Union side took the field Saturday night. Despite having the better of the chances against the numerically worst team in MLS, the Union failed to make the most of their 37 crosses and 7 shots on target.
PSP Postgame Video and Quote Sheet
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
Brian Sylvestre, Fabinho, Richie Marquez, Maurice Edu, Sheanon Williams, Brian Carroll (Jimmy McLaughlin 90+2′), Vincent Nogueira, Cristian Maidana (Eric Ayuk 82′), Andrew Wenger (Zach Pfeffer 69′), Sebastien Le Toux, CJ Sapong
Unused Subs: John McCarthy, Ray Gaddis, Fred, Ethan White
New York City FC
Josh Saunders, Chris Wingert, Shay Facey, Jason Hernandez, Jeb Brovsky, Sebastien Velasquez (Ned Grabavoy 57′), Kwadwo Poku (Mehdi Ballouchy 57′), Andrew Jacobson, Thomas McNamara, Adam Nemec (Patrick Mullins 78′), David Villa
Unused Subs: Ryan Meara, Kwame Watson-Sirboe, R.J. Allen, Pablo Alverez, Patrick Mullins
Scoring Summary
PHI: CJ Sapong (Sebastien Le Toux) — 47
NYC: Thomas McNamara — 53
NYC: Patrick Mullins (Jeb Brovsky) — 87
Disciplinary Summary
NYC: Jason Hernandez (foul) — 4
PHI: Maurice Edu (foul) — 89
April 16, 2015: New York City 1-1 Philadelphia Union
PSP Match Report Highlights
On a cool night in the Bronx, the Philadelphia Union earned a draw in their Yankee Stadium debut, finishing level with NYCFC at 1-1.
After a bland first half, NYCFC scored first off a strong strike by Mehdi Ballouchy. But, as the game wound down, a great combination between Maurice Edu and C.J. Sapong saw Sapong fire home his first goal for the Union and earn the team a valuable road point.
PSP Analysis and Player Ratings Highlights
While it may be hallowed ground for baseball fans, Philadelphia Union’s first trip to Yankee Stadium confirmed pretty much what everyone around the MLS community has feared about the butchered baseball diamond: It’s a downright awful place to play soccer.
Especially for a side like the Union, who rely on counterattacking athleticism over tactical nous and consistent precision, the tiny confines in the Bronx put them at a disadvantage from the opening whistle.
Postgame Video and Quote Sheet
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
John McCarthy, Ray Gaddis, Maurice Edu, Steven Vitoria, Sheanon Williams, Michael Lahoud, Vincent Nogueira (Zach Pfeffer, 63), Andrew Wenger, Eric Ayuk (Cristian Maidana, 58), Sebastien Le Toux, Fernando Aristeguieta (CJ Sapong, 58)
New York City FC
Josh Saunders, Javier Calle (Jeb Brovsky, 78), Chris Wingert, Jason Hernandez (Kwadwo Poku, 45), Josh Williams, Mehdi Ballouchy, Andrew Jacobson, Ned Grabavoy, Khiry Shelton, Adam Nemec, David Villa (Kwame Watson-Siriboe, 45)
Scoring Summary
NYC: Mehdi Ballouchy (Khiry Shelton) — 57
PHI: CJ Sapong (Maurice Edu, Cristian Maidana) — 87
Disciplinary Summary
PHI: Vincent Nogueira (Dive) — 22
NYC: Ned Grabavoy (Dissent) — 25
NYC: Javier Calle (Persisten Infringement) — 32
PHI: Sheanon Williams (Foul) — 41
NYC: Mehdi Ballouchy (Excessive Celebration) — 58
PHI: CJ Sapong (Foul) — 67
NYC: Kwame Watson-Siriboe (Foul) — 73
NYC: Andrew Jacobson (Foul) — 87
April 11, 2015: Philadelphia Union 2-1 New York City
PSP Match Report Highlights
Vincent Nogueira scored in the second minute of stoppage time as Philadelphia Union gutted out a 2-1 win Saturday against New York City FC for their first victory of the season.
Zach Pfeffer was credited with a first half goal that deflected off the Union midfielder after a shot by Eric Ayuk. David Villa scored his second goal of the season to put New York on level terms 10 minutes into the second half, but it wasn’t enough for the expansion side.
PSP Analysis and Player Ratings Highlights
Last September, Vincent Nogueira had the U.S. Open Cup Final on his foot.
Driving into the box deep into stoppage time, the game level at 1-1, the French midfielder smashed a volley past Stefan Frei, a shot which would have brought Philadelphia its first-ever trophy. A buzzing crowd at PPL Park prepared to go insane.
It clanged, heartbreakingly, off the woodwork.
Not much has gone right for the Union since that day, the high-water mark of a 2014 campaign that ended in ruins. The 2015 campaign hasn’t been much better, a shambolic start to the season punctuated by a disastrous stoppage-time collapse at Kansas City last week.
On Saturday, Nogueira found himself in a similar position. Tied at 1-1, with a game the Union desperately needed slowly bleeding away, the ball fell to Nogueira at the top of the box.
This time, the Frenchman made no mistake.
It was an utterly massive goal, completely turning the mood at an increasingly grumpy PPL Park and finally earning the Union their first win of the year.
PSP Postgame Video and Quote Sheet
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
John McCarthy, Sheanon Williams, Steven Vitoria, Maurice Edu, Ray Gaddis, Vincent Nogueira, Michael Lahoud, Andrew Wenger, Eric Ayuk (Conor Casey 72’), Zach Pfeffer (Cristian Maidana 84’), Sebastien Le Toux (C.J. Sapong 66’)
Unused Subs: Andre Blake, Ethan White, Brian Carroll, Richie Marquez
New York City FC
Josh Saunders, Josh Williams (Kwame Watson-Siriboe, 81’), Jason Hernandez, Chris Wingert, Jeb Brovsky, Andrew Jacobson, Mix Diskerud, Sebastien Velasquez (Khiry Shelton 45’), Ned Grabavoy, Adam Nemec (Javier Calle 72’), David Villa
Unused Subs: Ryan Meara, Kwadwo Poku, Mehdi Ballouchi, Patrick Mullins
Scoring Summary
PHI: Zach Pfeffer (Erik Ayuk, Sebastien Le Toux) — 27
NYC: David Villa — 55
PHI: Vincent Nogueira — 90 + 2
Disciplinary Summary
PHI: Michael Lahoud (foul) — 81
NYC: Kwame Watson-Siriboe — 85
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