Photo: Daniel Studio
All time record: 7-11-1
At Talen Energy Stadium: 5-4-0
At Mapfre Stadium: 2-7-1
Goals For: 28
Goals Against: 31
Did you know…
The Union will play the same team in back-to-back matches for the third time in franchise history, looking to avenge a 1-0 defeat in Columbus over the weekend. The first occasion came in 2014 as Philadelphia defeated Toronto 1-0 at home on Sep. 3 and 2-0 on Sep. 6 on the road. In April of 2015, the Union collected four of a possible six points in a home-and-home match-up with New York City FC.
July 22, 2017: Columbus Crew 1-0 Philadelphia Union
PSP Match Report Highlights
A shorthanded Philadelphia Union side failed to generate any offense and fell, 1-0, to Columbus Crew SC off a freak goal by Justin Meram.
With players missing due to the Gold Cup, injury, and suspension, Jim Curtin fielded somewhat of an experimental side. Jay Simpson earned his first start in months over the injured C.J. Sapong, while Adam Najem and Marcus Epps received their first career starts in the absence of Roland Alberg, Fafa Picault, and Chris Pontius.
Columbus got on the scoresheet in the 65th minute thanks to a lucky deflection. Justin Meram wiggled his way into the box and fizzed one across the face of goal. The ball ricocheted off Yaro’s heel and snuck under a wrongfooted McCarthy.
PSP Match Analysis Highlights
Neither team was good in the final third, but Columbus stuck to their gameplan and it paid off with a big win over the Union.
The Union then ended up trying to play around the front three by pulling their fullbacks deep for simple passes. Ray Gaddis in particular spent a lot of time on the ball in the first half, and he completed a plethora of short passes into the center. The Crew would quickly move the wingback forward to Gaddis, pull an inside winger deeper to back-pressure the ball carrier, and slide their midfield two across to cover. This meant Philly could exit the space, but often only by going backward and giving the Crew time to rotate.
Notably, the Crew have always prized width and movement off the ball under Gregg Berhalter, and the club’s current incarnation is no different. Central to the Crew’s attack was utilizing their attacking mids and central wingers to draw Philly central and attack up the flank. Both Kekuta Manneh and Justin Meram sought to draw the Union fullbacks inside to provide space for the wingbacks to advance.
PSP Player Ratings Highlights
On Ilsinho — Be suspicious of anyone who claims to know what position Ilsinho was playing on Saturday night, including Ilsinho himself. Maybe his time playing as a false 10 has broken his otherwise acceptable positional discipline, but at some point during the game he played left, right, and central midfield. It’s one thing when this is a tactical decision to shuffle the opposing defense, but that requires a player with a bit more mobility than the Brazilian brings to the table.
On John McCarthy — Even if you somehow think McCarthy isn’t ready to get the full-time starting job if/when Blake moves on to bigger and better things, there’s no denying that having a keeper of this caliber as a backup is a luxury most teams wish they could have.
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard, and more
Philadelphia Union
John McCarthy, Giliano Wijnaldum (Fabinho 75′), Josh Yaro, Jack Elliott, Ray Gaddis, Adam Najem, Marcus Epps (Warren Creavalle 81′), Haris Medunjanin, Alejandro Bedoya, Ilsinho (Charlie Davies 69′), Jay Simpson
Unused Subs: Jake McGuire, Keegan Rosenberry, Brian Carroll, Oguchi Onyewu
Columbus Crew
Zack Steffen, Jonathan Mensah, Alex Crognale, Lalas Abubakar, Harrison Afful (Hector Jimenez 46′), Wil Trapp, Artur, Jukka Raitala, Kekuta Manneh (Cristian Martinez 75′), Justin Mearam, Ola Kamara (Adam Jahn 86′)
Unused subs: Brad Stuver, Josh Williams, Nicolai Naess, Ethan Finlay
Scoring summary
CLB: Justin Meram (Artur) — 65′
Disciplinary summary
PHI: Jack Elliott — 68′ (unsporting behavior)
August 24, 2016: Columbus Crew 1-2 Philadelphia Union
PSP Match Report Highlights
Philadelphia would draw first blood in the 60th minute through Herbers. Another great build up started with Bedoya sliding to win the ball and keep the Union in possession. A give and go that saw a deft flick from Barnetta near midfield gave Pontius space to run into on the left at full tilt with the ball. The winger did well to find Sapong at the top of the box, who slid a pass into an open Herbers on the right side of the box. The rookie’s first shot was blocked but the ball fell back to him and he made no mistake with the rebound, sliding in to finish from 8 yards.
The Crew would equalize in controversial fashion in the 73rd minute. Blake couldn’t find the handle on a bouncing ball after a Columbus corner kick and substitute Adam Jahn was on hand from close range to flick the ball goalbound. Replays were unclear, but no view showed the ball completely crossing the line as the Union tried to clear but a goal was awarded.
Philadelphia would answer right back though, scoring less than a minute later through Rosenberry. Clever passing around the Crew box from Alberg and then Barnetta found the rookie cutting in from the right and he did ever so well to control Barnetta’s pass with his first touch and finish with his left foot on his second touch.
PSP Analysis and Player Ratings Highlights
An opening half hour that was every bit as bad as your local summer league gave way to an interesting, though plodding, tactical battle on Wednesday night. The Union won because Columbus let relief loosen their focus, and Philly channeled their coach and worked hard for the full ninety.
This was a big, weird night for Keegan Rosenberry. He scored the winning goal, so it was a good night. But he was also outfoxed by Justin Meram over and over.
Joshua Yaro continues to look… like he has potential. There is so much indecisiveness to Yaro’s game, even now, that it’s a testament to the coaching staff’s belief in him that he’s even in the defensive rotation. Watching Yaro is both thrilling and an exercise in emotional restraint.
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard, and more
Philadelphia Union
Andre Blake, Fabinho, Richie Marquez, Joshua Yaro, Keegan Rosenberry, Warren Creavalle, Alejandro Bedoya, Tranquillo Barnetta, Fabian Herbers (Roland Alberg 66′), Chris Pontius (Charlie Davies 81′), C.J. Sapong
Unused Subs: John McCarthy, Ray Gaddis, Walter Restrepo, Ken Tribbett, Leo Fernandes
Columbus Crew
Steve Clark, Nicolai Naess, Michael Parkhurst, Hector Jimenez (Corey Ashe 83′), Harrison Afful, Federico Higuain, Tony Tchani, Wil Trapp, Ola Kamara (Adam Jahn 63′), Justin Meram, Ethan Finlay (Dilly Duka 63′)
Unused subs: Tyson Wahl, Brad Stuver, Chad Barson, Mohammed Saeid
Scoring Summary
PHI: Fabian Herbers — 60′
CLB: Adam Jahn — 73′
PHI: Keegan Rosenberry (Tranquillo Barnetta) — 74′
Disciplinary Summary
PHI: Alejandro Bedoya (unsporting behavior) — 78′
June 1, 2016: Philadelphia Union 3-2 Columbus Crew
PSP Match Report highlights
Philadelphia Union defeated Columbus Crew 3-2 on Wednesday night in Chester. The Crew tallied first, with Ola Kamara volleying home in the 14th minute. Philadelphia rallied behind goals from Chris Pontius, Vincent Nogueira, and Fabian Herbers before Cristian Hernandez netted a consolation in stoppage time.
PSP Analysis and Player Ratings Highlights
In April 2015, Columbus Crew executed a comprehensive, demoralizing pounding of Philadelphia Union that exposed so many flaws in Jim Curtin’s team the rest of the league merely did clean up work on a squad that had to stare their own frailty in the face less than a month into the season.
On Wednesday night, the Union used the Crew to show the rest of MLS of what Philadelphia can do to a team that needs to impose a rhythm and flow to succeed. Led by a sensational performance from Brian Carroll and the calming influence of Vincent Nogueira, Philadelphia slowly wrenched control of the match from the visitors until there could only be one winner. If not for weirdly consistent poor decision-making in the final third, the Union could have run away with the result the same way Columbus ran away from them 14 months ago. The Crew’s soft underbelly was exposed as Philly again and again moved through midfield with ease, and the Union’s improved defense remained solid despite the absence of their stud shot-stopper.
It has been difficult to buy into the notion that the Union, only a few months removed from a disastrous season, are among the cream of the Eastern Conference crop. Philly was 0-3-2 when giving up the first goal this season until last night, but they quickly recovered from an early deficit and dominated the final 70 minutes of the match.
PSP Postgame Video and Quote Sheet
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
Matt Jones, Fabinho, Richie Marquez, Ken Tribbett, Keegan Rosenberry, Brian Carroll, Vincent Nogueira (Warren Creavalle 69′), Chris Pontius (Ilsinho 69′), Tranquillo Barnetta, Sebastien Le Toux, CJ Sapong (Fabian Herbers 74′)
Unused Subs: John McCarthy, Anderson Conceicao, Ray Gaddis, Roland Alberg
Columbus Crew
Steve Clark, Michael Parkhurst, Hector Jimenez, Waylon Francis, Chad Barson, Wil Trapp, Ethan Finlay, Justin Meram (Cristian Martinez 69′), Mohammed Saeid (Ben Swanson 74′), Federico Higuain (Conor Casey 74′), Ola Kamara
Unused subs: Brad Stuver, Corey Ashe
Scoring Summary
CLB: Ola Kamara (Ethan Finlay) — 14′
PHI: Chris Pontius (Sebastien Le Toux) — 21′
PHI: Vincent Nogueira (Chris Pontius) — 57′
PHI: Fabian Herbers — (Ilsinho) 84′
CLB: Cristian Hernandez (Ethan Finlay) — 90+3′
Disciplinary Summary
PHI: Ken Tribbett (unsporting behavior) — 32′
CLB: Ethan Finlay (unsporting behavior) — 43′
PHI: Sebastien Le Toux (dissent) — 64′
PHI: Vincent Nogueira (foul) — 68′
CLB: Conor Casey (serious foul – red card) — 77
March 12, 2016: Columbus Crew 1-2 Philadelphia Union
PSP Match Report highlights
Preparing to face the 2015 Eastern Conference Champion in their home opener at a stadium where the Philadelphia Union had never won, with just 17 players, after a disappointing start to the season last week — you would have forgiven the Union for targeting only one point in tonight’s match.
Instead, they’re coming back with all three.
The Union spoiled the homecoming party for Columbus Crew SC, pulling out a 2-1 win behind a brace from offseason acquisition Chris Pontius and another stellar game from the ascendant Andre Blake.
PSP Analysis and Player Ratings Highlights
Philadelphia Union’s game against Columbus Crew on Saturday needs proper context. The Union were on the road against one of the best teams in the east and they were missing all three players expected to start in the midfield this season. All three.
And they won.
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 ©; Chris Pontius (Fabian Herbers 86′), Ilsinho (Roland Alberg 75′), Leo Fernandes (Sebastien Le Toux 61′); C.J. Sapong.
Substitutes not used: John McCarthy, Anderson, Ray Gaddis.
Columbus Crew SC
Steve Clark; Waylon Francis (Mohammed Saeid 74′), Gaston Sauro, Michael Parkhurst ©, Harrison Afful; Tony Tchani, Wil Trapp; Hector Jimenez (Cedrick Mabwati 59′), Federico Higuain, Ethan Finlay (Justin Meram 74′); Kei Kamara.
Substitutes not used: Brad Stuver, Corey Ashe, Amro Tarek, Emil Larsen.
Scoring Summary
PHI – Chris Pontius 45+1’
PHI – Chris Pontius 71′
Disciplinary Summary
PHI – Fabinho 56’ (yellow)
PHI – Brian Carroll 65’ (yellow)
September 12, 2015: Philadelphia Union 1-2 Columbus Crew
PSP Match Report Highlights
Kei Kamara scored two first half goals as Columbus Crew took the season series, defeating Philadelphia Union 2-1 at PPL Park Saturday night.
CJ Sapong cut the lead in half with a goal in the 66th minute, but the Union could not find an equalizer in front of a rain-soaked home crowd.
Jim Curtin said after the match, “We were beaten by a better team tonight…We weren’t the proactive team tonight. We reacted to what they did, and we reacted too late.”
PSP Analysis and Player Ratings Highlights
The nagging problem that lies at the heart of Philadelphia Union’s rough season is this: Not only does the whole team have to play well for them to win, the opponent also has to play, well, poorly.
Columbus Crew were far from poor Saturday night, particularly in the first half. Gregg Berhalter was troubled by how his team handled Dallas’ deep defense last week and he promised to have them ready to break down the Union.
And they were.
PSP Postgame Video and Quote Sheet
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
John McCarthy, Fabinho, (Fernando Aristeguieta 80′) Steven Vitoria, Richie Marquez, Ray Gaddis, Brian Carroll (Michael Lahoud 59′), Vincent Nogueira, Eric Ayuk (Conor Casey 59′), Tranquillo Barnetta, Sebastien Le Toux, CJ Sapong
Unused Subs: Andre Blake, Warren Creavalle, Zach Pfeffer, Ethan White
Columbus Crew
Steve Clark, Michael Parkhurst, Waylon Francis (Chris Klute 78′), Harrison Afful, Tyson Wahl, Ethan Finlay (Cedrick Mabwati 72′), Justin Meram (Emanuel Pogatetz 85′), Tony Tchani, Will Trapp, Federico Higuain, Kei Kamara
Unused Subs: Brad Stuver, Hector Jimenez, Mohammed Saeid, Jack McInerney
Scoring Summary
CLB: Kei Kamara — 21′
CLB: Kei Kamara (Harrison Afful) — 26′
PHI: CJ Sapong (Sebastien Le Toux) — 66′
Disciplinary Summary
PHI: Steven Vitoria (intentional handball) — 86′
CLB: Steve Clark (time wasting) — 90′
June 3, 2015: Philadelphia Union 3-0 Columbus Crew
PSP Match Report Highlights
CJ Sapong subbed on early for an injured Fernando Aristeguieta and scored his third goal of the season. Vincent Nogueira and Sebastien Le Toux added second half tallies as Philadelphia Union were easy 3-0 winners over Columbus Crew Wednesday evening at PPL Park.
The Crew rested a number of regular starters and were outplayed for 90 minutes by the home side. Vincent Nogueira capitalized on a goalkeeper error from Steve Clarke in the 52nd minute and Le Toux finished off a flowing move in the 58th minute to add further gloss to the win.
PSP Analysis and Player Ratings Highlights
Sitting in front of reporters following his side’s 3-0 drubbing of Columbus Crew, Jim Curtin went into specific detail about what has changed about the Union’s mentality over their recent run of three wins from four matches:
The best thing we’ve done in the past four games has been winning back the ball after those first 5 seconds where we lose it in the attacking third. If we don’t win it then we step back and drop but we’ve been able to pick off a lot of balls in that five second period and get at teams. So I was proud of that. The guys executed well and we put in a really good performance.
In his first full season in charge of Philadelphia Union, Curtin has certainly been frustrated with:
- struggling to design a winning game plan and
- conveying his designs to his players in a manner that they can effectively execute.
So now that the Union are playing with confidence and quality, Curtin is the first person deserving of some hearty applause.
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, Vincent Nogueira (Zach Pfeffer 80′), Cristian Maidana, Andrew Wenger (Eric Ayuk 78′), Sebastien Le Toux, Fernando Aristeguieta (CJ Sapong 37′)
Unused Subs: John McCarthy, Ray Gaddis, Jimmy McLaughlin, Fred
Columbus Crew
Steve Clark, Waylon Francis (Hector Jimenez 71′), Emanuel Pogatetz, Sergio Campbell, Chad Barson, Kevan George, Federico Higuain (Kei Kamara 65′), Mohammed Saeid, Ethan Finlay (Ben Speas 65′), Justin Meram, Aaron Schoenfeld
Unused Subs: Brad Stuver, Kristinn Steindorsson, Tony Tchani, Tyson Wahl
Scoring Summary
PHI: CJ Sapong (Sebastien Le Toux) — 41
PHI: Vincent Nogueira — 52
PHI: Sebastien Le Toux (Sheanon Williams) — 58
Disciplinary Summary
CLB: Hector Jimenez (foul) — 85
PHI: Eric Ayuk (foul) — 86
April 25, 2015: Columbus Crew 4-1 Philadelphia Union
PSP Match Report Highlights
Columbus Crew mauled Philadelphia Union 4-1 Saturday night, outplaying the visitors in all facets of the match.
Ethan Finlay recorded two goals and an assist, while Union left back Fabinho was partially culpable on three of the Crew’s four goals.
Columbus controlled most of the game behind a balanced possession attack that consistently kept the Union on their heels.
PSP Analysis and Player Ratings Highlights
After Saturday’s demoralizing loss to Columbus, Ray Gaddis was asked what Philadelphia Union could build on going forward. “Just staying together as a team. And playing collectively as a group. It’s hard to say right now.”
Those first two sentences are cliches, so ignore them. But the third sentence is telling.
It is hard to say what the Union can build on from Saturday’s demolition. Twenty minutes of tight defense held the Crew without a shot at home. But then: One shot, one goal, and one team utterly failing to compete for the remainder of the match.
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
John McCarthy, Fabinho, Steven Vitoria, Maurice Edu, Raymon Gaddis, Michael Lahoud, Brian Carroll (Ethan White 60′), Cristian Maidana, Andrew Wenger (Eric Ayuk 46′), Sebastien Le Toux (Conor Casey 60′), CJ Sapong
Unused Subs: Andre Blake, Richie Marquez, Sheanon Williams, Fred
Columbus Crew
Steve Clark, Waylon Francis, Emanuel Pogatetz, Michael Parkhurst, Hernan Grana, Tony Chani, Mohammed Saeid, Federico Higuain, Jurtin Merman, Ethan Finlay, Kei Kamara (Aaron Schoenfeld 77′)
Unused Subs: Matt Lampson, Hector Jimenez, K. Steindorsson, K. George, C. Klute, Tyson Wahl
Scoring Summary
CLB: Kei Kamara (Ethan Finlay) — 21
CLB: Ethan Finlay (Waylon Francis) — 32
CLB: Justin Meram — 44
PHI: Eric Ayuk (CJ Sapong) — 64
CLB: Ethan Finlay (Kei Kamara) — 73
Disciplinary Summary
PHI: Maurice Edu (hand) — 24
PHI: Michael Lahoud (professional foul) — 46
PSP Match Report Highlights
The stadium in Columbus was half-full and for large portions of the match, both the Philadelphia Union and Columbus Crew seemed to be playing at half speed.
But in the end, a loss of concentration saw Philadelphia give up a late, late goal to fall 2-1 to the Columbus Crew in the final match of the 2014 season…
The Union came out with pressure and attempted to force Columbus into the same mistakes they made at PPL Park. The Crew seemed prepared and while there were some shaky moments early, it was clear that head coach Greg Berhalter had a plan to get through the pressure.
PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights
In an ironic but unsurprising way, the season ended in the same way that it started.
Philadelphia was positioned to pick up a good road point on Sunday afternoon, but just like the season opener in Portland many months ago, a late defensive breakdown cost the club the result it should have had.
The only difference is that this game was meaningless.
Jim Curtin’s team was already eliminated from the playoffs, and the only thing at stake at Crew Stadium was Columbus’ positioning in the Eastern Conference playoff race…
For a team that worked so hard to turn around a failing season and qualify for a cup final, this season ultimately finishes as a huge disappointment.
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath, Ray Gaddis, Maurice Edu, Ethan White, Sheanon Williams, Amobi Okugo, Brian Carroll (Michael Lahoud 73’), Danny Cruz, Andrew Wenger (Pedro Ribeiro 53’, Zach Pfeffer 73’), Cristian Maidana, Sebastien Le Toux
Unused Subs: Andre Blake, Fabinho, Fred, Brian Brown
Columbus Crew
Steve Clark, Hector Jimenez, Michael Parkhurst, Taylor Wahl, Waylon Francis, Wil Trapp, Tony Tchani, Ethan Finlay (Eric Gherig 65’), Ben Speas (Bernardo Anor 78’), Justin Meram, Jairo Arrieta (Romain Gall 63’)
Unused Subs: Matt Lampson, Emanuel Pogatetz, Kevan George, Aaron Schoenfeld
Scoring Summary
CLB: Jairo Arrieta (Speas, Trapp) 13’
PHL: Zach Pfeffer (Okugo, Le Toux) 85’
CLB: Bernardo Anor 90’
Disciplinary Summary
PHL: Okugo YC (persistent infringement) 57’
Oct. 11, 2014: Philadelphia Union 2-3 Columbus Crew
PSP Match Report Highlights
It all fell apart in astonishing and spectacular fashion.
The Philadelphia Union, scraping and clawing for a postseason berth, saw that glimmer of hope – a figurative way forward after a string of poor performances.
New York was beating Toronto three to nothing, and Jim Curtin’s team had broken the deadlock at home, scoring two second-half goals against a short-handed Columbus Crew….
But the next five minutes will be seen as one of the most discouraging stretches of play in franchise history. Just as quickly as the lead was built, it disappeared. Curtin’s team shipped three goals in rapid succession, lost the game, and saw itself eliminated from the playoffs.
PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights
Maybe Jim Curtin said it best.
After giving away a two goal lead in two minutes, with the clock ticking down in the biggest game of the season, Philadelphia Union proved all the doubters right.
PSP Postgame Video and Quote Sheet
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath, Ray Gaddis, Carlos Valdes (Antoine Hoppenot 84′), Ethan White, Fabinho, Amobi Okugo, Maurice Edu, Vincent Nogueira, Sebastien Le Toux (Pedro Ribeiro 80′), Conor Casey (Danny Cruz 58′), Andrew Wenger
Unsused Substitutes:
Columbus Crew
Steve Clark, Bernardo Anor, Michael Parkhust, Tyson Wahl, Hector Jimenez, Ben Speas, Ethan Finlay, Wil Trapp, Tony Tchani, Justin Meram (Chad Barson 87′), Aaron Schoenfeld (Jairo Arrieta 74′)
Unused substitutes:
Scoring Summary
68 – PHI – Danny Cruz (Fabinho, Amobi Okugo)
75 – PHI – Andrew Wenger
78 – CLB – Ethan Finlay (Hector Jimenez)
79 – CLB – Justin Meram (Jairo Arrieta)
82 – CLB – Jairo Arrieta (Tony Tchani, Bernardo Anor)
Disciplinary Summary
70- PHI – Danny Cruz (foul)
90 + 1 – CLB – Chad Barson (foul)
March 22, 2014: Columbus Crew 2-1 Philadelphia Union
PSP Match Report Highlights
Leo Fernandes scored his first MLS goal, but the Philadelphia Union could not overcome Bernardo Anor’s brace and fell 2-1 on the road to Columbus.
The misfiring Union, who outshot their hosts 19-9, managed only four shots on target.
PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights
Good teams take positives from losses. Luckily for the Philadelphia Union, it will not be very difficult to find the bright side after their first loss of 2014. The rebuilt Union central midfield again went toe to toe with a very talented opposition, two players that nobody expected to have big roles this year stood out with confident showings, and regulars that caused worries in 2013 showed signs of growth.
So take a deep breath and step back: Philly just went into Columbus and took a very good team down to the wire. And after three games, the only open play goal the Union have given up was a once-in-a-career blast. Not too shabby.
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath, Fabinho, Amobi Okugo, Aaron Wheeler, Ray Gaddis, Brian Carroll, Maurice Edu, Vincent Nogueira, Cristian Maidana (Leo Fernandes 55’), Jack McInerney (Antoine Hoppenot 72’), Sebastien Le Toux (Danny Cruz 80’).
Columbus Crew
Steve Clark, Josh Williams, Giancarlo Gonzalez, Michael Parkhurst, Waylon Francis, Hector Jimenez, Will Trapp, Tony Tchani, Bernardo Anor (Justin Meram 80’), Federico Higuain (Chad Barson 92’), Jairo Arrieta (Dominic Oduro 66’).
Scoring summary
CLB: Anor 24’ (Higuain)
CLB: Anor 45+2’ (Trapp)
PHI: Fernandes 62’ (Le Toux)
Disciplinary Summary
PHI: Fabinho 74’ (yellow)
CLB: Higuain 81’ (yellow)
June 5, 2013: Philadelphia Union 3-0 Columbus Crew
PSP Match Report Highlights
In a battle of mid-table Eastern Conference foes, Philadelphia Union rode three goals scored in a six-minute first-half span to a 3-0 victory over the Columbus Crew…
Pressing from the opening whistle, Carroll struck first when his deflected shot wrong-footed Andy Gruenebaum in the 25th minute. A set piece goal doubled the lead in the 29th minute when Williams volleyed home at the back post following Carroll’s flick-on of a Sebastien Le Toux corner. Casey wrapped up the scoring flurry on 31 minutes when he drove to the near post, latching onto another Le Toux delivery with a powerful, diving header.
PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights
On the back of a rough two-game Canadian road trip, the Union needed a win going into the break. With no league match until June 23, it was important to shake off the recent rash of stale, uninspired road performances and build momentum.
Good thing that Brian Carroll was up for it.
The mild-mannered Union captain turned in a performance that not only helped his side on the score sheet but also provided energy and inspiration as they thrashed the hapless Columbus Crew. The 3-0 scoreline flattered the Crew, because the Union looked far more likely to grab a fourth than Columbus did to notch their first.
PSP Postgame Video and Quote Sheet
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath; Sheanon Williams, Amobi Okugo, Jeff Parke, Ray Gaddis; Danny Cruz (Roger Torres ’82), Brian Carroll, Keon Daniel, Sebastien Le Toux (Aaron Wheeler ’90); Jack McInerney, Conor Casey (Antoine Hoppenot ’71)
Unused substitutes: Chris Konopka, Chris Albright, Michael Farfan, Leo Fernandes
Columbus Crew
Andy Gruenebaum; Chad Barson, Eric Gehrig, Glauber, Tyson Wahl (Kevan George ’46); Justin Meram (Bernardo Anor ’76), Matias Sanchez, Tony Tchani, Ben Speas (Aaron Schoenfeld ’46); Dominic Oduro, Federico Higuain
Unused substitutes: Matt Lampson, Danny O’Rourke, Ethan Finlay, Konrad Warzycha
Scoring Summary
25 – PHI: Carroll
29 – PHI: Williams (Carroll, Le Toux)
31 – PHI: Casey (Le Toux)
Discipline Summary
59 – PHI: Gaddis (caution)
75 – CLB: Tchani (caution)
Referee: Silviu Petrescu
April 6, 2013: Columbus Crew 1-1 Philadelphia Union
PSP Match Report Highlights
“In a match that will be better remembered for chances spurned than those converted, Philadelphia Union earned their first ever point in Columbus with a 1-1 draw.”
“Andy Gruenebaum would not have been pleased to see three men racing in on him alone, and this time Cruz made no mistake, rolling the smart ball across the box to McInerney. With only Farfan, and no defender, for company, McInerney touched home his third of the year.”
PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights
“Vacillating wildly between the appearance of an elite playmaker and an overmatched thug, Keon Daniel remains perhaps the biggest mystery for the Union outside of Roger Torres.”
“On opening day of the 2013 season, Sporting Kansas City reminded MLS that there was a simple way to stop the Union: Sit your defense back deep, and cluster your players in the center of the pitch.”
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Scoring Summary
34 – PHI: McInerney (Cruz)
72 – CLB: Oduro (Gaven)
Discipline Summary
70 – PHI: Daniel (caution)
76 – CLB: Wahl (caution)
84 – PHI: Williams (caution)
86 – CLB: Higuain (caution)
90 – CLB: Sanchez (caution)
90 – CLB: Glauber (caution)
Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath; Sheanon Williams, Amobi Okugo, Jeff Parke, Ray Gaddis; Danny Cruz (Michael Lahoud ’65), Brian Caroll, Keon Daniel, Gabriel Farfan (Antoine Hoppenot ’78); Conor Casey (Sebastien Le Toux ’62), Jack McInerney
Unused Substitutes: Chris Konopka, Roger Torres, Kleberson, Leo Fernandes
Columbus Crew
Andy Gruenebaum; Josh Williams, Chad Marshall, Glauber, Tyson Wahl; Eddie Gaven, Danny O’Rourke (Matias Sanchez ’76), Agustin Viana (Jairo Arrieta ’46), Ben Speas (Ethan Finlay ’85); Federico Higuain, Dominic Oduro
Unused Substitutes: Matt Lampson, Chad Barson, Kevan George, Ryan Finley
Referee
Matthew Foerster
September 29, 2012: Columbus Crew 3-2 Philadelphia Union
PSP Match Report Highlights
“A draw had seemed in the cards after goals from Danny Cruz and Jack McInerney brought the Union back level, but Columbus grabbed all three points in the 87th minute when Milovan Mirosevic pounded home the winner from a clearly offside position.”
“After Sheanon Williams cut off Mirosevic’s driving run, Valdes looked to clear from the top of the Union box. Sliding in to block the clearance, Josh Williams pushed the ball into Mirosevic’s feet. Having failed to recover from his run, the Crew midfielder was in an offside position, yet when he turned and finished past MacMath, the assistant referee’s flag stayed down, despite the Union’s protests.”
PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights
“A full time central presence is required to keep the offense focused and no matter how many strikers Hackworth’s throws at the problem, leaving only Lahoud and Carroll in the center of the park will be a recipe for offensive anemia far more often than not.”
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Scoring Summary
44 – CLB: Arrieta (Miranda)
45 – CLB: Arrieta (Gruenebaum)
65 – PHI: Cruz (PK)
86 – PHI: McInerney (Torres)
87 – CLB: Mirosevic (Williams)
Discipline Summary
45 – PHI: Okugo (caution)
61 – CLB: O’Rourke (caution)
64 – CLB: Gruenebaum (caution)
Referee
Matthew Foerster
Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath; Raymon Gaddis, Amobi Okugo, Carlos Valdes, Sheanon Willams; Danny Cruz (Roger Torres ’81), Michael Farfan, Brian Carroll, Michael Lahoud, Gabriel Farfan (Jack McInerney ’66); Josue Martinez (Antoine Hoppenot ’57)
Unused substitutes: Chris Konopka, Chandler Hoffman, Gabriel Gomez, Chris Albright
Columbus Crew
Andy Gruenebaum; Sebastian Miranda, Chad Marshall, Julius James (Eric Gehrig ’80), Josh Williams; Eddie Gaven (Justin Meram ‘87), Milovan Mirosevic, Chris Birchall, Danny O’Rourke; Federico Higuain, Jairo Arrieta (Emilio Renteria ’66)
Unused substitutes: Olman Vargas, Tony Tchani, Nemanja Vukovic, Matt Lampson
August 29, 2012: Philadelphia Union 1 – 2 Columbus Crew
PSP Match Report Highlights
“Eddie Gaven scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time Wednesday as the Columbus Crew saw off the Union 2–1 at PPL Park despite playing down a man for the final 21 minutes.”
“In the 69th minute, the match changed abruptly when Josh Williams, the Crew goalscorer, was sent to the locker room following an altercation with Antoine Hoppenot”
PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights
“When Eddie Gaven pounded in the match winner for Columbus on Wednesday, he firmly drove home the final nail in the Union’s 2012 season. A common expression sure, but apt nonetheless, in that a coffin short only one nail was already well and truly shut.”
“Dreadfully inaccurate with his passing, Gomez looked less the midfield general and more the assistant referee, as he consistently raised his arm, apologizing for an errant ball, of which he played 21 on the night.”
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Scoring Summary
29 – PHI: Valdes
41 – CLB: Williams (Higuain)
90 – CLB: Gaven (Meram)
Discipline Summary
28 – CLB: Birchall (caution)
69 – CLB: Williams (ejection)
69 – PHI: Hoppenot (caution)
Union
Zac MacMath; Sheanon Williams, Amobi Okugo, Carlos Valdes (Raymon Gaddis ’54), Gabriel Farfan; Danny Cruz (Antoine Hoppenot ’61), Brian Carroll, Michael Lahoud, Michael Farfan, Gabriel Gomez; Jack McInerney (Freddy Adu ’77)
Unused substitutes: Chase Harrison, Josue Martinez, Chandler Hoffman, Keon Daniel
Crew
Matt Lampson; Sebastian Miranda, Chad Marshall, Danny O’Rourke, Josh Williams; Eddie Gaven, Milovan Mirosevic, Chris Birchall (Cole Grossman ’84), Dilly Duka (Justin Meram ’66); Federico Higuain, Jairo Arrieta (Julius James ’72)
Unused substitutes: Emilio Renteria, Nemanja Vukovic, Tony Tchani, Scott Angevine
Referee
Yader Reyes
Attendance
16,568
April 14, 2012: Philadelphia Union 1 – 0 Columbus Crew
PSP Match Report Highlights
“They had to scrap it out until the end, but the Union kept a clean sheet and, most importantly, earned their first victory of the season with a 1-0 over the Columbus Crew at PPL Park.”
“With the Union midfield finally finding the chemistry coach Peter Nowak has been looking for in 2012 the scoreline could easily have been greater, but the Union’s strike force continued to sputter on the day mustering only two shots on target.”
PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights
“Gabriel Farfan’s return to the starting lineup at the expense of the hapless Porfirio Lopez not only strengthened the defense; it aided the attack with the aggressive Farfan comfortably prowling forward in support of Freddy Adu.”
“Fast forward to Columbus, where Peter Nowak flipped his two holding midfielders [Carroll and Gomez], putting each back into his natural slot, and reaped the benefits as both players were largely responsible for keeping the Union in the ascendancy throughout the match.”
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Union: Zac MacMath; Raymon Gaddis, Sheanon Williams, Carlos Valdes, Gabriel Farfan; Brian Carroll, Gabriel Gomez (Amobi Okugo ’71), Keon Daniel, Michael Farfan; Freddy Adu (Josue Martinez ’62), Lionard Pajoy (Antoine Hoppenot ’93)
Unused substitutes: Chase Harrison, Jack McInerney, Cristhian Hernandez, Porfirio Lopez
Crew: Andy Gruenebaum; Sebastian Miranda, Chad Marshall, Eric Gehrig, Shaun Francis (Nemanja Vukovic ’73); Kirk Urso, Milovan Mirosevic, Eddie Gaven, Ethan Finlay (Bernardo Anor ’65); Olman Vargas, Aaron Schoenfeld (Emilio Renteria ’68)
Unused substitutes: Matt Lampson, Josh Williams, Tony Tchani, Cole Grossman
Scoring Summary:
37 – Philadelphia: Gabriel Gomez (PK)
Misconduct Summary:
25 – Philadelphia: Gomez (Caution)
48 – Philadelphia: Carroll (Caution)
70 – Columbus: Gehrig (Caution)
71 – Philadelphia: G. Farfan (Caution)
78 – Columbus: Gaven (Caution)
85 – Philadelphia: Martinez (Caution)
September 17, 2011: Philadelphia Union 1–0 Columbus Crew
PSP Match Report Highlights
“On a chilly night in Chester against a listless first place Columbus Crew team, a goal from the resurgent Sebastien Le Toux was all the Philadelphia Union needed to earn their first victory since July 17 with a 1-0 scoreline.”
“…a moment of magic from Torres sprang Le Toux to break the deadlock…Torres curled a teasing ball beyond the defense from his own half…Sebastien Le Toux raced in behind to control the ball before sliding it past a helpless Will Hesmer.”
PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights
“Since the heavily publicized signing of Freddy Adu, the Union’s best playmaker has been…You guessed it, Roger Torres.”
“Columbus insisted on fielding two loafing forwards and, as expected, neither found any space all night as they were hounded, harassed and hurried at every turn by the bigger, faster, stronger Union duo [of Valdes and Califf].”
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Scoring Summary:
PHI — Sebastien Le Toux 7 (Roger Torres 1) 32
Columbus Crew — William Hesmer, Sebastian Miranda, Julius James, Shaun Francis, Eric Gehrig, Dilly Duka, Danny O’Rourke, Dejan Rusmir (Josh Gardner 83), Robbie Rogers, Tommy Heinemann (Justin Meram 62), Andres Mendoza (Jeff Cunningham 74).
Substitutes Not Used: Cole Grossman, Aaron Horton, Josh Williams, Chris Konupka.
Philadelphia Union — Zac MacMath, Sheanon Williams, Carlos Valdes, Danny Califf, Gabriel Farfan, Zach Pfeffer (Danny Mwanga 62), Freddy Adu (Amobi Okugo 75), Brian Carroll, Roger Torres (Morgan Langley 80), Sebastien Le Toux, Michael Farfan.
Substitutes Not Used: Jack McInerney, Stefani Miglioranzi, Kyle Nakazawa, Thorne Holder.
Misconduct Summary:
CLB — Dejan Rusmir (caution; Handball) 12
Referee: Alex Prus
Referee’s Assistants: -Chris Strickland; Adam Garner
4th Official: Edvin Jurisevic
Time of Game: 1:51
Weather: Partly Cloudy-and-68-degrees
Attendance: 18,906
August 20, 2011: Columbus Crew 2–1 Philadelphia Union
PSP Match Report Highlights
“In the 51st minute, Mark Kadlecik completely changed the nature of the game when he pointed to the spot. Robbie Rogers’ cross hit Sheanon Williams arm as he raised it across his chest (as opposed to stretched away from his body). Mendoza’s penalty was deflected by Mondragon but the ball trickled across the line.”
“Although Philadelphia showed once again that they can challenge for the top of the conference, the magic that buoyed them in the early stages of the season has gone missing. It’s still around though, waiting for a confident player to take his chance and put the team on his shoulders.”
PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights
“Without a striker sitting centrally, the Union’s rotating midfield system—which includes the second striker dropping deep on defense—has no outlet.”
“[the Union] is a team playing as if they assume disaster is about to strike. Instead of pouncing on the opponent’s errors, they are wondering when their own big mistake will come.”
Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more
Scoring Summary:
CLB — Emilio Renteria 6 (Robbie Rogers 5, Andres Mendoza 2) 37
PHI — Veljko Paunovic 3 (Keon Daniel 2) 42
CLB — Andres Mendoza 8 (penalty kick) 51
Philadelphia Union — Faryd Mondragon, Sheanon Williams, Danny Califf, Carlos Valdes, Gabriel Farfan, Justin Mapp (Michael Farfan 60), Stefani Miglioranzi, Veljko Paunovic, Keon Daniel (Jack McInerney 73), Sebastien Le Toux, Danny Mwanga (Freddy Adu 60).
Substitutes Not Used: Kyle Nakazawa, Amobi Okugo, Zach Pfeffer, Zac MacMath.
Columbus Crew — William Hesmer, Sebastian Miranda, Chad Marshall, Julius James, Josh Gardner, Justin Meram (Dilly Duka 60), Kevin Burns, Emmanuel Ekpo, Robbie Rogers, Andres Mendoza (Bernardo Anor 76), Emilio Renteria (Tommy Heinemann 70).
Substitutes Not Used: Eric Gehrig, Cole Grossman, Danny O’Rourke, Andy Gruenebaum.
Misconduct Summary:
CLB — William Hesmer (caution; Dissent) 42
CLB — Julius James (caution; Enters without Permission) 58
CLB — Tommy Heinemann (caution; Dissent) 84
PHI — Michael Farfan (caution; Reckless Foul) 92+
PHI — Carlos Valdes (caution; Reckless Foul) 93+
Referee: Mark Kadlecik
Referee’s Assistants: Chris Strickland; Peter Balciunas
4th Official: Allen Chapman
Time of Game: 1:52
Weather: Cloudy-and-83-degrees
Attendance: 13,869
October 24, 2010 Columbus Crew 3–1 Philadelphia Union
PSP Match Report Highlights:
“The Crew dominated the game from the outset, keeping the Union consistently on their heels, but it was a questionable penalty call that led to the first goal.”
“…that Renteria’s shoe-telephone celebration was pretty stupid.”
Scoring Summary:
CLB – Guillermo Barros Schelotto 9 (Unassisted) 15′
CLB – Emilio Renteria 5 (Eddie Gaven 5) 42′
CLB – Andres Mendoza 2 (Unassisted) 79′
PHI – Sebastien Le Toux 14 (Alejandro Moreno 7, Roger Torres 6) 87′
Philadelphia Union — Chris Seitz, Michael Orozco Fiscal, Sheanon Williams, Danny Califf, Jordan Harvey, Sebastien Le Toux, Stefani Miglioranzi, Danny Mwanga (Shea Salinas 46), Eduardo Coudet (Andrew Jacobson 46), Alejandro Moreno, Justin Mapp (Roger Torres 66).
Substitutes Not Used: Juan Diego Gonzalez, Kyle Nakazawa, Nick Zimmerman, Brad Knighton.
TOTAL SHOTS: 16; SHOTS ON GOAL: 9; FOULS: 10; OFFSIDES: 0; CORNER KICKS: 9; SAVES: 4
Columbus Crew — William Hesmer, Frankie Hejduk, Andy Iro (Eric Brunner 78), Chad Marshall, Shaun Francis, Eddie Gaven, Brian Carroll, Emmanuel Ekpo (Kevin Burns 59), Robbie Rogers, Emilio Renteria (Andres Mendoza 70), Guillermo Barros Schelotto.
Substitutes Not Used: Jason Garey, Adam Moffat, Danny O’Rourke, Andy Gruenebaum.
TOTAL SHOTS: 11; SHOTS ON GOAL: 7; FOULS: 10; OFFSIDES: 4; CORNER KICKS: 6; SAVES: 8
Misconduct:
CLB — Emilio Renteria (caution; Unsporting Behavior) 63
PHI — Michael Orozco Fiscal (caution; Unsporting Behavior) 63
PHI — Roger Torres (caution; Tactical Foul) 76
Referee: Jair Marrufo
Referee’s Assistants: Chris Strickland; Daniel Belleau
4th Official: Hilario Grajeda
Time of Game: 1:51
Weather: Partly Cloudy-and-78-degrees
Attendance: 19,006
August 5, 2010: Philadelphia Union 1–2 Columbus Crew
PSP Match Report Highlights:
“The Union played hard, but it was clear that Columbus was the better team, scoring beautiful goals and playing terrific defense that threw the Union off all night.”
“Will Hesmer is my new favorite opposing player (at least this week). Absolutely classic how he tripped up the Sons of Ben’s “You suck, a*****e” call on goal kicks by running up to his goal kick and then stepping over the ball instead of kicking it, only to take the kick a few seconds later. It completely flummoxed the SoBs and had us laughing in the stands.”
Scoring Summary:
CLB – Steven Lenhart 3 (Guillermo Barros Schelotto 7) 43′
PHI – Sebastien Le Toux 9 (Unassisted) 48+
CLB – Steven Lenhart 4 (Emilio Renteria) 51′
Misconduct Summary:
CLB — Brian Carroll (caution; Reckless Foul) 37′
CLB — Frankie Hejduk (caution; Reckless Foul) 46′
PHI — Fred (caution; Reckless Foul) 42′
Columbus Crew — William Hesmer, Danny O’Rourke, Chad Marshall, Andy Iro, Emmanuel Ekpo (Leandre Griffit 83), Shaun Francis, Brian Carroll, Frankie Hejduk, Emilio Renteria (Duncan Oughton 73), Jason Garey (Steven Lenhart 27), Guillermo Barros Schelotto.
TOTAL SHOTS: 10; SHOTS ON GOAL: 5; FOULS: 12; OFFSIDES: 4; CORNER KICKS: 2; SAVES: 2
Philadelphia Union — Chris Seitz, Cristian Arrieta, Danny Califf, Michael Orozco Fiscal, Jordan Harvey, Fred (Andrew Jacobson 77), Eduardo Coudet, Stefani Miglioranzi (Kyle Nakazawa 40), Justin Mapp (Jack McInerney 82), Alejandro Moreno, Sebastien Le Toux.
TOTAL SHOTS: 12; SHOTS ON GOAL: 3; FOULS: 13; OFFSIDES: 2; CORNER KICKS: 5; SAVES: 3
Referee: Ricardo Salazar
Referee’s Assistants: Paul Scott; Brian Poeschel
4th Official: Abiodun Okulaja
Time of Game: 1:53
Weather: Cloudy-and-83-degrees
Attendance: 18,001
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