Photo: Rob Simmons

Philadelphia Union are now three wins away from their first trophy in franchise history.

In the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16, the Union overpowered New York Red Bulls and advanced to the quarterfinals through a 2-1 victory Saturday night at Talen Energy Stadium.

Midfielder Haris Medunjanin opened the scoring in the second half with a magnificent goal from distance before forward Cory Burke doubled the lead. While the Red Bulls got a goal back through substitute Bradley Wright-Phillips late in the match, it wasn’t enough to overcome an impressive performance by Philadelphia.

The win extended an unusual Open Cup streak for the Union, who are now unbeaten in their last 12 matches in the tournament. Because the competition considers defeats in penalties as draws, the Union’s last defeat came in the 2014 final against Seattle Sounders.

Due to the regional setup of the Open Cup, it was the fourth consecutive tournament the Union faced the Red Bulls. While Philadelphia secured victories in 2014 and 2016, New York got some revenge last year and eliminated their rival via a penalty shootout.

With ample time off before and after the game, Union manager Jim Curtin deployed a lineup comprised of his regular starters. The lone exception was up top, where Cory Burke got the start. While form could have dictated the move, C.J. Sapong did miss training this week with an undisclosed illness.

Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch didn’t have the same luxury of rest, with his team coming off a midweek win over Seattle Sounders. One of MLS’ best, Bradley Wright-Phillips, was replaced by Carlos Rivas. Young attacker Derrick Etienne was also got a start on the wing with usual starter Daniel Royer catching a break.

For the first 45 minutes, it was more of the same scoreless play that featured in the sides’ 0-0 draw at the end of May.

It took Burke six minutes to carve out the first chance of the game. As the Jamaican made a run down the right flank, midfielder Borek Dockal played a pass which cut through the Red Bulls five-man back line and isolated the forward with Red Bull goalkeeper and captain Luis Robles, who came his line to keep Burke’s shot from finding the back of the net.

The Union absolutely wasted a glorious opportunity in the 32nd minute. Quick Union ball movement put left winger Fafa Picault in a one-on-one battle on the left side of the box. With some fancy footwork, Picault created space and served a juicy cross on a platter to Burke, who was left all alone on the edge of the six-yard box. Without having to jump, the forward headed toward an invitingly empty net, but the placement left much to be desired.

Four minutes later, another chance went wanting. Cutting in from the left flank, Picault fired a difficult curler on goal. The goalkeeper made the save, but pushed an appetizing rebound to the center of the box. Burke was there to collect, but his one-touch volley from close range soared over the bar.

Shortly after the second half resumed, the Red Bulls came close to making the Union pay for their wasteful ways. In the 49th minute, Rivas collected a pass in the box with his back toward goal. As he tried turning, the ball deflected and caromed into the path of left wing back Kemar Lawrence. The Jamaican hammered an attempt that beat his international teammate Andre Blake, but couldn’t beat the crossbar.

The shot served as an alarm for the Union, who didn’t let the next opportunity slip by.

The magical mystery man by the name of Medunjanin cut onto his favored left foot and curled a wondrous goal into the far corner from just outside the edge of the box. It gave the Union the lead in the 53rd minute.

The goal provoked a predictable response from the Red Bulls, as Marsch brought on the dangerous duo of Wright-Phillips and Royer in the 60th minute. But it would be the Union who struck next.

Seconds after New York’s alterations, Burke finally scored a much-deserved goal. Captain Alejandro Bedoya played a pass straight through the heart of the visitor’s defense and Burke was again alone with Robles. This time he cooly slotted the ball into the back of the net in front of the River End, doubling Philadelphia’s lead.

The Red Bulls, though, weren’t dead yet. In the 77th minute. Wright-Phillips combined with the Red Bulls’ newest designated player, Alejandro Romero Gamarra. Kaku, as he is better known, slipped a pass between center back Mark McKenzie and left back Raymon Gaddis. Wright-Phillips exploited the space and cut the Union’s lead in half with a clinical finish.

Three minutes later, Kaku threatened to add a goal to his assist, but Andre Blake’s diving save kept the Union in the lead.

It proved to be New York’s last gasp as the Union were able to buckle down and see out the remainder of the match.

League play resumes next Saturday for the Union when they host Vancouver Whitecaps. It was also be a historic night for the team, as club legend Sebastian Le Toux will be the first player inducted into the Union’s Ring of Honor. Kickoff is at 5 p.m.

As for the Open Cup, the Union will host the winner of Wednesday night’s clash between D.C. United and Orlando City SC. The quarterfinal matchup will be played on July 18.

Three points

• Absence makes the heart grow fonder. The Union were without their captain for their last two matches, but Bedoya had quite the return. He not only provided two assists, but controlled the midfield against a formidable side. The season he’s having needs to be talked about more.
• Cup contenders. For whatever reason, the Union’s success in this competition is dramatically disproportionate to their success in league play. It’s because Curtin always treats the Open Cup with respect.
• World Cup hangover. Maybe too many people started drinking and watching soccer at 6am. It’s the only excuse for the paltry attendance on a beautiful Saturday in June.

Lineups

Philadelphia Union

Andre Blake; Keegan Rosenberry, Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty, Raymon Gaddis; Haris Medunjanin, Alejandro Bedoya; Ilsinho (Marcus Epps 65′), Borek Dockal (Warren Creavalle 83′), Fafa Picault; Cory Burke (David Accam 90′)
Unused subs: John McCarthy, Jack Elliott, Fabinho, Jay Simpson

New York Red Bulls

Luis Robles; Connor Lade, Aurélien Collin, Hassan Ndam (Florian Valot 73′), Kemar Lawrence; Tim Parker, Tyler Adams; Alejandro Romero Gamarra, Marc Rzatkowski, Derrick Etienne (Daniel Royer 61′); Carlos Rivas (Bradley Wright-Phillips 60′)
Unused subs: Sean Davis, Evan Louro, Alex Muyl, Aaron Long

Scoring summary

PHI: Haris Medunjanin – 52′ (Alejandro Bedoya)
PHI: Cory Burke – 61′ (Alejandro Bedoya, Haris Medunjanin)
NYRB: Bradley Wright-Phillips – 77′ (Alejandro Romero Gamarra)

Disciplinary summary

none