C.J. Sapong and Fafa Picault were on target for Philadelphia as the Union won their fourth straight match (five in all competitions) with a resounding 2-0 win over D.C. United at Audi Field.

More impressive than even the scoreline was the manner it was achieved, with the Union attempting over 550 passes and dominating possession late in the match. The win puts them within a point of fourth place Columbus and 10 points over the red line as they look to clinch a playoff berth.

Player Ratings

Andre Blake – 7

Three saves on the night and another clean sheet. Not as many big saves to make as in the win against New England on the weekend, but commanding in his box and ate up any crosses to close to him.

Keegan Rosenberry – 7

Solid night for the right back, who saw himself involved quite a bit as the Union attacked down the right side at will for portions of the match. Had two decent attempts from set pieces as Philly worked some training ground routines to free up his shot.

Jack Elliott – 7

Perhaps a little lucky that the first half handball wasn’t called, probably could have gone either way. Two clearances and four recoveries on the night, but more importantly, another clean sheet.

Auston Trusty – 7

Another dominant aerial performance from Trusty. Tremendous play to recover and get a touch on Rooney’s shot to send it off the post early in the match. Did well to defend the prolific Englishman for the most of the night, Rooney failing to make much of an impact after the first 20 minutes.

Ray Gaddis- 7

Nine recoveries and three clearances (all inside his own area) for the left back on the night. The D.C. attack seemed to want to get at Gaddis in the first half, but found little luck.

Haris Medunjanin – 7

The midfield trio was excellent at controlling the ball from about the 20th minute on, including Medunjanin who popped up all over the field to connect play. He also ate an orange on the D.C. United bench during the hydration break and it was awesome.

Alejandro Bedoya – 8

Yet another night of tireless running from the Union captain. Key to the possession play that just about wore out D.C. in the second half.

Borek Dockal – 8

Instrumental in pulling the strings all night as the Union dominated possession, particularly in the second half. Grabs a secondary assist on Picault’s goal and unlucky not to score from an even better passing sequence that just saw his shot blocked in the end.

C.J. Sapong – 8

Perhaps Sapong’s best match of the season. Did well to combine with Burke and finish off the play to score the first goal. An even smarter pass to find Picault for the Union’s second.

Fafa Picault – 8

A solid night of work from Picault. Smart hold up play and then a great pass to Sapong in the build up of the first goal. Then rewarded for a smart run with a nice pass from Sapong to score the Union’s second.

Cory Burke – 7

A quiet match for the striker, and the first match he started but failed to score. Did well to combine with Sapong and Dockal at times. Smart shot from a good run in the build up for Sapong’s goal.

Subs

Ilsinho – 7

Decent sub appearance for the Brazilian. Kept the ball well and possession moving coming in on the right side.

Derrick Jones – 7

Has Jones moved ahead of Creavalle for the late game shut down midfield spot? It seems so. Another good performance on Wednesday where he provided solid defensive work and was strong on the ball.

Warren Creavalle – n/a

Another stoppage time entrance for Creavalle.

Geiger Counter

Nima Saghafi – 3

Union fans won’t mind that Elliott’s controversial handball went uncalled. But Safhafi was inconsistent all night with what was a foul, what was  a yellow card, and what went uncalled.

Man of the Match – C.J. Sapong

A goal and an assist on the night for the winger/striker.