On Saturday night, the Philadelphia Union lost a home match for the first time in their last 13.
It was a frustrating game for players and fans. With the absences of Jose Martinez, Daniel Gazdag and Damian Lowe due to international duty, Julian Carranza for a red card, and Andre Blake with an injury, the Union struggled. Making their first MLS starts for the Union were midfielders Joaquin Torres, Andres Perea and Chris Donovan.
Orlando City SC was on the board within the first 2 minutes and scored again in the 9th minute. The Union scored in the 17th with a goal from midfielder Andres Perea against his former team and although the Union had more shots on goal, 26 to 12, they could not get ball in the net to tie the score.
Jim Curtin did not have many subs at his disposal with usual bench players Jack McGlynn, Quinn Sullivan and Brandan Craig with the USMNT U-20 team. Nathan Harriel, Matt Real and Jesus Bueno all had minutes in the second half, but the game ended after 7 minutes of extra time seeing the Boys in Blue in disbelief that their winning streak had come to and end.
It was “Kids Night” at the Union for the Orlando City game on March 25, 2023.
It was a different combination of starters for the pre-game huddle for the game against Orlando City.
Mikael Uhre gets tripped up in a battle for the ball that results in a turnover near the corner.
Andrés Perea scores with a header against his former team.
Joaquín Torres congratulates Andrés Perea on his first MLS goal of the season for the Union.
Chris Donovan and Robin Jansson battle for the ball.
A yellow card is issued to Felipe Martins after both Joaquín Torres and
Andrés Perea are taken down in hard tackles.
Robin Jansson was vocal at both players and the referees all night. This time he was yelling at the AR due to a yellow card being issued to Orlando City.
Orlando’s wall for the free kick after Felipe Martins yellow card.
Mikael Uhre uses his body to defend Luca Petrasso in the beginning of the game.
Mikael Uhre takes a shot on goal under pressure form a trio of defenders.
Rodrigo Schlegel and Mikael Uhre challenge for a header.
Leon Flach wins the ball near the goal with help from Jack Elliot and Andrés Perea.
Andrés Perea sees an opportunity to score in the second half. The ball just misses the net.
Mikael Uhre and Rodrigo Schlegel argue while the referee tries to calm the situation.
Mason Stajduhar makes another save, denying the Union and keeping Orlando in the lead.
Andrés Perea is brought down by Rodrigo Schlegel and another Orlando City defender.
Chris Donovan heads the ball doing a corner kick in towards the end of the game.
Mikael Uhre looks to the AR for a call as Chris Donovan reacts to the play.
Things were getting heated between the teams as Jakob Glesnes and Robin Jansson exchange words.
A yellow card was issued to Kai Wagner after he ran over to yell at the Orlando player who was down on the field, time wasting.
Jack Elliot chases down the ball while the Orlando City player shows he has no contact with Elliot.
Jack Elliot fighting through Rodrigo Schlegel hold on him near the box.
Jack Elliot fought through Orlando defenders to take a chance on goal.
Keeping the ball in play, Jack Elliot slide tackle the ball to keep it from going out.
Antônio Carlos comes at Matt Real studs up right before the final whistle.
Orlando goal keeper, Mason Stajduhar and Antônio Carlos hug in celebration after defeating the Union.
The Union take on a reeling Kansas City team on Saturday April 1 at 7:30 at Subaru Park.
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