Photo: Marjorie Elzey
Daniel Gazdag’s late penalty gave Philadelphia Union a 1-0 win over ten-man Atlas FC in the first leg of their Concacaf Champions League quarterfinal at Subaru Park on Tuesday evening.
Atlas’s Anthony Santamaria saw red for a professional foul at the end of the first half, and the Union’s second-half huffing and puffing finally led to Gazdag’s breakthrough with just a minute left in regulation.
To celebrate the international competition, Jim Curtin broke out the Christmas tree formation for the first time this year. Julian Carranza started as the sole striker, supported by Daniel Gazdag and Joaquin Torres, while Jack McGlynn slotted in for Leon Flach in central midfield. Damion Lowe joined Jakob Glesnes at center back, while Nathan Harriel flipped over to left back to make room for Olivier Mbaizo.
After a string of cold and/or rainy evenings in Chester, the weather could not have been more perfect at Subaru Park on Tuesday night, a gentle breeze drifting off the river as the sun set behind the Commodore Barry Bridge. The game started bright and open, with both teams flowing up and down the pitch. Atlas had the better of the ball in the early stages, looking to exploit the Union’s left side, and Andre Blake was forced into his first save after ten minutes.
But Atlas also showed a penchant for bad turnovers, with misplaced passes and poor touches giving Philly a springboard to counter. A beautiful strip and pass from McGlynn sent Gazdag in on the keeper, where he was hauled down, but the assistant referee’s flag went up for offsides. Moments later, a sumptuous cross from Gazdag nearly found Carranza inside the six, but the striker just missed applying a stretched finish.
Atlas probably should have had the lead after 25 minutes when a throughball sent Julian Quinones in on Blake. The keeper made a good stop on the initial attempt, but the ball popped free in a collision with Lowe and the striker recovered. Quinones found an angle for the shot, but Lowe cleared off the line to keep the game scoreless.
Philly had a penalty shout in the 30th minute, when McGlynn pinged a ball over the top to Harriel. The makeshift left back went down under pressure in the Atlas box, but the referee waved play on, and the video assistant referee didn’t see enough to intervene — to the dismay of the Union faithful.
Rather than settling in, the first half continued to be surprisingly uninhibited, robust, and wide-open. Atlas again got behind the Union defense and forced Blake into a fairly standard spectacular save, although the flag went up a moment later. Martinez was everywhere for the Union, putting out fire after fire in the midfield.
Just before the halftime whistle, Carranza too went down in the box under pressure. There looked to be contact, but referee Said Martinez — who held off handing out any first-half yellow cards despite some heavy fouls — waved play on. The VAR sent Martinez over to the monitor, but after a close look the call on the field stood
Seconds later, Atlas was reduced to ten men when Anderson Santamaria was sent off. Chasing after Gazdag, Santamaria hauled down the Union attacker, earning him an ejection for the professional foul. The foul occurred inches outside the box, and Carranza fired the ensuing free kick — the last kick of the half — just wide of the goal.
The second-half mission for both sides was clear. Philly needed a goal (or two) to get a crucial edge ahead of the away leg. Atlas needed to bunker and play as little soccer as possible. Both sides set to their tasks, with Atlas succeeding in forcing a stalemate. The visitors sucked the tempo out of the game, turning what had been a lively match into a dirge.
Mikael Uhre came in for the mostly quiet Torres in the 59th minute, and the Union reverted to their more traditional 4-4-2 diamond. That introduction quickened the pace. Uhre nearly got the opener when he cut into the box and rifled a shot past Camilo Vargas. Only the near post kept the score level. Jakob Glesnes had his own attempt with a long-range free kick moments later; a deflection off the wall took the power off the shot, and Vargas made an easy save. And McGlynn hit an ambitious one from range that took a deflection and startled Vargas.
Quinn Sullivan replaced Olivier Mbaizo with 10 minutes to go, playing on the wing with Bedoya filling in at right back. The pressure built. McGlynn forced a spectacular save from Vargas, cutting in on his left foot and hitting a riser that forced the keeper to tip over the bar. Glesnes blasted another free kick, this one inches over the bar.
Finally, with just five minutes to go, the Union got a penalty and their winner. Martinez hit a long ball that floated over the entire defense toward Carranza. Vargas, rushing out of his goal, got the timing wrong and clumsily bowled over the striker. This time, the referee did not hesitate in pointing to the spot. Daniel Gazdag stepped up and snuck his shot just under Vargas and into the net.
Thanks to this result, the Union carry a one-goal edge into the second leg of this tie next Wednesday in Guadalajara. Before that, the Union return to MLS play on Saturday night, traveling to Cincinnati to take on the current Eastern Conference leaders. Kickoff from TQL Stadium is at 7:30 p.m.
Three Points
- Jack McGlynn. The Homegrown talent had his best performance of the season, influential going forward and holding his own in defense. The Christmas tree formation — which allowed for cover from Daniel Gazdag — helped him. He needs to play more.
- Up a man. The offense is still a work in progress for the Union, who needed a late penalty to get on the scoresheet despite playing more than half the game with a man advantage.
- Job half done. Philly are in good position for the second leg. They will be sorely tested on the road next week, but it’s better to be protecting a result than needing to scrape one.
Lineups
Philadelphia Union
Andre Blake, Olivier Mbaizo (Quinn Sullivan 72′), Jakob Glesnes, Damion Lowe, Nathan Harriel, Jose Martinez, Alejandro Bedoya, Jack McGlynn, Joaquin Torres (Mikael Uhre 59′), Daniel Gazdag, Julian Carranza
Unused subs: Joe Bendik, Holden Trent, Matt Real, Jack Elliott, Brandan Craig, Andres Perea, Jesus Bueno, Leon Flach, Jeremy Rafanello, Chris Donovan
Atlas FC
Camilo Vargas, Anderson Santamaria, Gaddi Aguirre, Luis Reyes, Diego Barbosa, Carlos Robles, Julian Quinones, Aldo Rocha (Hugo Nervo 80′), Brian Lozano, Jonathan Herrera (Edgar Zaldivar 76′), Julio Furch (Jose Abella HT)
Unused subs: Jose Hernandez, Anibal Chala, Alejandro Gomez, Edison Flores, Jaziel Martinez, Jeremy Marquez, Mauro Manotas, Jesus Ocejo, Brayan Trejo
Scoring Summary
PHI: Daniel Gazdag — 89′ (PK)
Discipline Summary
ATL: Anderson Santamaria — 45+4′ (red – professional foul last man)
ATL: Jose Abella — 64′ (time wasting)
ATL: Brian Lozano — 88′ (dissent)
Statistics
| PHI | Statistic | ATL | PHI | Statistic | ATL |
|
587.6 |
Possession % | 42.4 | 61 | Duels Won | 50 |
| 18 | Shots | 7 | 11 | Tackles Won |
10 |
|
7 |
Shots on Goal | 3 | 2 | Saves | 6 |
| 3 | Blocked Shots | 1 | 7 | Clearances |
26 |
|
439 |
Total Passes | 327 | 15 | Fouls | 21 |
| 80.2 | Pass Accuracy % | 771 | 0 | Yellow Cards |
2 |
|
6 |
Corners | 1 | 0 | Red Cards | 1 |
| 12 | Crosses | 6 |
|
||
|
3 |
Offsides |
1 |
How to phrase this?…Union was absolute dogshit tonight, again, except for Lowe.
End of.
McGlynn was it dog shit. Respect that kid.
* not
Been a STH for 10 years ..I can’t remember a time that this team really took advantage of being a man up…the Union have to be the worst team in the Americas with a man advantage…I appreciate them winning…but having to do it with a pen being a man up is just brutal
The U (and by the way lots of high pressure teams) struggle to beat a bunker, which is the natural result of a red card. What was different this time was after they switched to the 4-4-2, there was possession with purpose. I’m not sure why… what the difference was… but there was more patience and better passing in the second half of the second half. They looked like their best for a bit. And that did the job. Let’s hope that they learn from this and play more this way.
Playing a patient possession game with intelligent runs and technical tactical insight in the final third has never been their wheelhouse save the two years with The Calm & Noguiera then a smudge with Dockal
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This is the Union way.
Somewhat disagree. The Dockal years in particular were some magnificent possession play. But even last year, at their best the possession and quick interplay was in the toolbox when they needed it. I’m glad if they are finding it there again.
Well you not wrong in that regard for sure…I just wish maybe once nogs doesn’t hit the post
At least the weather was nicer than in the past.
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Actually, Vargas looked like man of the match with some great saves prior to committing the penalty.
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Hopefully the Union can find their finishing touch soon, although we’ve been saying that all season.
Damian Lowe amiright?
Also Martínez was F—- brilliant this game.
Man… Carranza’s first touch cost them three legit opportunities. Just off.
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Lowe was very very good save the one or two times he just kicked it out of bounds under pressure… which is more or less The Union Way.
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The Tweeter at Philadelphia Soccer Now basically told me to relax when I tweeted that no one on that field was playing the same game as Jack McGlynn.
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It’s dead truth. The kids vision touch and ability to be dangerous every time he touches the ball is next level. He is an Artist. No wonder why I enjoy his game so much… had his areas to get better but yeah— best player on the field tonight.
The kid is a Sable Paintbrush in a battered shoebox of half crayons…
Love the visual and agree with McGlynns artistry. Love him while we have him.
THAT is a beautiful turn of a phrase el P! Well done
El P with respect I think you’re obsessed with style to the detriment of effectiveness, as flashy and suave as he is McGlynn so far this season has practically identical key passes per 90 as Flach and a third as many as Bedoya while also being near dead last on the team in defensive contributions. His touch is clear for all to see and I have high hopes but at some point it’s gotta translate into something more especially if he continues to offer nothing on defense
What a glorious night for soccer, after a month of weather ridiculousness, starting a season in February.
Anyway….. the Atlas goalie stood on his head, several times to save that poor squad.
And we again, played down to a lesser squad, totally…. half the time a man up… missing an opportunity, again.
Of course everyone says ‘a wins a win’….. but going into Guadalajara next game will be difficult to escape the pressure.
Third game now I just wanted to puke with how disjointed this squad is… and had nothing to drink but water. We’re terribly disjointed and playing down to opponents, losing to teams like Montreal, Miami and Orlando, already.
Piss poor effort… so far.
Tonight…
McGlynn and Lowe, bright spots.
Torres, Carranza and Gazdag… nothing special.
Urhe…. meh.
We played down to a lesser opponent again.
There was a noticeable difference in the back with the addition of Lowe. Seems so much faster and athletic than Elliott. I could easily see Elliott sitting, and McGlynn starting in front of Flach. Not sure about the front two, Carranza has lost his finishing shoes and Uhre just seems lost. Torres had no real impact-maybe give Quinn a start up front?
Schwarber .136
Castlleanos .211
Phillies exactly like Union this season, key players haven’t shown up yet… and now we go to Philadelphia Union West, to lose to Albright and Noonan.
Agree with the main consensus points: McGlynn was sublime. Lowe was excellent. Front three, first with Torres and then with Uhre, have lost the connective tissue that made them lethal through last summer into the MLS Cup run. I thought, overall, the team looked better than it has in its most recent MLS outings. More possession, better movement through the middle third… A lot of my complaints today are similar to those I was typing out in these comment sections this time last year. I hope this attack just needs to warm up like it did last season.
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I expected this game to be difficult. There aren’t any pushovers in Liga MX, where the players are every bit up for this competition. These players and coaches are so much less naive about how to manage a good old-fashioned cup tie. I’m concerned about our chances in Guadalajara. A second goal would have made me feel a lot better. Hope not taking our opportunity up a man doesn’t come back to bite.
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Side note: It was nice having Stones and Holden on the call. A much more professional announcing duo than most of what Apple has given us.
Agree about the announcers.
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To your point about no pushover teams from Liga MX… we talk about how rough CONCACAF games are. These teams play a CONCACAF game every game in their league.
That’s so right about CONCACAF every day. So many times when I’ve watched MLS sides play Liga MX squads in this competition, it seems like the Liga MX side can faff about for 70 minutes and then just put the other team to the sword. They have no problem taking their time. The gulf in quality has closed considerably in recent years, but I don’t take any of them lightly at all.
I was disappointed not to see a second goal, of course, but I was also disappointed by the PK non-calls. If the call to get a guy sent off was real, then so were the fouls on Harriel and Carranza before that. Really couldn’t figure that out. Like, if those aren’t called, how can you call the red card foul? Just bizarre.
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Anyway, I thought there were glimpses of a better Union performance. The game started hot and the Union looked really good odds to score. The red card gave them an advantage, yes, but it also just turned the game into a choppy time-wasting show. Returning to the 4-4-2 helped ameliorate that, somewhat, but only 4 mins added time? Again, just bizarre from the ref.
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And McGlynn really did steal the show. He and Lowe both earned more starts with their performances.
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Also, I cannot wait for Glesnes to score another rocket free kick. He is so close.
I thought the red card was one of the lightest of them. I am almost certain it was a pure dive.
I mean, there was contact, but a foul? I’m not sure, and if I’m not sure, how can the ref be? Just nuts.
I get the overall point of consistency, but that’s a red for me due to the circumstances. The keeper was way out and there’s space. One touch past the keeper and he’s got an open net.
I think it was the right call, too. Just not sure how it makes any sense given what was allowed to happen within the box earlier in the game.
Survive and advance. That’s what has to be done in these CONCACAF games. The ref was obnoxious. The Union for the most part, I thought (unlike a lot of others here), didn’t play all that horribly, offensively. I realize this season the bar is a little low, but to me, they weren’t total dog shit. I felt like they tried to attack. They were stopped a few times by their keeper, who played well. Should’ve been able to get at least one more, for sure. Maybe it’s the optimist in me, considering what they did last year, but I think it’s just a grind right now, and anything positive, is just exactly that – positive. They have a huge test this weekend, against Union Midwest. Hopefully they can play well defensively there and earn at least a draw.
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At this point, for me, positivity and baby steps. They’ll get it going.
Dirt Bags
Liga MX teams have their game plan perfected in these types of competitions. Spike the opposition feet as often as possible or take the oppositions legs out when the ref is not looking. Make beautiful dives when you are barely touched if the ref is looking. Atlas is a typical mid level Liga MX team. Just wait til next game the batteries will be flying. The Union played poorly but this tournament has biased refs, dirty rough play and crappy Mexican and CA fields complete with rabid dogs. I need to shower after I watch these games. Adios !
Having to lean on squad rotation for these games seems to open curtin up to being more flexible in general. He’s slow to change things up most of the time in league play. I hope he uses this as an opportunity to really see how options in personnel and positions can pan out and start implementing some of these ideas if the 4-4-2 and front 3 continue to fizzle.
Also need to comment on the huge chasm that’s the quality difference between the Fox announcers and camera work compared to the crap apple rolls out.
Finally, the ref was maddening in not pulling the trigger on some of those PK shouts and lack of cards and then only adding 4 minutes at the end. I can only assume CCL has some directive to be really stingy with potential game changing calls and extending games in a 2 leg series. Finally got a PK call at the end but no card for the keeper? Reminds me of Kai getting sent airborne last year with no repercussions.
Can anyone explain how there was only 4 minutes of stoppage time in the second half?
The preamble to the PK itself was probably 5 minutes alone. Then add in all of the other goofy foot dragging, shoe lace issues, glove issues, injuries, subs, etc.
Here are my observations from Section 105 (sorry for the late submission):
1) I am not sure exactly what the issue is that this tournament does not have any traction, but the stadium was only about 1/2 full for this match and about 1/3 of the crowd were wearing Atlas or Mexico colors.
2) No point repeating what others have said positively about both Lowe and McGlynn. I like McGlynn taking the set pieces, even if Wagner is on the field.
3) In the 15th minute, Gazdag was pulled down in the box. No penalty was given because. . . Gazdag was determined to be offside. If you stop the replay at 2:01, you can see that Gazdag is clearly onside when he breaks towards goal. Yow! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDVfNfXqTxQ&t=321s . The linesman on our side of the field was worse (and was in poor position to make calls on a number of occasions), allowing one attack to go forward when the Atlas player was 2-3 yards offsides when the ball was kicked. The officiating has to improve for this tournament to become important.
4) Atlas were extremely skilled at time-wasting. I wasn’t running my stopwatch, but if this had been a World Cup match, there would have been 8-10 minutes added on at the end.
5) Andre Blake gives the Union a chance to get a result every game he plays, no matter how poorly the other 10 play. It’s not just the saves and the athleticism, though we have come to expect them. It is his field awareness and positioning. I hope that the training staff can keep him fit.
To me there was too many times of patient posession only for failure of that last pass from right outside the box. Those last passes were either forced, overly cutesy, or right to a waiting defender. Its going to be a very long season if they cant figure this out, and we have to try to get by on set pieces alone. I think 3 or 4 years ago I might have been more satisfied with this result, but now just disappointed even though it was a W.
If I was Gazdag I would not have been rubbing it in as he took a poor PK that Vargas just was unlucky with after a Blake-ian performance up until then.