The Philadelphia Union hosted Toronto FC on a very rainy night at Subaru Park.
The Union looked to be getting back into the form of last year, scoring 4 goals to win the game. Mikeal Uhre registered a hat trick, his first for the Union and as a player in the MLS. Andre Blake passed Ray Gaddis for the all-time lead in MLS regular season starts – making his 212th for the Philadelphia Union. Backing up Blake, Jakob Glenses had his 82nd start, currently the longest streak in the MLS.
During the game, 3 yellow cards were given, 1 to Jack Elliot in the first half and Julian Carranza in the 2nd half. Toronto FC player Lorenzo Insigne picked up a yellow card in stopage time in the first half. Even in the rain, the fans were loud and supporting the Union – a chant of “We want this on Wednesday” started after Mikeal Uhre’s 3rd goal.
The Union prepare to host Los Angeles FC in the first-leg of the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League Semifinals on said night and, after losing to LAFC in the MLS finals last year, the Boys in Blue will be looking for redemption.
The Philly Sports Guy braved the rain to cheer on the Union.
After elbowing José Martínez in the face, Lukas MacNaughton puts his hands up to persuade the ref to not issue a card.
Mikeal Uhre crosses the ball into the box.
In the pouring rain, Kai Wagner prepares to take a corner.
Jonathan Osorio tries to use his body to stop Jack McGlynn from getting to the ball.
Jack McGlynn save the ball from going out of bounds after a battle with Jonathan Osorio.
Kai Wagner plays defense against Brandon Servania in the middle of the field.
Toronto paused the game after the Union scored contributing to the 6 minutes of storage the at the end of the first half.
Mikeal Uhre pressure Sean Johnson with the ball.
Sigurd Rosted slide tackles Mikeal Uhre outside the 18.
Mikeal Uhre and Julián Carranza celebrate a goal around a defeated Toronto FC players.
Raoul Petretta tries to body Daniel Gazdag off the ball.
Kai Wagner reacts to a missed opportunity.
José Martínez saves the ball on the line and crosses it into the box.
Nathan Harriel surveys the field, looking for the best opportunity for the Union.
Alejandro Bedoya blocks the pass from Raoul Petretta with a slide tackle.
Julián Carranza wins the physical battle against Sigurd Rosted to get a shot off on goal.
Julián Carranza gets his foot on the ball as Jonathan Osorio goes down on the field.
Sean Johnson comes out of goal in a sliding save against Julián Carranza.
Mikeal Uhre points to Captain Alejandro Bedoya after Bedoya assisted in his 3rd goal of the night.
Kobe Franklin tries to defend Quinn Sullivan but Quinn is able to keep the ball.
Sean Johnson yells out directions to his team as the Union prepare for a corner.
Jakob Glesnes wins the header.
Quinn Sullivan puts power on the ball on a cross in to the box.
Defending Mark-Anthony Kaye, Nathan Harriel waits for the opportunity to steal the ball.
Andrés Perea out jumps Mark-Anthony Kaye, winning the ball for the Union.
The votes were tallied and Mikeal Uhre was named the “Man of the Match”.
After the first-leg of the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League Semifinals on Wednesday, April 26th, the Union will travel to LA for the second-leg of the Concacaf Semifinals.
The MLS schedule resumes on May 6th with an away game against the New York Red Bulls.
So many great captures, Marjorie! I think #3 is my favorite (Uhre crossing the ball), but the last one made me smile (a supporter holding a cutout of Uhre’s head by the ears, and another supporter recording it on their phone).
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me! The last photo is of the River End at the end of the game. During the game fans can vote through Twitter for the “Man of the Match”. This is how the results are revealed. The “Man of the Match” gets to hit the BIG Union drum at the end of the game.
Ah, makes sense!! Thanks for explaining.
My favorite is Sullivan’s perfect shooting form in two frames. Textbook.
He put so much power into that ball, one photo would not have done his effort justice.
Great pictures! Like how you frame them with comments!
Thank you!