The Philadelphia Union hosted Queretaro F.C. for the second time in the nascent Leagues Cup. This time it was for the a spot in the semifinals.
The Union won the first match-up 5-1 in a very lopsided group stage encounter. Thus, this game was heated from the start – though it wasn’t until late in the second half that cards started being issued to get the game back under control.
In the 10th minute, Jesús Bueno scored his first goal of the competition, celebrating with a dogpile in the far corner after Bueno’s signature bullhorn reaction. In the 65th minute, Angel Sepulveda scored for Queretaro F.C., giving them their only goal of the night but tying the game. As time was winding down and it looked like this game was going to penalties, instead Kai Wagner connected a pass to Chris Donovan who put it in the net for game winner.
When the final whistle blew, Nathan Harriel was pushed to the ground by a Queretaro F.C. player, while José Martínez was verbally approached before both teams ran onto the field in a large scuffle. Jim Curtin and training staff were also in the mix trying to get Nathan Harriel to his feet. The Union collected themselves and left the field as a team.
After the Union went to the locker room, Queretaro F.C. confronted the referees about the game. The visitors felt that the goal by Chris Donovan should have been called offside, thus taking the game to penalties. The referee, Mario Escobar, issued red cards to the team as the exited the field. Before going back to their locker room, the players for Queretaro F.C. greeted their fans before another confrontation with Union fans in the Tunnel Club.
The power went out right before kick-off but the Keystone Ultras kept the crowd energized with chants. Phang even joined in with the fun.
The Referee’s for the match, Mario Escobar, Luis Aroldo Ventura,
Humberto Panjoj, and Julio Luna take the field.
The Sons of Ben reveal the “Beast of the East” tifo before the game.
Kai Wagner receives the ball at the top of the box.
José Martínez makes a pass against midfielder Jordan Sierra.
Jesus Bueno and Oscar Manzanares both challenge each other for the ball with headers.
Jack Elliott aggressively defends the backline against Camilo Da Silva.
Jakob Glesnes dribbles the ball, while analyzing the field, looking to create a play.
Jesus Bueno is taken down in the corner by Óscar Manzanarez.
Celebrating Jesús Bueno first MLS goal, Julián Carranza and José Martínez help him up after they team dog piled on top of him.
Pressuring Fernando Tapia, Julián Carranza tries to block the goal kick.
Damion Lowe has words with Pablo Barrera after Barrera chest-bumper José Martínez in the corner.
Andre Blake makes a save in the first half of the game.
Reacting to a foul, both Jesús Bueno and Olivier Mbaizo react to the call by referee Mario Escobar.
Angel Sepulveda is one step ahead of Jakob Glesnes and is able to put one past Andre Blake for Queretaro F.C’s only goal for the night.
Queretaro F.C. celebrates their game tying goal in the 65th minute.
Kevin Escamilla wins the ball from Leon Flach with a slide tackle.
Clearly in pain, Julián Carranza goes down in the 81st minute holding the back of his leg.
Quinn Sullivan sees an opportunity and takes the shot late in the game.
Damion Lowe powers through to the ball even with Rodrigo López grabbing his jersey, trying to hold him back.
Joaquín Torres is taken down by Jaime Gómez after he moved the ball down the field towards goal.
The results of a corner kick late in the second half leaves Jack Elliott along with Queretaro F.C. players Joaquín Montecinos and Raúl Sandoval on the ground.
Joaquín Torres reacts, as he goes down on the field, to Omar Mendoza’s hand to the face right outside the box. Mendoza receives his second yellow which resulted in a red card and had to leave the game.
A yellow card was issued to Marco García for a foul on Joaquín Torres.
Chris Donovan was the “Man of the Match” after scoring the game winning goal in extra time just before the final whistle.
The Sons of Ben celebrate Chris Donovan’s late goal.
A scuffle between the two teams happened at the final whistle. Nathan Harriel was pushed to the ground at the final whistle and had to be pulled out of the crowd. Players also confronted José Martínez.
Standing in a sea of black shirts, Fernando Tapia looks at the Sons of Ben as he leaves the field.
The Philadelphia Union face their biggest challenge of the tournament on Tuesday, August 15th when they take on Inter Miami and Lionel Messi in the semifinal match at a sold out Subaru Park. Jim Curtin asked fans to turn in large numbers, not sell their tickets so the stadium can continue to the a fortress for the team.
This game will be the biggest test of the team this year.
Comments