The Leagues Cup kicked off on Saturday, July 27th at Subaru Park when the Union took on Charlotte FC. José Martínez started the game with a yellow card prior to kickoff for dissent. He along with other players on the team were told by the referee to remove their wedding bands. In the past, the team used taped over their bands and were able to play. Later, Kai Wagner saw one of the Charlotte FC players with his band on and alerted the referee. It did not appear to be a concern of the referee. A new addition to the team, Samuel Adeniran, made his first start for the team and almost scored in the first half. His presence on the field and ability to integrate into the Union’s system made him look like a veteran Union player. Registering his first League Cup goal, Tai Baribo helped the Union take the lead in the 33rd minute. In additional to yellow card issued to José Martínez, players Tyger Smalls (60’), Dániel Gazdag (68’) and Captain Alejandro Bedoya (75’) were also given yellow cards in the game. Andre Blake was in the net and registered the 2nd clean sheet of his Leagues Cup career.
Union players are told by head referee, Marco Ortiz, to remove their wedding bands at the start of the game. The players usually tape over their rings however the ref was not accepting of that. Kai Wagner signals to the referee that a Charlotte FC player has their ring on.
Phang cheers as the starting line-up for the Philadelphia Union is announced.
Olivier Mbaizo uses his body to keep Charlotte FC player, João Pedro from the ball.
Quinn Sullivan and Daniel Gazdag are ready to crash the goal as Jack Elliott wins the header off a corner.
Iuri Tavares tries to block a cross by Quinn Sullivan.
Under the chant of “SHOOT”, Jakob Glesnes takes a shot that goes just over the crossbar.
After celebrating his goal with the team, Tai Baribo celebrates with a fan who hands him the flag of Israel which he kisses and hands back.
José Martínez stretches to gain procession of the ball.
Samuel Adeniran drives towards goal and beats the keeper. He takes a shot but misses and wished he had the chance again.
In protest of the Union and other MLS teams not being included in the US Open Cup, a sign in protest is hung in the river end. Fans dressed as bananas also showed up in the River End with a sign saying “Save the Cup but only after the 20:10.” referring to the minute members of the Sons of Ben were going to walk out of the stadium in protest.
José Martínez pressures Iuri Tavares, winning the ball from him.
A quick heel flick from Daniel Gazdag keeps the ball in the box.
Charlotte FC player, Brandt Bronico defends Union new comer, Samuel Adeniran on our scoring side of the field.
The Union players hold their ground and protect José Martínez after a yellow card is issued to Tyger Smalls for the foul that took Martinez down.
Daniel Gazdag celebrates a goal off a corner late in the 2nd half. The celebratioin is cut short by an offside call by a linesman. The call goes to VAR but is not overturned. The goal does not count.
Video review was used on a Union goal in the 2nd half of the game off a corner.
Mikeal Uhre tries to get a cross off before Adilson Malanda blocks his shot.
Trying to get to goal, Alejandro Bedoya is held by Charlotte FC player, Nathan Byrne.
Fireworks over the river end a great night for the Union.
The Union host Cruz Azul at Subaru Park for the next match in the Leagues Cup on Sunday, August 4th at 8:00pm.
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