Photo by Marjorie Elzey

Under the Friday Night Lights, and despite a thin crowd due to a combination of opt-outs, protests, and poor weather, the Philadelphia Union defeated Club de Foot Montréal by a score of 2-0. Let’s get into the ratings.

All stats are sourced from FotMob, Stats follow Opta definitions

Player ratings:

Andre Blake – 8

While the Jamaican netminder didn’t have to make many saves, aside from some cross-claims, his great 1v1 stop on Duke early in the first half kept the score level and allowed the Union to play their game. Nice shake-and-bake move at the top of his own box in second-half stoppage time to keep possession for the U. 

Kai Wagner – 9

The German was an absolute machine on the left side, with the most chances created in the match at three. Had some good crosses and corners, and ended with 11 passes into the final third. But it was mainly, a great defensive game from Wagner — one of his best. Lots of defensive stats, including 4/5 tackles won, two INTs, and a big block. He was a large part of the reason why the team kept a clean sheet. 

Jakob Glesnes – 7

Overall a great game from Glesnes. Made one or two mistakes but was generally confident in his defense and in particular good with the ball at his feet. Led the team in defensive actions with five INTs, seven recoveries, one block, and two tackles won. Demonstrated good forward passing, especially down the stretch.

Jack Elliot – 7

It’s refreshing to see Elliot’s return to form. He was very strong in the air on the night and seemed to sniff out every cross or loose ball that came his way. He was unlucky not to score as he had three shots in quick succession in the 11th minute. 

Nathan Harriel – 5

The Olympian made his return to the lineup after turning some heads in Paris. Perhaps a little surprising to see him start as it appears he was still a bit sluggish from the tournament. Made some mistakes on the ball either in passing or with his touch, including a few in his defensive third. Solid defensively winning 3/4 ground duels, an aerial, and a tackle. Started cramping and had to be subbed off in the 69th minute.

Jose Martinez – 6

Somewhat understated game from El Brujo. Not as dominant as the last few performances have been. He had a few turnovers, giveaways, and some long passes that just didn’t work. Still, the good outweighed the bad and his creative presence was still felt, even if it wasn’t the cleanest showing from the Venezuelan. Had the most touches (69) from a non-defensive Union player and completed 44 of 60 passes, 12 of which went into the final third.

Quinn Sullivan – 7

Really active on the ball, and had some great passes forward, particularly the one to Adeniran in the 25th minute. Seemed like the youngster was focusing on his playmaking all night as he ended the game without taking a shot, but this could speak to an improvement in decision-making.

Leon Flach – 6

Standard hard-nosed defensive performance from Flach. Popped up in lots of different spots to win the ball back for the U. Had some opportunities to set up shots in the final third, but was unable to accurately pass the ball to his teammates in those situations

Daniel Gazdag – 6

High workrate, never afraid to check back to receive the ball, or to make a forward run. Didn’t always play the best final ball- a theme that was true for a lot of Union players on the night- but had some good possessions in the final third. Did really well to set up Adeniran in the 52nd minute. Forced into a sub after taking a stray knee in the back from Lassiter.

Tai Baribo – 8

Good positioning to anticipate the rebound in the box that led to his goal. A classic number #9 type of finish. Great stamina to still be able to make the late run into the box at the death to grab his brace. The emergence of Baribo is undeniable — he could be a big part of a late Union rally to make the playoffs.

Sam Adeniran – 5

Better from the recent signing. Starting to gel but it’s clear everyone is still working on getting accustomed to each other’s tendencies. Had some rough moments in the first half including a few offside calls that seem to be becoming a habit. Not the best playmaker in the final third but his turn and then Shot/Cross that led to Baribo’s goal was well done. Finally got his first shots on target and they were all good looks.

Substitutes:

Alejandro Bedoya – 6

As usual, a good sub showing to help see out the result. Always good to see El Capitán on the field, even if his role has changed over the years.

Mikael Uhre – 5

Didn’t get a lot of touches as a sub. Had a pair of clearances. Ran hard. 

Jack McGlynn – 7

Good shift as a sub. Had some really good passes and was able to retain possession well. Not every ambitious through ball paid off, but he looked good and it shouldn’t be a shock to hear that European clubs are ‘monitoring’ him. Had the assist on the Baribo goal to ice the game. Miscommunication between him and Mbaizo almost caused a big chance for MTL.

Olivier Mbaizo – 5

Mixed bag from Mbaizo. He had some good tackles but also made a few mistakes. While it was the right referring decision to opt for a yellow, his challenge was clumsy. Always tough to be a defensive sub as every touch is magnified. Miscommunication with McGlynn as noted above. 

Jeremy Rafanello – 6

Good cameo from the New Jersey native. Rafa came on and helped the team keep possession to kill out the game throughout the 8 minutes of added time. Passed McGlynn in behind on the 2nd Union goal. 

Geiger counter:

Daniel Quintero – 2

MLS needs to sort out the refereeing situation for the next Leagues Cup- if they’re serious about the competition. The standard has not been great in this year’s tournament. This is not a PRO issue since LC uses international refs, and that’s fine but, there seems to be a noticeable lack of consistency. That combined with some bizarre leniency towards what would normally be fouls makes for a hard viewing experience and one that is also likely frustrating as a player or manager.

Player of the match: Kai Wagner

Wagner was a defensive force on the night, he played shutdown D and was a big reason the Union kept a shutout. A particular highlight came around the 25th minute when he picked up a knock but pulled himself off the floor, tracked back, and put in a slide tackle on the Montreal attacker. Additionally, while he didn’t get an assist, his passing was fantastic – completing 45 out of 51 attempts, with 11 finding a teammate in the final third and 3 of them leading to shots. Wagner has Grit with a capital G, he’s Philly’s man through and through. 

What’s next

The win sets up a Round of 16 match against a familiar foe in FC Cincinnati. The Union will travel to Ohio in advance of the game, slated for August 13.