On Saturday, August 17th the Philadelphia Union took on Mazatlán F.C. at Subaru Park. The game was not only the quarter-final in the Leagues Cup but the last game José Martínez would be in a Philadelphia Union kit. José was recognized by the Sons of Ben with an “El Brujo” tifo, as well as, the Philadelphia Union by having him be the pre-game guest drummer. Martínez was emotional as he prepared to take the field at the start of the game and again as he said his final good-byes to the fans, team and the stadium he called home since 2020.
The game had plenty of fire with 7 yellow cards given, two to Tia Baribo sending him off with a red card due to yellow card accumulation. His ejection was controversial but after VAR, the straight red card was rescinded and a yellow card issued, giving him the red card in the 45th minute. With the Union down a player in the first half, Mikeal Uhre took control and scored in extra time, putting the Union up before the half. Throughout the match pushing, heated verbal exchanges were happening and aggressive play took center stage. Late in the 2nd half, Daniel Gazdag slipped when going to take the shot, dampening any hope for a goal before the endow regular time. Subs were made between the 65th and 85th minutes preparing for Penalty Kicks. The Union made 4 of their PK’s while Mazatlán F.C. made 3. Andre Blake’s saves during the shootout combined with the Union’s field players confidently taking their PK’s led the team to the win.
The Sons of Ben show their appreciation to José “El Brujo” Martinez at the start of his final game with the Philadelphia Union.
Jack Elliot pressures Brian Rubio as he receives the ball.
As Mikeal Uhre and Daniel Gazdag are held in the box during a corner, Tai Baribo ends up getting sent off the pitch for colliding with a player.
After a direct red card is issued to Tai Baribo, referee Selvin Brown checks the VAR while a fan shows off the Oscar to the Mazatlán F.C. player who was fouled.
After checking VAR, Selvin Brown revokes the straight red card he gave Tia Baribo. He replaces the red with a second yellow thus giving him a red card on accumulation. Tai tries to plead his case but it sent off in the 36th minute.
A team celebration in the corner after Mikeal Uhre scored in extra time in the first half.
The team celebrates the tying goal by Alonso Escoboza in the 59th minute.
After Alonso Escoboza scored, Roberto Meraz gives the goal keeper some very specific instructions as he walk back to restart the game.
Ricardo Gutiérrez comes out to stop Mikeal Uhre from taking a shot.
Andre Blake stares down Brian Rubio as Blake wants to restart the game and Rubio won’t stop encroaching on his space.
Quinn Sullivan “broke ankles” against Mazatlán F.C. players in the second half.
After being cleated in the calf, Kai Wagner and Omar Moreno share some words after a physical confrontation.
After making a cat-like save, Andre Blake gets help from Jack Elliott when another shot is taken.
The team stands at the 50 watching Pk’s and supporting each other to the win.
José Martínez takes his final PK in a Union kit against Ricardo Gutiérrez.
After making his PK José Martínez salutes his family and friends by making a heart with his hands.
Andre Blake chooses correctly and saves the PK taken by David Colman.
After scoring the dimming PK, Jesús Bueno celebrates as his teammates rush to him.
Farewell José Martínez. We wish you all the best as you join your new club, Sport Club Corinthians Paulista in São Paulo, Brazil. Thanks for the memories!
The Philadelphia Union move onto the Semi-finals in the 2024 Leagues Cup. They take on the Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field on Wednesday, August 21st. The time of the match is TBD.
Such good captures, Marjorie. My fave is “Ricardo Gutiérrez comes out to stop Mikeal Uhre from taking a shot.”