Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union

Philadelphia Union traveled to Chase Stadium to play Inter Miami CF on Saturday night, falling 2-1. Despite the result, the Union set a club record for most road goals scored in the first three road games to start a season with seven. A late goal from Dániel Gazdag made the game interesting for the final ten minutes plus injury time, but ultimately the Boys in Blue returned home empty-handed.

Here are the ratings.

Player Ratings

GK Andre Blake – 6

It is hard to fault Blake on either of the Heron’s goals. The first goal from Robert Taylor was a clinic in passing, while the second goal from Lionel Messi was a fine strike from the arguably the world GOAT. His passing on the night was fairly accurate, though Blake did seem hesitant more than once coming outside his box to clear long balls. 

LB Frankie Westfield – 6

Starting at left back for the first time this season (and first time for the first team), Westfield was an adequate defensive substitute for the injured Kai Wagner. However, the right-footed Westfield showed a drop-off offensively on the left side, especially compared to his play on the right or Wagner’s five assists.

CB Ian Glavinovich – 6

The Argentine went the full 90 minutes and realized the opportunity to play against countryman Messi, but ultimately had a quieter night than a week earlier when he scored the winning goal. Not a bad game defensively, but Glavinovich did not shine either against a tough Heron’s offense.

CB Jakob Glesnes – 5

Another tough night for the Norwegian. Better on the ball than off, Glesnes had five passes into the final third, though they were not entirely accurate. Defensively, it was a rougher night, where he only won one of six duels, and was regularly outpaced by none other than former Blue Fafa Picault. His failure to chase a long ball to the end line—first because it appeared Picault was offside, then because it seemed Picault wouldn’t reach it—could have ended far worse.

RB Nate Harriel – 6

With Westfield at left back and the midfield back to usual strength, Harriel returned to start at right back. A decent night for the American against arguably the most potent offense in the East. He won most of his duels, did not commit a foul while being fouled three times himself, and made clearances, interceptions, and recoveries when called upon. His one long pass into the final third was accurate, though it did not turn into anything. An open header, albeit at a tough angle, went wide.

DM Danley Jean-Jacques – 6

Danley played a decent game in a match when the defense needed extra help. His interceptions and recoveries were instrumental in keeping the game close. However, his passing lacked the usual crispness, perhaps because it was against a side featuring midfielder Sergio Busquets and defender Jordi Alba. A sequence that saw Danley intercept a Miami pass only to pass it right back to the Herons had Bradley Carnell shaking his head on the side. 

DM Jovan Lukić – 5

Hardly a poor game from the Serb, though he struggled to make an impact on the game. Subbed off at halftime for Indiana Vassilev.

AM Quinn Sullivan – 8

A good night from the attacking midfielder. Sullivan created four scoring chances, with his cross to Gazdag in the 80th minute leading to a goal, making it a game for the final 20 minutes of the match. His crosses into the box were decent, and long balls more accurate than not. His assist on the Gazdag goal was pretty.

AM Dániel Gazdag – 8

His one shot on target snuck past Miami keeper Oscar Ustari and inside the post for the Union’s only goal on the night. A great cross from Sullivan still required that Gazdag control the ball and aim his shot. Like the rest of the attackers, he harassed Miami and kept the press up. 

FWD Mikael Uhre – 6

Uhre’s one shot on target was directly into the gut of Ustari and he did not contribute much else in the way of scoring chances. He did run as expected and keep the press on, but was ultimately subbed off after sixty minutes in an effort to jump-start the offense. 

FWD Tai Baribo – 6

Baribo lasted fifteen minutes longer than Uhre, but to no difference. He had two shots blocked; the one that was wasn’t blocked – a point blank shot – was hit straight to Ustari.  Subbed off after seventy-five minutes.

Substitutes:

(46’) Indiana Vassilev – 6

Brought on at half to replace to Lukić, the offensive-minded Vassilev made some decent passes, created some chances, and had a shot on target saved. Ultimately he was not a difference-maker on the night.

(59’) Bruno Damiani – 6

Brought on for Uhre, Damiani tried to make an impact, but was held in check by the Miami defense. His passes were accurate and he created some chances, but could not find the net.  

(75′) Jesus Bueno – 6

Brought on for Danley, Bueno was involved in the run-up that led to Sullivan’s assist and Gazdag’s goal.

(75’) Chris Donovan – 6

Also involved in the run-up to the goal, Donovan failed to get any power on a shot in front of a goal that was a prime scoring opportunity.

(90 ‘) Olwethu Makhanya – n/a

Geiger Counter

Rosendo Mendoza – 7

Mendoza kept a lid on the match, not letting persistent fouling to overtake the match. Gave more yellow cards (deserved in all but one case) to the Herons, much to the dismay of the home fans and anonymous posters on various websites. 

Player of the Match – Lionel Messi

GOAT? Winning goal.

What’s Next…

The Union return home to face Orlando in a rematch of the season opener. Saturday, April 5 at Subaru Park. 7:30 pm on Apple TV.