The Philadelphia Union triumphed by the thinnest of margins in the US Open Cup Round of 32, winning on penalties over the USL Championship’s Indy Eleven. Bradley Carnell started a heavily rotated side, but brought in many of the team’s regulars as the Union chased the win.

Starting XI

GK Andrew Rick – 7.5

Rick made a number of fine saves, including the crucial one on Aodhan Quinn in the penalty shootout. There was nothing he could have done on the goal in open play.

RB Olivier Mbaizo – 7

Served up a beautiful ball for Bedoya’s goal and was solid overall before exiting with an apparent injury late in the second half. Almost certainly the best third-choice right-back in the league.

CB Jakob Glesnes – 7

Completely in control as the Union dominated the first half.

CB Olwethu Makhanya – 6.5

It was a solid outing for Makhanya, who battled well defensively and drove forward with the ball at his feet all game long. He was caught out a bit on the goal, but did well to limit Indy’s attack throughout the rest of the night.

LB David Vazquez – 5.5

Typically a midfielder, David Vazquez made his Union debut on Wednesday filling in at left-back. The 19-year-old Homegrown didn’t look out of place and made some solid defensive plays, but struggled to get involved in the attack.

DM Jeremy Rafanello – 5.5

Rafanello started strong during the Union’s dominant first-half performance, putting in dangerous balls on set pieces, making a few nice tackles and keeping possession flowing as Philadelphia pinned Indy back in their defensive third. However, he began to flag as the game went on, particularly in extra time.

DM Jesus Bueno – 6

A nice facilitator during the Union’s dominant first-half, then gave way early in the second for Lukic.

AM Alejandro Bedoya – 7

Scored the Union’s only goal of the night and went the full 120 minutes, sprinkling in other moments of veteran savvy throughout. Great to see the captain still has it.

AM Cavan Sullivan – 6.5

Sullivan came out of the gates strong in his first-ever start for the Union. He took five shots in the first half alone, and looked like Philly’s most creative attacker during that time. Sullivan struggled to get involved in the more physical second half, but came alive again late to win a few free kicks, and almost scored the game-winner in the 102nd minute.

FWD Mikael Uhre – 6

Uhre’s speed in behind is so valuable for this team, but the Dane’s finishing struggles continued as he put zero of his five shots on target. His best chance of the night came in the 82nd minute, when he created his own space on the left side of the box and banged his shot off the post.

FWD Bruno Damiani – 5

Once again, not terribly involved. Has yet to show much chemistry with his new teammates.

Substitutes:

(46’) Nathan Harriel – 6

Like the rest of the Union backline, Harriel was caught asleep on Indy’s goal. Besides that, he battled well and pushed the ball forward where he could. His aerial presence continues to impress for his height.

(57’) Tai Baribo – 5

It was not the best night for Baribo, who had a few great chances to win the game for the Union, including one he skied from the top of the six-yard box in the 118th minute. After his blistering start to the season, Baribo has scored just once in his past eight games.

(57’) Luka Jovic – 7

Looked a class-above once he came on, including when he briefly filled in at right-back toward the end of regulation time.

(57’) Kai Wagner – 7.5

Wagner changed the shape of the game once he got into the match. Put in innumerable dangerous crosses, through-balls and shots as the Union pushed for a winner.

(81’) Indiana Vassilev – 6.5

Vasillev’s smart and tireless running set up a few chances in extra time, including one that drew a great save from the Indy goalkeeper Reice Charles-Cook in the 115th minute.

(91’) Frankie Westfield – 6.5

Came on for extra time and didn’t have much defending to do, but had a couple of good moments in the attack.

Geiger Counter

Matthew Corrigan – 4

His stubborn refusal to give Uhre any calls was amusing at least.

Player of the Match – Reice Charles-Cook

I mean, how can it not be. Indy’s goalkeeper faced down thirty-three shots, made ten saves, and kept his side in the match all the way to penalties.

What’s Next?

The Union host the Columbus Crew on Saturday in a crucial battle atop the Eastern Conference.