Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union

The Philadelphia Union eased into the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup with a 4-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

Player Ratings:

GK Andrew Rick – 6

Had some nice moments in possession, and one very bad moment when he misplayed a pass through his legs for a near horrific own-goal. Besides that, had one nice save in the 43rd minute, as well as a few other simple saves throughout.

RB Olivier Mbaizo – 5.5

Got caught sleeping on Garcia’s rocket, but had a few nice attacking moments in the second half.

CB Jakob Glesnes – 7

Glesnes was a monster in the air defensively and did well to manage the game even after taking an early yellow card.

CB Olwethu Makhanya – 6.5

Had a couple of nervy moments, including when he misjudged a bouncing ball in the box to give Pittsburgh a chance in the 39th minute. But for the most part, kept Pittsburgh under control.

LB Frankie Westfield – 5.5

Playing out of position on the left side, Westfield was a little shakier than we are used to seeing, completing only 57% of his passes and struggling to get involved in the attack.

DM Danley Jean Jacques – 7

Had a couple of loose passes out of the back, but made up for it with a well-taken finish to the far corner in the 55th minute.

DM Jesus Bueno – 7.5

This was a great game for the reserve midfielder, who was involved in the attack throughout and put in some great set-piece deliveries, including one which led to Damiani’s penalty.

AM Indiana Vassilev – 7

Vassilev ran all night long (as always), causing problems with both his pressure and his runs in behind, one of which led to his goal.

AM Cavan Sullivan – 6

Had a couple of moments of nice interplay, including with his brother in the build-up to the second goal, but often tried to do too much. Just like in his last start, he faded a bit in the second half.

AM Quinn Sullivan – 7.5

Beautiful play to set up Vassilev’s goal – I particularly appreciated how he fought through the foul instead of going to ground, and he was rewarded with a nice assist. Quinn had three key passes and set up chances all night, as has become the norm for the Union’s best attacking midfielder this season.

FWD Bruno Damiani – 7.5

Damiani took his penalty well, made the right pass to Danley for his assist, and was generally more involved than he has been in other games this season

Substitutes: 

(66’) Jovan Lukic – 7

Lukic showed great feet and patience in taking his goal, and was all over the field in his 25 minute shift.

(66’) Ben Bender – 6

Helped the Union dominate midfield after he came on.

(66’) Mikael Uhre – 5.5

Uhre had a couple of chances shortly after coming on, but wasn’t very involved after that.

(72’) Nathan Harriel – 6.5

Came on and immediately put two headers on target on attacking corners.

(84’) Jeremy Rafanello – N/A

Geiger Counter

Natalie Simon – 5

I still haven’t seen a good angle of that penalty, but it seemed a little soft. And that was one of a few confusing decisions Simon made in the first half. But all’s well that ends well.

Player of the Match – Bruno Damiani

A goal and an assist for the big man. Granted, they were both relatively simple, but hopefully this is a step toward building Damiani some confidence and chemistry with his teammates.