Photo courtesy of Kevin Barrett

Despite scoring in the opening four minutes, the Philadelphia Union were unable to capitalize on the rest of their chances, and once again gave up a stoppage time goal to drop points. Although the tie meant that Philly was unable to greatly increase their lead, results around the league have kept the Union atop the Supporters’ Shield race for the time being. Let’s get into the ratings.

Player Ratings:

Andre Blake – 7

Only had to make a few saves in this one but came up big when needed, including a huge stop on Kevin Long in the 83th minute. Hung out to dry on Toronto’s goal.

Kai Wagner – 5

Solid most of the game, though not as dangerous on the attack as he usually is. While he racked up several defensive actions, he left Malik Henry in far too much space in the build up to the Toronto goal.

Olwethu Makhanya – 5

Some great moments, some head-scratchers. Game saving block in added time to deny Richie Laryea. Objectively hilarious decision to blast the ball at Toronto’s keeper Gavran after the whistle- even if it was a borderline dirty play that earned him a yellow.

Jakob Glesnes – 5

Had some really solid defensive plays but got burned by Deandre Kerr when it mattered most. Will be suspended for the Union’s next MLS match on yellow card accumulation after he was booked for pulling down Brynhildsen off the ball.

Nathan Harriel – 7

Nigh impassable on defense, he led both teams in defensive actions with 13, including 4 tackles (winning 3), 3 blocks and 1 interception. Big clearance near the goal mouth late in the second half. He also linked up well on the attack, finishing with 6 completed passes into the final third.

Danley Jean-Jacques –  7

Another great game from the Haitian international. Danley was seemingly everywhere and continually threatened Toronto with his pace and dribbling. Forced a monster save out of Gavran with a good shot late into the second half.

Jesús Bueno – 6

Great contact on his 69th minute volley but it was hit too near to the Toronto GK. Quietly had a solid game on and off the ball.

Indiana Vassilev – 8

Opened the scoring with a deft finish following a gut-busting forward run. His goal capped off a brilliant passing counter-attack that was a testament to the highs the Union’s system can produce. Kept his defensive pressing going all match.

Quinn Sullivan – 6

Had some dangerous crosses, and continues to be one of the main creative outlets for the team, but has seemingly slowed down since his return from Gold Cup duty. Needs to score on his chance in the 65th minute.

Tai Baribo – 7

Lovely pass on the turn to set up Vassilev for the opener. Could have done more with his shots, but was unlucky to get his goal called back on a flimsy VAR check.

Bruno Damiani – 5

While the Young DP could do a lot more in front of net, he is getting into dangerous positions. Was unlucky to see his assist to Baribo chalked off due to VAR. Tracked back often and was involved in the buildup more often than not.

Substitutes:

Milan Iloski – 4

Got involved early but wasn’t able to change the outcome in his debut. Exciting to think about what he can do for the Union’s attack, once he settles in.

Mikael Uhre – 3

Could have done better with his chances, but his hustle was evident, in particular when he sprinted about 30 yards to the sideline to keep a loose ball in-bounds.

Jovan Lukić  – 4

Couldn’t quite get his passes dialed in.

Cavan Sullivan – N/a

Felt like a more defensive change might have been the best choice. That being said, the youngster had a bright first few actions, but he barely got a sniff after, as Toronto wasted all the remaining time.

Alejandro Bedoya – N/a

While Bedoya worked his tail off in the 12 or so minutes he was on, TFC were able to milk the clock such that he only got a few touches.

Geiger Counter

Tori Penso – 3

While the entire stadium (myself included) felt Quinn Sullivan was fouled by Sigurd Rosted in the 23rd minute, after watching the replay it looks like the Toronto defender won the ball. It was surprising that no red cards were issued after the fracas in the 77th minute. Now, onto the main controversy, namely Tai Baribo’s goal getting called back for offside after a VAR check in the 56th minute. There’s been a lot of discussion regarding ‘passive’ and ‘active’ play in light of the decision. For clarity’s sake here is the relevant part of IFAB’s Law 11 for Offside offenses (bold added for emphasis):

A player in an offside position at the moment the ball is played or touched by a team-mate is only penalized on becoming involved in active play by:

• interfering with play by playing or touching a ball passed or touched by a team-mate or,
• interfering with an opponent by:
  • preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent’s line of vision or,
  • challenging an opponent for the ball or,
  • clearly attempting to play a ball which is close when this action impacts on an opponent or,
  • making an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball.

In situations where:

• a player moving from, or standing in, an offside position is in the way of an opponent and interferes with the movement of the opponent towards the ball, this is an offside offense if it impacts on the ability of the opponent to play or challenge for the ball; if the player moves into the way of an opponent and impedes the opponent’s progress (e.g. blocks the opponent), the offense should be penalized under Law 12.

Yes, Tai Baribo is in an offiside position when the free-kick is taken. But at what point does he interfere with an opponent’s attempt to play the ball? It seems quite a stretch to rule that Cuello’s clearance was affected by Baribo’s presence but no other TFC player made any effort to reach the ball, so presumably that is what was decided. Furthermore, how is the initial ruling on the field clearly and obviously incorrect? This seems like a big mistake by the officiating crew.

Player of the Match – Indiana Vassilev

Vassilev looked like a man possessed out there. His pressing was as good as ever but it was his work with the ball that stood out just as much as his defensive activity on the night. With back-to-back goal contributions, the mustached midfielder is finally rounding into form during crunch time.

What’s Next

Philly has a short turnaround due to a midweek Lamar Hunt US Open Cup matchup. The Union will host hated rivals New York Red Bulls in a Quarter-Final clash that had to be rescheduled following a severe rainstorm on the original fixture date of July 9th. The Union are unbeaten versus NYRB for 15 matches in all competitions, a streak that stretches back to the 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs. Kick-off is slated for 7:30 PM on Wednesday, August 13th.