Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union
The Union’s 1-0 win in Cincinnati was defined by grit, hustle, and one moment of brilliance. From Andrew Rick’s heroics in goal to Damiani’s decisive header, here’s how each player rated on a playoff-like night.
Starting XI:
Andrew Rick – 9
Once again proved he belongs in the big moments. Rick came up huge with saves including in the 15th, 35th, and 57th minutes, keeping Cincinnati’s attack at bay and giving Philly a chance to steal the road win. Calm under pressure and decisive in his positioning, he delivered a mature performance yet again.
Jakob Glesnes – 8
Glesnes’ crucial interception helped spark the counterattack that led to Damiani’s winner, and his relentless late-game effort to prevent corners showed true leadership. Booked before halftime, but otherwise a massive presence in grinding out the clean sheet.
Kai Wagner – 8
Matched against Miazga, he made the U.S. international look second-best in key duels. Battered and bruised, yet still delivered his trademark grit on the left flank—his resilience remains invaluable.
Olwethu Makhanya – 6
Strong in the first half with a couple of key interventions, but his second yellow in the 60th minute overshadowed everything as it left his team to defend a man down for the final half hour.
Nathan Harriel – 7
Solid if unspectacular on the right. Provided cover as Cincinnati pressed late and did his job without fanfare.
Jovan Lukic – 7
One of his more quiet performances. Worked hard in midfield, but didn’t leave a major imprint on either end of the pitch.
Danley Jean Jacques – 6.5
Nearly grabbed the breakthrough just before halftime with a golden chance, only for Cincinnati’s keeper to deny him. Outside of that, he was diligent in the middle, helping to shield the backline once Philly went down to 10 men.
Milan Iloski – 8.5
The creative spark. Nearly scored himself in the 16th and 48th minutes, and his assist to Damiani was a moment of pure quality. Consistently looked threatening in the final third, showing sharp movement and composure under pressure.
Quinn Sullivan – 7
Started brightly with a thunderous strike that rattled the crossbar, but faded as the game wore on. Subbed in the 63rd minute as Philly tightened up after the red card.
Tai Baribo – 6
A frustrating outing. Missed a chance at the near post in the 29th and another opportunity in the 52nd. Worked hard, but in front of goal just couldn’t make the difference.
Bruno Damiani – 8.5
Rose high to head home Iloski’s delivery in the 49th minute, a clinical finish that sealed Philly’s playoff spot. Subbed off in the 75th, but his decisive goal was a well-deserved highlight.
Substitutes:
(63′) Frankie Westfield – 6.5
Came in to help shore things up defensively after the red. Did his part by tracking runners and keeping Philly compact.
(63′) Indiana Vassilev – 6.5
Not flashy, but gave energy and composure in tight midfield spaces.
(75′) Mikael Uhre – 6
Replaced Damiani to give Philly a fresh outlet up top. Worked hard, though mostly stranded as the Union bunkered down.
(83′) Jeremy Rafanello – 6
Late substitution to add legs in midfield. Contributed to the defensive stand in the final minutes.
Geiger Counter – Sergii Boiko – 5
Boiko attempted to keep a firm grip on what was always going to be a fiery, playoff-like contest, but his performance was a mixed bag. The early yellows set the tone, yet some felt heavy-handed.
Player of the Match – Andrew Rick
On a night when experience and grit carried the Union through, it was the teenager between the posts who played beyond his years and deservedly claims Man of the Match honors.
What’s Next….
Philadelphia Union will see eight members depart for the upcoming FIFA International Break before returning to action against Western Conference foe Vancouver Whitecaps FC for a late night battle on Saturday, Sept. 13.
Was there at the game, and that “yellow” for Glesnes at the end of the half gave us all a bit of a heart attack. Live, it looked like it could have been a soft red…..
had I known we were due a red in this match, would not have argued against it. given a little more drama on the receiving end, who knows if it would’ve been called. Makhanya can’t earn a second. inexcusable.
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Damiani’s header… they kept showing the replays and I savored every angle.
Makhanya has been a revelation this season, but he’s also too rash sometimes, and you cannot give a guy a 6 when he leaves you a man down for 35 minutes. I will acknowledge that the initial yellow he got from the ref (as part of a double yellow) should not have been given, but also, he did push the guy, and it was stupid. The second challenge on Evander was, as Chris wrote above, inexcusable. He deserves a 3.
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We also would not be where we are in the table without Baribo, but this was not a good match for him, and he missed what chances he had. He should be no higher than a 4.
I hear where you’re coming from, but a moment of stupidity does not (for me) outweigh his otherwise excellent performance.