Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union

Head Coach Bradley Carnell made five changes from the first leg, blending experience with young talent for the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup. The Union came into the match up 5 to 0 on aggregate, and finished 12-0 (7-0 on the night). Here are the ratings.

Player Ratings

GK Andrew Rick 6/10

Not much to do on the night. There were no recorded shots on goal, though he did thwart a promising breakaway in the sixth minute.

LB/(CB 2nd half) Giovanny Sequera 7/10

The right footed back playing on the left made a strong debut. He looked lively in attack, solid in defense and had good awareness with Sullivan and Rafanello. He was bodied off the ball for Defence Force’s first promising attack.

CB Olwethu Makhanya 8/10

Worked well with Martinez to snuff out developing plays. Defence Force did not put the Union’s back line under pressure, but he helped keep a clean sheet.

CB Geiner Martinez 8/10 

A strong first showing, he paired well with Makhanya, and he opened the goal scoring in the seventh minute.

RB Olivier Mbaizo 5/10

Not a threat going forward, he was caught out twice and made some questionable passes.

M Alejandro Bedoya 7/10

A strong presence in every part of the field. It’s hard to quantify, but his leadership on the field and focused, professional approach was and important piece in the team’s success. Every time the camera focused on him, he was giving instruction.

M Jovan Lukic 7/10

Back after a lengthy convalescence, he looked committed and eager, but a bit rusty. His passing wasn’t quite up to his own standards. Converted the penalty kick in the 10th minute for the second goal of the game.

M Jeremy Rafanello 7/10

Looked more confident than in previous games, and he drew the foul that led to Lukic’s penalty strike for the second goal of the night. Linked up well with Sullivan and Sequera on the left side.

M Cavan Sullivan 9/10

Showed impeccable vision, confidence and creativity in the attacking third. He’s dangerous one-on-one, and he can thread a devastating pass. His four goal contributions (two goals, two assists) made him the standout on a night full of very good performances. He is the youngest American to score in the competition’s history.

FWD Ezekiel Alladoh 7/10

Good awareness, an ability to take players on and fine link-up play. He has a strong presence in and around the box and good movement off the ball. He contributed to two goals with assists in the second half. And he stayed out of the referee’s book.

FWD Stas Korzeniowski 8/10

Two emphatic goals on the night. The first, in the 12th minute, was the result of scintillating combination play. Both goals were statements from someone who knows the right place to be, and has the confidence to finish. 

Substitutes:

*(45’) LB Ben Bender – 7/10

Came on for Makhanya but took the field as a left back, with Sequera moving to the center. He took his goal confidently. He also seemed to slip right into rhythm on the left side with Sullivan and Rafanello.

(45′) M Sal Olivas 6/10

Had the assist on the second Sullivan goal. Received a yellow card for a late challenge.

(59′) FWD Malik Jakupović 6/10

Another youth product, he looked lively and willing to take shots.

*(75’) M Jesus Bueno – 5/10

Jose Bueno’s defense is strong, but his passing out the back remains questionable.

Geiger Counter *REF Julio Luna – 8/10

Luna called a good match and managed the game well.

Player of the Match – Cavan Sullivan. A dominant performance. He became the youngest American goal scorer in Champions Cup history at 16 years, 4 months, and 29 days, tallying two assists and a brace.  

What’s Next… The Union have their MLS home opener vs. NYCFC on Sunday, March 1. Apple TV. 7:30 p.m. The Union play Club America in the quarterfinals in two weeks.