Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union

The Philadelphia Union fell 3–1 to Atlanta United on Saturday afternoon, conceding three goals and struggling to control the match for long stretches. Agustín Anello provided the lone bright spot for Philadelphia with the Union’s only goal, but defensive lapses and difficulty progressing the ball left the team chasing the game for much of the evening.

Player Ratings

GK Andre Blake — 5
Blake made a few routine saves but had little chance on Atlanta’s best looks. While none of the goals were glaring errors, the Union captain couldn’t produce the kind of big save that might have kept the game within reach.

LB Philippe Ndinga — 4
A rough outing in defense. Atlanta consistently found space around the Union’s back line, and Ndinga had difficulty organizing things as the game opened up.

CB Olwethu Makhanya — 4
The young center back struggled with Atlanta’s attacking pressure. There were moments where positioning and communication seemed off as the Union back line tried to cope with Atlanta’s movement. Pulled out of position on the Five Stripes first goal.

CB Nathan Harriel — 5
Harriel worked hard defensively but had a difficult evening dealing with Atlanta’s pace and movement. Offered effort but was stretched at times in transition.

RB Frankie Westfield — 5
Showed flashes going forward and tried to push into the attack, but the defensive side of the game proved difficult as Atlanta repeatedly tested the Union’s back line. Provided the assist on Anello’s goal.

DM Jovan Lukić — 5
Lukic put in a steady shift in midfield, working to connect passes and advance play. While he wasn’t able to dictate the tempo, he showed effort and composure on the ball.

DM Danley Jean Jacques — 6
One of the more solid performers on the night. Jean Jacques battled in midfield and helped break up play while attempting to keep the Union organized during long stretches of Atlanta possession.

AM Indiana Vassilev — 5
Vassilev tried to provide energy in the attack and had some positive moments on the ball, but he was not able to leave a decisive mark on the match.

AM Milan Iloski — 4
A frustrating night in the attack. Iloski was isolated for long stretches and struggled to get meaningful service as the Union had difficulty building sustained attacks.

FWD Stas Korzeniowski — 4
Was effectively marked out of the game and didn’t influence the flow of the match.

FWD Bruno Damiani — 4
Worked hard pressing Atlanta’s back line but had limited chances to make a significant impact. Missed wide on an open header on goal.

Substitutes

(58′) FWD Ezekiel Alladoh — 5
Showed flashes of attacking intent late in the match but ultimately couldn’t create a clear opportunity.

(58′) Alejandro Bedoya — 5
The veteran brought energy and leadership off the bench. Bedoya helped stabilize the midfield and tried to push the tempo as the Union searched for a way back into the match. Provided the cross that led to the lone Union goal.

(59′) Agustín Anello — 6
Anello made a few promising runs and took his goal well, providing the Union’s clearest attacking contribution on the night.

(78′) Japhet Sery Larsen — 5

Certainly not the worst defender on the night, and he was active, but he struggled to stop Atlanta’s attack.

(82′) Jesús Bueno — 5
A fairly quiet performance. Bueno was tidy in possession but struggled to impose himself on the match as Atlanta controlled large portions of midfield.

Geiger Counter

REF Marcos de Oliveira — 6

Made a few inconsistent foul calls, but got the penalty correct. Maintained overall control of the match.

Player of the Match – Miguel Almirón

Three assists on the day. 

What’s Next…

The Union travel to Mexico City to face Club America down one goal to nil for the second leg of the CONCACAF Cup at Estadio de la Ciudad de los Deportes on Wednesday, March 18. 9:00 pm EDT. FS2