Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union

The Philadelphia Union fell 2–1 to Charlotte FC in a frustrating road performance that showed both promise and familiar flaws. Despite generating the better chances and finding a late equalizer through Danley Jean Jacques, the Union were undone almost immediately by a defensive lapse that led to Charlotte’s winner. While there were encouraging signs in the attack and a spark off the bench, missed opportunities and an inability to manage key moments ultimately cost the Boys in Blue a result.

Player Ratings

GK Andre Blake — 5
Made a number of OK saves and wasn’t at fault for either goal. Did what he could, but couldn’t come up with a defining stop late.

LB Frankie Westfield  — 5

Early yellow limited his defensive aggression. Showed effort and some forward intent, but overall impact was muted.

CB Olwethu Makhanya — 5
Some decent defensive actions and probably the most composed of the back line, but still part of a unit that conceded twice.

CB Japhet Sery Larsen — 4
Part of a back line that never looked fully organized. Couldn’t deal with key moments, especially around the winning goal.

RB Nathan Harriel — 4
Had a tough assignment dealing with Wilfried Zaha and didn’t handle it particularly well. Struggled defensively and picked up a yellow. A step off the pace, especially on Charlotte’s second goal. Every cross was into the hands of Kristijan Kahlina.

DM Jovan Lukić — 5
Kept things moving and had a few quality moments, but didn’t take control of the midfield. Lukić to do more to dictate play.

DM Danley Jean Jacques — 6
The best Union starter on the night. Took his goal well and consistently pushed the team forward. One of the few bright spots.

AM Indiana Vassilev — 5
Active and involved as always (pressing), but lacked sharpness in the final third. Got into good areas but then failed to produce. 

AM Milan Iloski — 5
Worked hard and found some dangerous pockets, but decision-making and execution let him down. Another “almost” performance.

FWD Ezekiel Alladoh — 4
Relatively quiet. Didn’t impose himself on the game or provide a consistent threat alongside Damiani. Was not pleased to be subbed off for Jesús Bueno.

FWD Bruno Damiani — 4
Had chances but couldn’t convert. Effort and positioning were there, but the finishing wasn’t. The lack of scoring is incredibly concerning. It’s time to sit Damiani for a while.

Substitutes

(64′) DM Jesús Bueno — 5

Brought energy and helped shift momentum for a stretch. Positive contribution of the bench.

(77′) AM Cavan Sullivan — 6
Immediate impact off the bench. Provided the assist and injected some creativity the team was lacking.

(84′) FWD Malik Jakupovic — 5
Had a few touches in advanced areas but never turned them into anything dangerous. Involved without being effective. Should have come on earlier.

(84′) FWD Stas Korzeniowski — 5

Brought some energy after coming on but struggled to influence the game in a meaningful way. Couldn’t provide the attacking spark the Union needed late. Should have come on earlier.

(84′) LB – Philippe Ndinga — n/a

Came on too late to make a real impact. Didn’t have enough involvement to earn a meaningful rating.

Geiger Counter

REF Drew Fischer — 6

Called twice as many fouls on the Union as he did Charlotte, but probably correct. Was evenhanded in doling out yellow cards.

Player of the Match

Wilfriend Zaha – his touch on Charlotte’s second goal was sublime. 

What’s Next…

Philadelphia Union will travel to Stade Saputo to face CF Montréal on Saturday, April 11th (2:30 p.m. ET /Apple TV).