The match got heated quickly with fouls and physical play. Atlanta’s bench was shown a yellow within the first few minutes of the game. Atlanta’s Enea Mihaj was shown a straight red card in the 27th minute for a hard tackle on Milan Iloski. Atlanta’s players tried to argue with head referee Allen Chapman, but he stood firm in his decision. A yellow card was then issued to Iloski in the 28th minute.
Atlanta went on to score in the 30th minute when Miguel Almirón finished off a counterattack after the Union’s defense was beaten. Andre Blake made an uncharacteristic mistake as the ball slipped underneath him while attempting to make the save, allowing Atlanta to take the lead.
In the second half, the Union had plenty of opportunities, finishing with 30 shots to Atlanta’s four, but the boys just could not find the back of the net. When Tristan Muyumba, assisted by Aleksei Miranchuk, scored in the 66th minute, it felt like the win was firmly in Atlanta’s hands.
The Union finally answered with a goal by Milan Iloski after trailing since the 30th minute. Interim head coach Ryan Richter made changes to the lineup in the 56th minute, replacing Jovan Lukić with Jesús Bueno, while Quinn Sullivan came off the bench for Indiana Vassilev. In the 71st minute, Nathan Harriel and Bruno Damiani were substituted for Ezekiel Alladoh and Agustín Anello.
Then came the dramatic finish.
In the sixth minute of stoppage time, Milan Iloski and Kai Wagner combined on a cross that found Neil Pierre, who headed the ball home to spark the comeback. Once the DOOP celebration was underway, the Union struck again less than a minute later. Ezekiel Alladoh scored his first MLS goal, with Kai Wagner earning the assist and Jesús Bueno playing a key role in creating the opportunity.
It was a goal Alladoh will never forget.
The crowd went wild, and before we knew it, the final whistle blew. The Union completed an incredible comeback and earned all three points at home!
The game began with the River End unveiling a TIFO honoring Brad Youth, a Founder of the Sons of Ben. Air Force Color Guard leave the field after presenting the “Colors of our Nation” for Military Appreciation Night.Fafa Picault challenges 6′ 5″ Neil Pierre for the ball soon after the game started.Jovan Lukic knees the ball to keep forward momentum as Aleksey Miranchuk tries to match his play.Neil Pierre slide tackles Elías Báez, to win the ball, as he tries to progress towards Atlanta’s scoring half.Bruno Damiani keeps the ball with pressure from Enea Mihaj. Elías Báez looks to get involved in the play.Unhappy with his defensive line, Lucas Hoyos reacts as the Union’s attempt at goal hits the cross bar.Frankie Westfield surveys the field, looking for his next move with the ball.While Atlanta United’s Enea Mihaj is tended to on the field, Philadelphia Union players check in with the coaching staff for changes that might need to be made on the field.Head Referee Allen Chapman explains his decision during the match, standing firm that the red card issued to Enea Mihaj was warranted following a hard tackle on Milan Iloski.The away supporters celebrate their teams first goal, scored by Miguel Almirón, in the 30th minute.Cavan Sullivan stays composed on the ball under pressure from Matthew Edwards.Milan Illoski raises his hand to alert the referee that the ball went out of bounds as Arif Kovac tries to keep it in.Frankie Westfield and Júnior Alonso both respond in pain as the ball flies above their heads.Indiana Vaeeilev avoids being tackled by Arif Kovac as Kovac wins the ball near the endline.Allen Chapman has words for the second time of the night with Lucas Hoyos. Atlanta’s goalie was warned about time wasting.Cavin Sullivan charges towards the goal as Júnior Alonso tries to change his direction to try to catch him and defend the forward progress.Jumping into the coaching staff, Tomás Jacob celebrates the second goal of Atlanta’s night!Coaching Staff, Interim Head Coach Ryan Richter, Frank Leicht, Ben Moane, Phil Wheddon and Fred, all discuss how the team should move forward after Atlanta’s second goal of the night.Frankie Westfield gets the pass of under pressure from Júnior Alonso and Tristan Muyumba.Tomás Jacob receives medical assistance from the trainers after a hard tackle by Agustín AnelloMilan Iloski with his signature point, celebrates the goal that started things off late in the second half. He now holds the Union’s record for most consecutive MLS matches with a goal, bringing his streak to 6 games.Milan Iloski points towards Andre Blake and Kai Wagner as the stadium celebrates his goal. Smoke bombs and a light show were added to the traditional Doop celebration.After the first goal of the night for the Union, Atlanta United tries to shake it off before the restart of the game.Agustín Anello sprints after taking a heavier touch on the ball . Matthew Edwards tries to match his pace and defend him.Pulling jerseys, Agustín Anello keeps the ball from Matthew Edwards, as Anello pushes down the sideline.Lucas Hoyos makes another save, frustrating Milan Iloski once again.Neil Pierre, towers over Júnior Alonso to win the header and score to tie the game.Neil Pierre takes a moment, in front of the River End, to celebrate his goal before joining his teammates. His goal, scored in extra time, tied the match 2-2.Arif Kovac anticipates space hoping to defend Jesús Bueno as he heads the ball. This play lead to a connection with Kia Wagner and the final goal of the night by Ezekiel Alladoh.Neill Pierre and Elías Báez watch as the goal by Ezekiel Alladoh sails into the net, giving the Union the win.Neil Pierre and Cavan Sullivan celebrate the last goal of the night before going to their teammates in the celebrating in corner.The final whistle blows, fireworks and smoke bombs explode and the crowd does too! What a great night at Subaru Park!
On Thursday, August 8th, the Union return to Subaru Park to host Cruz Azul in Phase One for the Leagues Cup.
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