Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union

The Philadelphia Union were downed 1-0 by Cruz Azul in front of a Subaru Park crowd that had a large contingent of Azul supporters. La Máquina had the better of the Union in the early stages, scoring a goal in just the 3rd minute, and carried their lead into half-time. Despite mounting a second half onslaught in search of a tying goal – outshooting their opponent 10 to 6 – the Union were unable to find an equalizer. Controversially, a late handball against Cruz Azul was not given, which all but sealed Philly’s fate. The result is Philadelphia’s first ever loss in group play at the Leagues Cup. The Boys in Blue will look to get back in the win column this Sunday against Necaxa.

First Half

An energetic Cruz Azul got off the mark early, scoring in just the 3th minute. José Paradela pulled the strings in midfield, picking out Omar Campos down the left wing. He continued his run, and with no Union defenders closing him down, was wide open for Campos to return the favor with a simple pass across the top of the box, which he thumped home. Andrew Rick had no chance in the Philadelphia net. 

Paradela was involved again in the 10th minute, but this time for a booking. The Argentinian encroached on a Union free-kick in the 10th minute, and was duly yellow carded by Head Referee Juan Calderon.

La Máquina thought they had doubled their lead in the 13th minute. Omar Campos stabbed home a rebound after Frankie Westfield mis-cleared a cross, but the Union were bailed out by the Assistant Referee, who indicated offside.

The Union finally began to threaten, and had a pair of dangerous opportunities around the 24th minute. Cavan Sullivan nutmegged his defender and dimed up Westfield, but the full-back’s cross was cleared away. Then, Danley Jean-Jacques got forward, but the Haitian’s cut-back could not find Milan Iloski.

In the 40th minute, Gabriel Fernández appeared to grab Sery Larsen’s face during an aerial duel, but neither the referee – nor VAR – felt there was a transgression.

A well-timed tackle from Kai Wagner in stoppage time launched a fast counter for the Union, but Cavan Sullivan and Iloski couldn’t quite connect, and the Union would go into the break down one goal.

Second Half

Each side remained unchanged coming out of the break, with the Union continuing to push forward in search of a goal.

Iloski and Cavan connected twice in the 58th, with the former UCLA Bruin setting up the young phenom, but both times Sullivan was unable to convert.Shortly after, Philadelphia had another golden chance, when Cavan slipped Ezekiel Alladoh into the box. But, Alladoh mis-controlled, and the chance went begging. 

In the 77th minute Rick was called into action twice in quick succession, but was able to make routine saves both times.

Ryan Richter made a trio of substitutes in the 79th minute, in an effort to push for the equalizer.

Philadelphia were unlucky not to score in the 84th minute. Westfield received a pass near the endline and fired a low cross into the box, which somehow evaded all three Union players near the back post.

The Union remained on the attack and looked to have won a clear penalty in the 89th minute. Iloski chopped a backheel, which flew into the outstretched hand of a Cruz Azul defender. Despite replays showing a clear handball, Calderon’s initial ruling of no-call was not reviewed.

Near the end of the game, Bruno Damiani landed a header on target, but Kevin Mier was equal to the effort. It was the last clear chance of the game for the Union, as the final whistle sounded soon after.

3 Points

• Rotation Woes: With the games coming fast and thick at this stage of the season, it was inevitable that the Union would have to rotate at some point. Unfortunately, it seemed to have a noticeable impact on the players tonight, who fell victim to a slow start.  

• The Machine: One of Cruz Azul’s many nicknames is La Máquina – Spanish for ‘The Machine – and the first half was a demonstration of just how machine-like they can be. Cruz Azul passed with precision, cutting through the Union like they weren’t there, and were centimeters away from a 2 goal lead inside 10 minutes. Ultimately, the Union fought their way into the conversation, but it was clear that Azul decided to bunker after half-time.

• Got to finish your dinner: Poor finishing came back to haunt the Union in this one, which was reminiscent of pre-World Cup break form. This team isn’t built to break down defensive teams, which is a problem that needs to be addressed one way or the other. 

Lineups 

Philadelphia Union: Andrew Rick (GK), Kai Wagner, Japhet Sery Larsen (Neil Pierre 79’), Nathan Harriel (Jovan Lukic 79’), Frankie Westfield, Jesús Bueno (Agustin Anello 79’), Danley Jean Jacques, Quinn Sullivan (Indiana Vassilev 66’), Cavan Sullivan, Ezekiel Alladoh (Bruno Damiani 66’)

Substitutes not used: Andre Blake, George Marks, Geiner Martinez, Ben Bender, Alejandro Bedoya, Jeremy Rafanello, Malik Jakupovic.  

Cruz Azul: Kevin Mier (GK), Omar Campos (Luka Romero 65’), Jesus Orozco, Willer Ditta (Josué Díaz 88’), Gonzalo Piovi, Jeremy Márquez, Érik Lira, Agustin Palavecino (Cristian Jiménez 90+2’), José Paradela, Gabriel Fernández (Nicolás Ibáñez 65’), Carlos Rodríguez 

Substitutes not used: Andrés Gudiño, Andrés Montaño, Alán Montes, Amaury García, Javier Suárez, Bruno Salgado, Juan Calero

Scoring Summary:

CAZ: José Paradela (Omar Campos) – 3’

Disciplinary Summary:

CAZ: José Paradela (Yellow) – 10’

PHI: Jesús Bueno (Yellow) – 23’

CAZ: Érik Lira (Yellow) – 53’