Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union

Player Ratings

Andre Blake — 6.5

Blake made several important saves to keep the Union within striking distance, including a stop on Luighi in the 41st minute and another on Sands early in the second half. He can’t be faulted too much for either penalty, particularly the first one that kissed off the post.

Kai Wagner — 7.5

Wagner was one of the Union’s most reliable defenders, making several important tackles and clearances, including a block on a dangerous Ojeda effort. Picked up the secondary assist on Danley’s goal early in the second half. His late yellow was a blemish, but overall a solid performance.

Neil Pierre — 5

A difficult night for the young defender, who committed the foul that gave NYCFC its first penalty just three minutes into the match. He settled down somewhat afterward, but the early mistake loomed large as the Union chased the game almost from the get-go.

Nathan Harriel — 6

Harriel’s night was complicated by an early yellow card in the 16th minute, limiting how aggressively he could defend for the remainder of the match. He did, however, contribute some important defensive work and won a late free kick.

Frankie Westfield — 6.5

Westfield quietly put in a useful shift, blocking a shot in the first half and repeatedly drawing fouls to help the Union relieve pressure. He wasn’t a major factor in the second half, but his efforts helped the Union survive NYCFC’s pressure.

Danley Jean Jacques — 8

Danley was a major contributor to the comeback, finding excellent positioning to finish Cavan Sullivan’s service and cut the deficit to 2-1. He also continued to provide defensive presence in midfield and helped the Union maintain pressure after halftime.

Jovan Lukic — 6

Lukic’s aggressive approach helped him compete in midfield, but it also got him into trouble. His yellow card in the 44th minute means he’ll miss the next match against Inter Miami through yellow-card accumulation.

Cavan Sullivan — 9

The younger Sullivan was arguably the catalyst for the comeback. He provided assists on both Danley and Damiani’s goals, consistently looked dangerous in possession, and wasn’t afraid to take shots himself.

Indiana Vassilev — 5.5

Vassilev’s handball gave NYCFC the opportunity to double the lead just before halftime. While he did win some free kicks and block an NYCFC effort, the penalty was a costly mistake at a critical moment.

Bruno Damiani — 9

Damiani delivered when the Union needed him most, scoring twice in the second half to complete the comeback.

Milan Iloski — 6.5

Iloski was active from the opening whistle, forcing Matt Freese into a save with a long-range effort in the sixth minute, but he also missed two promising chances in the first half that could have changed the game. He picked up a yellow after halftime and didn’t have his best finishing night, although he did provide the secondary assist on Damiani’s equalizer.

Substitutes

(62′) Jesus Bueno — 8

Bueno came on at halftime for Lukic and helped stabilize the midfield as the Union began their comeback. He was spectacular, with his introduction coinciding with Philadelphia taking greater control of the match.

(70′) Quinn Sullivan — 8.5

Sullivan made an immediate impact after coming on, setting up Damiani’s eventual winner and combining with the attack as the Union relentlessly pushed forward. His introduction added energy and creativity to Philadelphia’s attack.

(80′) Alejandro Bedoya — N/A

Bedoya came on with 10 minutes remaining to provide some veteran presence as the Union protected their lead. He wasn’t heavily involved offensively, registering a late shot that went over, but helped the Union navigate the closing stages to see out the 3-2 victory.

Geiger Counter

REF Sergii Demianchuk — 6

Demianchuk was certainly involved early and often, having a noticeable influence on the match and perhaps being overly whistle-happy. His penalty decisions, no doubt, generated plenty of debate.

Richter Scale: 

Ryan Richter – 8.5

The biggest mark in Richter’s favor was his halftime intervention. He said afterward that he challenged the team to “play better” and be more connected defensively, while specifically challenging Cavan Sullivan to contribute beyond simply having the ball at his feet. Sullivan responded with two assists and a much stronger second half.

Player of the Match: Cavan Sullivan

Damiani has the obvious case with two goals, including the 75th-minute winner, but Sullivan was the creative engine behind the entire comeback.

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