First Half

Both teams started the half with a high press. There wasn’t much room in the midfield, with both teams staying compact. The Red Bulls looked the more likely to score in the first 20 minutes, breaking Union lines and sending strikers forward on a couple of occasions. Both of their best chances, however, came from offsides, with Andre Blake saving both. Gradually, the high press from the Union started to pin Red Bull back, and their incisive passes couldn’t get going. Then, in the 18th minute, against the run of play, Iloski got a toe on a looped shot from Indiana Vassilev that went home, giving the visitors a 0-1 advantage. A minute or so later, some rare, nice combination play from Damiani and Iloski saw Iloski’s shot just miss high.

Cavan Sullivan looked strong and full of his trademark gritty dribbling and cheeky passes. Though the Union continued to press and find space for shots, they were not able to find the back of the net again. Red Bull continued with their incisive runs, mostly through their midfielder, Donker, and a quick counter through the lines looked like the way Red Bull would equalize. But Neil Pierre and Nathan Harriel were having a strong game, and it was Pierre’s block of Hall’s shot in the 42nd minute that kept the lead for the Union. The frenetic pace continued into stoppage time, when a shot from a corner kick was saved off the line by a sliding Che for New York.

Second Half

The second half got off to a flying start, when a blazing shot from New York’s Hall rattled the back post. The Union answered three minutes later with two shots on goal that didn’t go in. But in the 50th minute, a beautiful, arcing cross field pass from Danley Jean Jacques found Cavan Sullivan, whose first touch out of the air turned the ball inside, and with his second touch, slotted the ball low into the far corner. 0-2, Philadelphia!

Red Bull continued to carry a threat, and they seemed most effectively dangerous whenever they could get through the Union’s high press. Which wasn’t often. Cavan Sullivan continued to find–and to make–space for himself, and looked dangerous throughout the game. Neill Pierre continued to show why he is so highly rated, chasing down attacks and coming up with the ball on a number of occasions. It was congested, end-to-end game.

In the 64th minute, Richeter substituted Quinn Sullivan for Vassilev, and roughly a minute later, Milan Iloski sent a looping free kick that was flicked on by Bruno Damiani. Neil Pierre, showing the offensive side of his game again, slid forward to poke the ball in, 0-3, Philadelphia Union.

New York had subbed in Eric Maxim Choupo-Moteng to start the second half, and in the final third of the game, they made three subs, and Harper, Safo and Marshall-Rutty . They brought new energy to the game, but nothing definitive. Until the 74th minute when Choupo-Moteng got between the two Union defenders and clawed one back for the home side. It was the be the final score of the match. The Union held on and continued to show commitment and skill on both sides of the ball.

Three Points

• The Union”Kids”: Cavan Sullivan and Neil Pierre continue to impress with their play. The younger Sullivan is a creative and gritty handful for any defense, and Neil Pierre is showing a savvy maturity to go with his physical gifts.
• Defense: The high press denies space for teams to build an attack, but the Red Bulls looked dangerous in the moments they broke through.
• Link up play: The Union are superb at winning the ball up high and converting, but quick, effective passes from midfield through lines continues elude the Boys in Blue.