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The Philadelphia Union’s good form continued this week as Ryan Richter led his team to a 3-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls for the second time this summer. Let’s get into the ratings.
Andre Blake – 7
A vintage Blake performance as he made three good saves and kept the Red Bulls off the scoresheet until Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s late chip.
Frankie Westfield – 6
Westfield was solid defensively with two tackles and eight duels won, but had a quieter game going forward.
Niel Pierre – 7.5
Yet another set-piece goal for the towering defender, although this time with his feet. Pierre was also better in his distribution and a rock defensively, until he got beat by a clever run from Choupo-Moting for New York’s late goal.
Nathan Harriel – 7
Harriel had some struggles at center back in the first half of the season, but has really come on strong since the World Cup break and is developing a good partnership with Pierre.
Kai Wagner – 5.5
Not Wagner’s best game, as the leftback was uncharacteristically shaky defensively, and his crosses were missing their usual pinpoint accuracy.
Jovan Lukic – 6
Lukic was solid on both sides of the ball, completing 90% of his passes while pitching in with six defensive contributions.
Danley Jean Jacques – 7.5
Danley was effective all over the pitch; he set up the opener with a marauding run down the right flank, then assisted Sullivan’s winner with a good long switch from the left.
Cavan Sullivan – 7
Brilliant touch, cut and shot for one of the best goals of his young career. Also helped spring Danley in the build-up for the opener, and set up Bruno Damiani for a chance in the 74th with a great slipped pass.
Indiana Vassilev – 6
Picked up an assist on the opener off what looked like a scuffed shot, but otherwise didn’t get too involved offensively. Seems to offer a counterweight in the midfield to Sullivan on the other side.
Bruno Damiani – 6
Had a nice flick-on assist for Pierre’s goal, among other moments of good holdup play. However, he should have done better on his late chance after being slipped through by Sullivan.
Milan Iloski – 7
Broke his minor scoring drought with a simple tap-in, then picked up an MLS assist with a good set-piece delivery on Pierre’s goal.
Substitutes
(64’) Quinn Sullivan – 6
A quieter game from Sullivan, although he set up his brother for a good chance in the 66’.
(80’) Agustin Anello – N/A
(80’) Jesús Bueno – N/A
(84’) Ezekiel Alladoh – N/A
Geiger Counter:
REF Drew Fischer – 6
Pretty uneventful game from Fischer.
Richter Scale:
Ryan Richter – 7
Seven MLS games undefeated for the interim coach, who is getting the best out of players who struggled in the first half of the season, such as Harriel, Damiani and Danley.
Player of the Match: Danley Jean Jacques
Exciting young stars like Sullivan and Pierre are getting the headlines, but Danley has been at the heart of the Union’s turnaround. The Haitian international has been at his best since returning from the World Cup, bossing the midfield and bursting forward to aid in the attack.
What’s Next?
The Union head back to Subaru Park to host the struggling CF Montréal at 7:30 PM EST on Saturday, September 5.

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