Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union

The Philadelphia Union put together one of their most complete performances of the season on Sunday night, cruising past San Diego FC 5-0, on the road. Despite San Diego creating some early opportunities and forcing Andre Blake into a pair of important saves, the Union gradually took control and never looked back. The victory extended Philadelphia’s MLS unbeaten streak to 10 consecutive matches, leaving the Union just one shy of tying the longest league unbeaten run in club history.

Player Ratings

Andre Blake — 9

Blake was exactly what Philadelphia needed early in the game; he made a massive save in the fourth minute and came up with several other key saves throughout the match.

Kai Wagner — 8

A strong two-way performance from Wagner throughout the game. In addition to providing his usual quality on set pieces, Wagner nearly found Pierre with a corner, tested San Diego’s goalkeeper himself, and was involved in the buildup to Cavan Sullivan’s second goal.

Neil Pierre — 8

Pierre was dangerous on set pieces and repeatedly got himself into great scoring positions. He also made an important defensive block on an Achouri attempt in the second half. The late yellow is the only real blemish on his night.

Nathan Harriel — 8

A steady night from Harriel at centerback. He helped keep San Diego’s attack from finding enough consistency to be dangerous and even drew a foul in the first half.

Frankie Westfield — 8.5

Westfield had a productive match, contributing forward, including on a cross that nearly found Iloski as well as the assist on Damiani’s goal and the second assist on Jakupovic’s late goal.

Danley Jean Jacques — 7.5

A solid midfield performance with plenty of defensive work as well as a willingness to get forward. He had two shooting opportunities in the first half and helped maintain Philadelphia’s physical presence in midfield.

Jovan Lukic — 7.5

Lukic provided a steady presence in the midfield and helped Philadelphia establish control despite San Diego’s aggressive opening. He was less flashy than some of his teammates, but his work helped create the platform for the attacking players to shine.

Cavan Sullivan — 10

Two goals, including his first career brace, plus a second assist on Damiani’s goal. Is there anything else to say?

Indiana Vassilev — 9

Vassilev was a major part of the attacking engine, helping create Cavan Sullivan’s first goal, assisting on the second, and consistently helping the team retain possession of the ball.

Bruno Damiani — 8.5

Damiani got himself on the scoresheet and was involved in Sullivan’s opening goal. His physicality gave San Diego’s centerbacks plenty to deal with, although the early yellow and a handful of fouls slightly detract from his performance.

Milan Iloski — 8

A particularly meaningful performance against his former club. Although he didn’t score, Iloski was dangerous throughout and was involved in the buildup in Philadelphia’s opener. His movement also helped create space for Sullivan and Damiani.

 

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Substitutes

(69′) Quinn Sullivan — 8

A very productive stint for the older Sullivan brother. He helped keep the attack dangerous after coming on and provided the assist for Malik Jakupovic’s first MLS goal in stoppage time.

(77′) Jesus Bueno — 7.5

Bueno came into the game and helped see it through by being active on set pieces. He even had a late shot blocked. A composed closing performance all in all.

(77′) Ezekiel Alladoh — 7.5

A relatively short appearance, but Alladoh brought energy to the attack and won a free kick late in the match. He also had a header blocked and was involved in the buildup to San Diego’s own goal.

(86′) Malik Jakupovic — 8

Only a short stint, but he made it count. Jakupovic scored his first MLS goal in stoppage time, capping the 5-0 victory in emphatic fashion. What more could you ask for from a substitute?

(86′) Japhet Sery Larsen — N/A

Geiger Counter

REF — Ismail Elfath — 6

The referee had a relatively controlled match overall, but the biggest blemish came just before halftime. San Diego’s Alejandro Alvarado initially received a red card for kicking the ball into Milan Iloski’s face while Iloski was down, only for the decision to be downgraded to a yellow after VAR review. While the review gave the referee reason to reconsider the initial call, the action appeared intentional and warranted more than a yellow given the circumstances. It was a questionable decision in an otherwise fairly steady performance.

Richter Scale: 

Ryan Richter – 9

Using the first-choice lineup for the third match in eight days could have been a risk, but the decision paid off. Philadelphia weathered San Diego’s early pressure, took the lead just before halftime, then came out of the break and completely took over the match.

Player of the Match: Cavan Sullivan

Sullivan wasn’t just the headline because he scored twice; he was arguably Philadelphia’s most dangerous attacking player for the entire time he was on the field. His first goal changed the tides of the match right before halftime, his second gave the Union breathing room after San Diego had threatened early in the second half, and his involvement in Damiani’s goal showed that his influence extended well beyond finishing.

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