Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union
The Philadelphia Union pulled off one of the most dramatic comebacks in club history on Saturday night, erasing a three-goal halftime deficit to defeat Sporting Kansas City, 4-3. After conceding three times inside the opening 16 minutes, the Union looked buried heading into the break. Instead, Philadelphia completely flipped the script in the second half, scoring four unanswered goals in just nine minutes.
The comeback not only secured all three points, but extended the Union’s MLS unbeaten streak to 11 matches, tying the longest such run in club history.
First Half
The opening 16 minutes starred a team reminiscent of the pre-World Cup Union. Sporting Kansas City struck first in the fifth minute when André Luiz cut inside and fired a low shot into the corner, earning an early 1-0 lead. Just five minutes later, Luiz doubled the advantage with another effort from outside the box, leaving the Union facing a two-goal deficit only ten minutes into the match. The action was topped off when Emir Karić’s corner found Wyatt Meyer, who headed home from the center of the box to make it 3-0 before the match had even reached the 20-minute mark.
Philadelphia eventually settled into the match, but Sporting continued to threaten in transition. Blake was forced into an important save in the 29th minute after another Luiz run created an opportunity for Calvin Harris, keeping the deficit from growing even further. The physicality also began to boil over, with Kwaku Agyabeng booked for a foul on Vassilev late in the half.
Despite a few attempts to respond, including efforts from Jovan Lukic, Kai Wagner, Indiana Vassilev and Cavan Sullivan, the Union couldn’t find a way through before halftime and went to the locker rooms down 3-0. Following the halftime whistle, tensions spilled over into an altercation near the benches that resulted in a yellow card for Jesús Bueno.
Second Half
Richter immediately turned to Quinn Sullivan, replacing Vassilev to start the second half, and the substitution helped change the tone of the match almost instantly. Sullivan tested Sporting goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland from distance in the 47th minute, then chased down the rebound and nearly scored again, only to see his second attempt hit the post.
The Union kept pushing, and by the hour mark the momentum had unmistakably shifted. After Sporting picked up another yellow card for a foul on Damiani, Philadelphia finally found the breakthrough in the 64th minute. Cavan Sullivan worked his way through the Sporting defense before finding Westfield on the right, whose effort was redirected by Damiani and into the net.
Just two minutes later, the Union struck again. Sullivan capitalized on the momentum from the opener to score Philadelphia’s second goal, giving the Union six goals since MLS play resumed in July.
And then came the equalizer. In the 68th minute, Milan Iloski finished off a determined attacking sequence with a goal created by Quinn Sullivan, who delivered a clever pass to set up the finish.
The Union weren’t finished. Five minutes later, sustained set-piece pressure forced Sporting defender Zorhan Bassong to put the ball into his own net, completing an extraordinary turnaround and putting Philadelphia ahead, 4-3, just nine minutes after Damiani had started the comeback.
Three Points
- The Comeback Kids: Down 3-0, the Union finally found their rhythm and scored four unanswered goals, with some of their youngest players playing key roles.
- The Sullivan Brothers: Cavan and Quinn Sullivan played enormous roles in the comeback, and they did so in different ways.
- Finishing the Job: It would have been easy for Philadelphia to lose control after finally completing the comeback. Instead, Richter used his bench to help close out the match, bringing on Bueno, Bedoya and Alladoh before Anello entered late, while the Union’s defense and Blake held firm.
Lineups
Philadelphia Union (4-4-2):
Andre Blake; Kai Wagner, Nathan Harriel, Neil Pierre, Frankie Westfield; Indiana Vassilev (Quinn Sullivan – HT), Jovan Lukic (Jesus Bueno – 82′), Danley Jean Jacques, Cavan Sullivan (Alejandro Bedoya – 82′); Bruno Damiani (Agustin Anello – 89;), Milan Iloski (Ezekiel Alladoh – 82′)
Unused Substitutes: George Marks, Ben Bender, Malik Jakupovic, Japhet Sery Larsen
Sporting Kansas City (4-4-2):
Stefan Cleveland; Justin Reynolds, Moises Mosquera, Wyatt Meyer, Emir Karic; Andre Luiz, Lasse Berg Johnsen (Zorhan Bassong – 71′), Kwaku Agyabeng (Jacob Bartlett – HT), Calvin Harris (Ruben Ramos Jr – 82′); Taylor Calheira, Stephen Afrifa (Owen Wolff – 70′)
Unused Substitutes: John Pulskamp, Jayden Reid, Jansen Miller, Seymour Reid, Diego Borges
Scoring Summary:
SKC: Andre Luiz (Lasse Berg Johnsen) – 5′
SKC: Andre Luiz (Calvin Harris) – 10′
SKC: Wyatt Meyer (Emir Karic) – 16′
PHI: Bruno Damiani (Frankie Westfield; Cavan Sullivan) – 64′
PHI: Cavan Sullivan (Danley Jean Jacques; Quinn Sulliivan) – 66′
PHI: Milan Iloski – 68′
PHI: Zohran Bassong (SKC Own Goal) – 73′
Disciplinary Summary:
SKC: Kwaku Agyabeng (Yellow – Foul ) – 45′
PHI: Jesus Bueno (Yellow – Foul ) – 46′
SKC: Lasse Berg Johnsen (Yellow – Foul ) – 53′
PHI: Cavan Sullivan (Yellow – Foul ) – 70′
PHI: Kai Wagner (Yellow – Foul ) – 79′
PHI: Danley Jean Jacques (Yellow – Foul ) – 90’+6
SKC: Zorhan Bassong (Yellow – Foul ) – 90’+7
That was amazing. When they were down 3-0, they had a 2% chance of winning.
Unbelievable
amazing to come back from such an early let down when we seemingly had no answers to their attacking speed and seemed to lose our collective cool and unravel at the half. that must have been a magical half time talk. again Richter seemed to push all the right buttons with his subs. Pierre looked pretty beat up by the end, hope he’s good to go for the call up. though here’s to hoping Griezman isn’t back yet for the next game.
remove “interim” title….
At this point, I’m kind of thinking to keep it until the season ends. Changing it might jinx it?
Union never say die – DOOP !!!
This team has become fun to watch again. Thanks for the great recap, Anna. Smart observation about Richter’s use of the bench. Had SKC gone to their bench earlier, maybe this is a different game.
Totally agree with the usage of the bench. Not sure SKC has a lot of trust in their bench tho. RR made the right moves and definitely found the right words at during the half.
BTW … is this the OG Dan Walsh? Of days of PSP gone by??
Hey! It’s me. 🙂 Glad you’re still reading. I still appreciate your good comments on stories. The smart comments from readers have been one of the best parts of PSP.
Glad to see you here, Dan. Hope it doesn’t take more 3 goal comebacks to bring you back again!
SKC brought several replacements on before most of the Union subs, including Bessong who promptly scored the own goal. Good to see you back on PSP Dan!
Confused… both teams subbed at HT?
Going three goals down in 20 minutes is not a good formula for winning soccer matches at any level. That said, despite the talent of Andre Luiz, SKC is arguably the worst defensive team in MLS, and the Union have been on a good run offensively. Vassilev getting injured late in the first half was a blessing in disguise because even before the injury, he had been ineffective. Enter the elder Sullivan, who week by week seems to be gaining his pre-injury form. Once the first Union goal went in, we had the feeling that the match was winnable. Credit to the Union for applying the pressure. Cavan’s strike was impeccable, but Iloski’s right-footed rocket from a tight angle was a true goal scorer’s tally. The continued pressure led to the OG.
Nate Harriel had a tough night trying to contain Luiz, who impressed me greatly. I was surprised that in the 2nd half, SKC did not make more of an effort to isolate Luiz. I think that the solution (of sorts) when the Union are faced with a goal-scorer of extraordinary ability on one side of the pitch is to force teams to carry the ball on the other side. Both of Luiz’ goals resulted from him making plays one on one with the ball at his feet–the U. needed to deny him opportunities to carry the ball in the first place, which is pretty much part of the midfielders’ responsibilities.
Harriel had a terrible game. Not just because of the multi-million dollar player he had to face. At one point I literally screamed at him through the screen “WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?!” as he sent a back pass to Blake under pressure, when if he had simply turned the field was wide open to him. Very lucky not to have gifted SKC a fourth.
Luis was impressive. Not sure where he was before SKC, but maybe he is still working on full game fitness? That would explain why he was less of an impact in the 2nd half. If he had kept up the pace or their defense didn’t suck they would have won.
He came from Olympiakos – a $17 million signing.
As for the second half it appears that the Union were double teaming him which could be another reason for his ineffectiveness – that and frustration, you could see it in his body lanuage.
I never thought the game was over after being down 3-0. This team since Richter has taken over seems to fight till the end and with more than 70 minutes left I still thought the tie was possible. What a magical ride it has been since Richter has taken over but to outright win the game was more than I expected.
remove “interim” title….
No, not until after the season. He’s made some great decisions but let’s see how he handles everything not just 12 games. Carnell had a great year but much like Saint Louis it ended the same.
Very rarely is it totally “the coach’s fault”. Here though, nothing else changed. The evidence is that the team was always capable and Carnell simply couldn’t get it out of them.
I wouldn’t say nothing else changed. Unless you feel Wagner, Pierre and Q.Sullivan have had no impact. That aside, Richter has still had a significant positive impact.
I think it’s time for Quinn to start every match. He’s just better than Vassilev, no reason for Indy to start over him
Except game fitness for consecutive 90 minute games in the same week.
.
He’s twelve months from having torn his ACL, for pity’s sake.
.
He doesn’t recover what had taken him several years to build in an instant. The Union’s sports medicine staff has done a remarkable job avoiding severe injuries. In some ways that may be Ernst Tanner’s most profound legacy to Philadelphia.
.
I expect him to start Saturday against Orlando, but I do not expect him to be able to go the full 90. Rebuilding a knee is its own challenge. Rebuilding elite fitness comes after the knee, not simultaneously with it since its prerequisite is that the body be physically sound.
.
think about it…
Curtin didn’t want to play the youngsters, and nor did Carnell. That cost both coaches their jobs… way beyond the insubordination aspect of both coaches, and the system Sugar was trying to instill.
Trying to remember and the only other time I can think of that the team came back when trailing by 3 was back in 2011 at home against New England where they were down 0-3 and 1-4 before ending in a 4-4 draw. Can anyone think of any other examples?
.
I noticed Rick was not the backup keeper. I’m hoping that’s because he is going to play for Union 2 today in order to get some work in before having to play next week for the Union.
.
Glad to see Orlando lost so a draw next week keeps the Union in 6th and even a loss keeps them only one point out.
.
Just as a weird stat, this was the first time in their history where the Union played Kansas City and Peter Vermes wasn’t the coach for SKC.
pierce holbrook started in goal and they tied 1-1… did not make the playoffs.
Are you sure about the keeper for Union 2? I didn’t watch the game but the lineup I saw online showed Rick in goal and Holbrook on the bench.
Definitely Rick, saved a PK during the match per video from people covering the game. Martinez also started at RB, however he picked up two yellows and was sent off near the end.
Rick got all 90 minutes for Union II Sunday, including the PK shootout afterwards. He good a good tune-up for the Orlan do start he will almost certainly make this coming Saturday while Blake is away.
Excellent memory, Andy!
Before last night, the Boys in Blue had come back from three first-half goals to salvage any points only once before, in the 2019 playoff tilt against NYRB.
Here are the dozen prior matches (including a Leagues Cup) when the U conceded three before the break:
https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/tiny/TyNi1
Fascinating! And, now well I remember that NYRB playoff game; it was the one that convinced our family to become STMs.
Can’t imagine this is a tracked stat, but that had to be the fewest elapsed minutes for each team’s scoring in a 4-3 professional game. Union’s 4 goals in 9 minutes beating SKC’s 3 goals in 11 minutes – 7 goals in a total of 20 elapsed minutes. That’s almost as fast as a Corben Bone red card.
not a 3 goal but a great 3-2 win over red bull 2019 after being down 2- 0 at half. Ilshinio best game 2 goals plus a assist. too bad he was at the end of his career at philly. Had tons of moves and could score
But he could not turn himself to a different direction while running at top speed. Fast but not agile.
What a character win. I switched off after goal 3 with intention to return later. Wasn’t surprised when I did and they looked better. No one was prepared for that roar back. 14 goals in 3 matches is simply amazing.
I eat my hat after saying this team had no chance making the playoffs.
Why does Quinn not get assist for Iloski goal?
I wondered the same thing. Went back and watched the replay and assume it was because of the amount of work Iloski did between the pass and his shot.
A remarkable tale of two halves. A win against West cellar dweller SKC was a needed 3 points given the rest of the schedule. Glad it wasn’t squandered.
I did not lose hope when they allowed 3, but I did think a draw was probably the best outcome possible. On goal 1 the U had a bit of bad luck as the ball was ping ponging back and forth and went directly to their guy, who quickly started the transition. Westfield whiffed on 11 and Harriel needed to take him down if he didn’t have confidence he could stop him. We got the worst of both worlds as Harriel made no attempt AND was beaten like a drum. Andre was bad, his decision to come out of the goal made it easier for 11 to score. He was bad on goal 2, out of position to the left and slow on the dive. The club needs to have a serious off season conversation with him on moving to the back up role permanently. Of course, Andre has chosen to play meaningless friendlies with Jamaica again with the U in a play off chase. Every time he does this he pisses in the club’s eye. Not good. On goal 3 Indy screened Pierre so he didn’t mark anyone. Indy is 6-8″ shorter than the goal scorer. Doesn’t make sense to me but maybe there is a reason.
.
Hats off to the U! They kept competing and got the result. Onward.
Jamaica is not playing meaningless friendlies. They are in the Nations League Group stage which could also lead to direct qualification for next year’s Gold Cup. The blame there shouldn’t go to Blake (or Danley since Haiti is in the same situation), it should go to MLS for scheduling a matchday during an international window.
.
It’s the US that is playing meaningless friendlies so if anyone shouldn’t be going to play with the national team it’s Cavan, Frankie, and Neil.
Andre can’t refuse the Jamaica call up. Under FIFA’s rules, reporting for international duty is mandatory. If either the player or the club refuses to comply, the player is banned from playing for the club during that international window plus an additional five days afterwards.
Players can “retire” from international duty, either permanently or temporarily. I don’t think they would then be penalized if the national team attempts to call them up anyway.
I would recommend listening to Ryan richter’s press conferences if you have time.
.
Look for a subset of items under videos on the Union’s own website.
.
He has overtly stated that he has re-emphasized what might be called the Union’s fighting spirit of playing for each other and trusting each other.
.
I am totally guessing on this idea. But ask yourself how much videotape of Andre Luiz the Union were able to study in advance. Pieces of one or two MLS games, max. Luiz clearly took them by surprise.
.
They then adjusted, reasonably well. But after the fact of the brace.
A well done Doop! I don’t know what it is, but it seems institutional with this organization…this never quit, no matter what approach.
—
It is not just something instilled at the academy, because transfers players have it, too. Maybe it is just a Philadelphia attitude that gets absorbed, like osmosis, when people get to the team. Or, perhaps the organization effectively targets this trait in kids and transfers alike because, over the years, several Union coaching regimes gave benefited from this same roster dynamic.
—
Compare this to Cincy, who pulled their stars and quit at halftime, after they were down by a man and 2 goals.
—
I knew the second half was going to be interesting when Wagner went off the field at halftime so fired up. Let’s all forget that first half and knock down the next one up, on a roll to the playoffs.