Photo courtesy of Marjorie Elzey
The Philadelphia Union were put to the test, but continued their excellent run of form with a comeback 4-3 win at Sporting Kansas City. It was a tale of two halves, as the Union went down three goals early in the game, only to storm back into the lead within a ten-minute stretch in the second half. Let’s get into the ratings:
Player Ratings
Andre Blake – 6
Blake might have done better on the second goal, but made up for it with a few fine saves to keep the Union within striking distance.
Frankie Westfield – 7
Throughout the game Westfield found space down the right flank, and was finally rewarded for it when his shot/cross was turned in for the Union’s first.
Niel Pierre – 7
Pierre’s poor clearance was blocked too easily in the buildup to SKC’s second goal. But Pierre was otherwise dominant defensively, and had another towering header on a set piece to cause the own-goal winner.
Nathan Harriel – 5
It was a tough night for Harriel, who struggled to handle André Luiz down the Union’s left flank. He was beaten on the dribble on SKC’s opener, but made a good recovery and tackle to keep Andre from an early hat-trick.
Kai Wagner – 5
Wagner’s eagerness to get into the attack allowed André to find a lot of space in behind him, and he was a bit too casual in closing down the winger on SKC’s second goal.
Danley Jean Jacques – 7
Continued his good run of form, including on a classic, incisive Danley run into the box to assist on the Union’s second. Completed 41 of 45 passes.
Jovan Lukić – 7
Beaten for pace on SKC’s opener, but was otherwise solid defensively and a metronome in possession.
Cavan Sullivan – 6.5
A quieter game than we have grown used to from Cavan Sullivan, but he still chipped in with yet another goal and an MLS assist.
Indiana Vassilev – 5.5
Took a few hard fouls before being forced off at halftime.
Bruno Damiani – 6.5
Was rewarded for his good hold-up play and pressing work with his fifth goal in three games.
Milan Iloski – 7
A constant danger with his speed and long-range shot. Showed great fight and finish on his goal.
Substitutes
(46’) Quinn Sullivan – 7
Set the tone for the comeback within minutes of coming on in the second half when his long-range shot rang off the post. Helped set up Iloski’s goal with a cheeky rabona.
(82’) Jesús Bueno – N/A
(82’) Alejandro Bedoya – N/A
(82’) Ezekiel Allodah – N/A
(90 +1’) Agustin Anello – N/A
Geiger Counter
REF – Ekaterina Koroleva – 6
No issues to report.
Richter Scale:
Ryan Richter – 9
Teams often show their true colors in the face of adversity. The Union did not show any panic in this game despite being three goals down, and came out of halftime with the fight and talent to mount the improbable comeback. Richter then effectively locked things down with a trio of defensive substitutes. The interim title can’t come off fast enough.
Player of the Match: Quinn Sullivan
Quinn Sullivan came on at halftime and changed the game for the Union, showing decisiveness and creativity in the attack. If Vassilev needs to miss time, the Union should be in good hands with Quinn back in the starting lineup.
What’s Next…
With five players called up for the international break, the Union will be shorthanded as they host Orlando City in a crucial battle for playoff seeding at Subaru Park on Saturday, September 26 at 7:30PM ET.
Vassilav should be 4. At best, he is a detriment to the offense.
I think Andre Blake was the man of the match… ymmv.
Thought this was a loss when tuned in at half time. I was surprised they started Cavan. Thought Richter would have rested him Piere and Westfield for upcoming USMNT game on the 26th. Any idea on when they leave to train for the team. 5 to 7 days does not seem like its enoigh time to see how they mesh with the other players on the USMNT. Union was a 3.5 goal favorite to win this game.
Richter’s concern is the Union, not the national team. Even more so given that these USMNT games are meaningless friendlies. So if anything he should have made sure those players played the full game since he doesn’t get to use them for 3 weeks. He especially needed Pierre to play the full 90 last Saturday since he didn’t want to risk Sery Larsen coming in and picking up a yellow card which would have left him suspended for the Orlando game.
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The players would have left for camp on either Sunday or Monday. While that may not seem like much time to work with the rest of the team, it is more than they usually get. In most international windows there is a game somewhere between Thursday and Saturday and then another one 3 days later. But the combination of the new format with an extra week in the break allowed a little more flexibility.
No way Richter should have rested them. No way at all.
I believe that three left directly from KC for the USMNT camp.
Jack Mac has returned to soccer . Just returned to soccer after a premature retirement 3 years ago. .Playing in Super League in Canada. for Quebec 34 years old. Union should sign him as back up forward. Certainly could get him for a reasonable price. All you will need ofrom him is to finsh. late in games at 65 th minute mark He certainly can still do that. Finsishing skills are better that Domiani and Alladoh who are both way overpaid based on their contribution so far. Its a no risk investment that adds proven scoring ability in the MLS.
Delusional. There is a reason he retired. There is a reason he played for the Impact, Crew, Portland, and the Galaxy before dropping down to the USL. His scoring decreased each year. He scored 8 one year for the Union in MLS and 13 another in MLS. That’s it. It was all downhill from there.
I know that Damiani gets no love from most of you, but much like with Carranza, it has taken some time for him to find a fit on this team. In the last few weeks his hold up play has been excellent as has his pressing and finishing. I have noticed that he is flopping less and pressing more, which is a welcome change.
Good point on the flopping. Hadn’t really thought about it lately but not sure when I saw him flop last.