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.