Photo: Kevin Barrett

A very back-and-forth match on a chilly day saw the Union stay unbeaten but fail to win, drawing Charlotte 2-2. Philly led and trailed on Saturday afternoon before eventually splitting the points but not clinching a playoff spot.

Milan Iloski’s penalty opened the scoring, Rodolfo Aloko and Idan Toklomati tied it and put Charlotte ahead, then Bruno Damiani leveled with time to spare. Philly is now 15 games unbeaten, but the eight-match win streak they entered play with was snapped. 

HOW THE MATCH UNFOLDED

First Half

The match got off to a slow start, although the Union were certainly on the front foot. Kai Wagner’s 3rd-minute free kick failed to get past the first defender, and Danley Jean Jacques’ 6th-minute shot was saved for a corner.

It took until the 20th minute for the first real action to happen, when Wagner had a shot blocked by a hand, and the referee blew for a foul. There was debate about the location, and a free-kick was the result. Milan Iloski stepped up, and this attempt was also denied by an illegal hand, but second time’s the charm, and a penalty was awarded. Iloski lined up and slotted home, putting the Union in front and grabbing his 19th of the year and 6th in four games. 

Charlotte battled to get back in this game, and Ashley Westwood nearly tied it. He hit the post in the 34th minute, while a teammate forced a big save out of Andre Blake a few minutes later. 

All three yellows given out in the first half were to the visitors, as Allan Saint-Maximin, Morrison Agyemang, and David Schnegg all entered the book. Charlotte held 62% of possession, but led at the break. 

Second Half

Manager Dean Smith’s team talk clearly worked for Charlotte, who equalized three minutes into the half. Idan Toklomati, the team’s top scorer, found Rodolfo Aloko in behind, and he scored with ease. 

Iloski hit the bar from close range shortly after, but it was Toklomati who broke the deadlock. His goal in the 62nd, which set a new record for most MLS goals in a single season for Charlotte, stunned the Subaru Park crowd and put the Union on the back foot. 

The Union are comfortable on the back foot, though, as Cavan Sullivan had a goal disallowed before Bruno Damiani linked up with Danley Jean Jacques and levelled the match. 

Damiani left the match with injury a bit later, and was replaced by young striker Malik Jakupovic. Cavan Sullivan followed that by getting into his – now routine – jawing match with an opponent. Charlotte hit the post for the second time, this time the left post, and Philly cleared. 

The referee tacked on 12 minutes of added time. Sullivan was denied in close by Kristijan Kahlina, who made just two saves today on the Union’s 21  shots. 

THREE TAKEAWAYS

• The Union are Ready for the Playoffs: On a day that had every feeling of the playoffs – huge implications, frigid weather, a standalone game -the Union looked as ready as possible. Sure, the opener came on a penalty, but they pressed all the right buttons on their way to the win. 
• Health Brings Results: The Union have been able to consistently run out a very similar lineup, meaning the squad has had plenty of time to gel and establish connections. With Quinn Sullivan now entering like clockwork around the hour mark, Richter’s XI is playing with utter confidence. Richter did only make two subs, though, signaling a potential lack of confidence in the depth.

• Westfield is Still Strong: Frankie Westfield pocketed one of the world’s most well-known wingers from five years ago, Allan Saint-Maximin. He even baited him into a yellow card after a little bump to set him off. Westfield continues to perform and is certainly earning any potential move he might get. 

Lineups 

Philadelphia Union (4-4-2): Andre Blake (GK), Kai Wagner, Nathan Harriel, Neil Pierre, Frankie Westfield, Cavan Sullivan, Danley Jean Jacques, Jovan Lukic, Indiana Vassilev (Quinn Sullivan – 56’), Milan Iloski, Bruno Damiani (Malik Jakupovic – 82’)

Substitutes not used: Andrew Rick, Japhet Sery Larsen, Ben Bender, Alejandro Bedoya, Jeremy Rafanello, Ezekiel Alladoh

Charlotte FC (4-3-3): Kristijan Kahlina (GK), Nathan Byrne, Henry Kessler, David Schnegg (Harry Toffolo – 83’), Morrison Agyemang, Ashley Westwood, Pep Biel, Djibril Diani (Luca De La Torre – 83’), Rodolfo Aloko (Tyger Smalls – 90+12’), Idan Toklomati, Allan Saint-Maximin (Liel Abada – 83’)

Substitutes not used: Tyler Miller, Tim Ream, Andrew Privett, Brandt Bronico, Will Clearly

Scoring Summary:

PHI: Milan Iloski (Penalty) – 24’

CHT: Rodolfo Aloko (Idan Toklomati) – 48’

CHT: Idan Toklmomati (David Schnegg) – 62’

PHI: Bruno Damiani (Danley Jean Jacques) – 73’

Disciplinary Summary:

CHT: Allan Saint-Maximin (Yellow) – 18’

CHT: Morrison Agyemang (Yellow) – 44’

CHT: David Schnegg (Yellow) – 45’

The Union stay home for a week and take on the 3rd-placed, one-point-ahead New England Revolution a week from today at 7:30 p.m.