August 31, 2022
Chester, PA
The Philadelphia Union continued its winning ways against Atlanta United FC in Andre Blake’s 200th game guarding the goal for the Union. The final score was decisive at 4-1, despite Atlanta’s strong possession game, and resulted in Philadelphia clinching a playoff berth.
Philadelphia has been scoring early in lopsided wins of late. Against Atlanta, Julián Carranza scored first at the 18th minute, assisted by Mikael Uhre. Carranza’s shot squeaked by Atlanta’s keeper Rocco Rios Novo into the bottom left corner.
At that point in the game, Atlanta was up for the challenge. It evened the score at 1-1 in the 24th minute. Atlanta’s Thiago Almada shot into the top left corner, and Blake made an awkward hand-slap save that left him on the ground. Atlanta’s Andrew Gutman rushed in to head the rebound into the bottom right corner – the lone scoring mar on the evening for the Union.
The tide turned in Philadelphia’s favor in the 3rd minute of the first half’s stoppage time when Mikael Uhre shot from the right side of the box, aided by a deflection from Atlanta’s defense that prevented the save. The assist was awarded to Alejandro Bedoya following a corner.
Dániel Gazdag earned his 17th goal of the season at the 67th minute when a collision between Carranza and Rios Novo leveled the Atlanta keeper. The ball dropped in front of the Atlanta gaol and Gazdag swooped in on the rebound. The assist was awarded to Cory Burke.
The final goal was scored in second half stoppage time by Nathan Harriel, first MLS goal. Harriel saw limited playing time in the game as he was subbed in for Olivier Mbaizo at the 72nd minute.
Photos of the game appear below:
The players did not think that Luiz Araújo was seriously injured after an early collision with Andre Blake.
Jack Elliott is always a steady force on Philadelphia’s defense.
The Union’s Gazdag and Kai Wagner cover Atlanta’s Franco Ibarra.
Philadelphia’s Wagner rising up against Atlanta’s Brooks Lennon.
Atlanta’s Andrew Gutman headed the ball past Blake for the lone Atlanta goal.
Gazdag defending against Atlanta’s Thiago Almada.
Philadelphia’s Leon Flach had a good game, seen here slowing down Atlanta’s Araújo.
Gutman had a takedown of Uhre, with an advantage call.
Gazdag celebrates his 17th goal on the season.
Philadelphia’s Paxton Aaronson getting some minutes late in the game.
Andre Blake strolled the length of the field to celebrate Nathan Harriel’s first MLS goal.
