Atlanta United FC 2. Philadelphia Union 0.
The Union loyal remember well the red card debacle at Atlanta. As a matter of coincidence, the July 7 Atlanta game at Philadelphia marked Haris Medunjanin’s return to play after suspension from the whole sordid affair. The lively crowd supported the relatively even first half, with the Union controlling passes, interspersed with classic Andre Blake saves. The tide turned at the 57th minute of the second half when, confronted with no other option, Blake pulled down Miguel Almiron in a one-on-one. Blake probably was lucky to have been issued only a yellow card, and a successful penalty shot from Josef Martínez proved to be the game changer. From there, Atlanta added to the count in the 76th minute when, anticipating a shot by Almirón, Blake came off his line and with the left side open for Almirón’s pass to Héctor Villalbam, who tapped the ball into the goal.
With its healthy dose of speed, there is no doubt that Atlanta can splice and dice defenses, and the Union’s defense has fewer years on the pitch than other teams. At times, Atlanta patiently allowed the Union to control passes and tempo, only without warning to change gears on the counter. Even the Union’s speedy Fafa Picault was challenged to the ball.
It was not all Atlanta, however. There were times when the Union jelled with passing combinations. The shots just were not there. Despite Brad Guzman’s extensive experience, he did have some vulnerable moments. With better shot selection, the result may have been different.
Villalba — like the rest of Atlanta — was adept at pleading his case from the ground.
Atlanta’s Julian Gressel looking to pass.
Atlanta’s Josef Martínez with the Union’s Ray Gaddis insulating Martinez from the goal.
The Union’s Ilsinho seems to get trickier the more playing time he sees, this time with Atlanta’s Ezequiel Barco taking the bait.
The Union’s Keegan Rosenberry keeping Barco at bay.
Mr. Guzan looking a bit too intently at the ball while the Union’s C. J. Sapong goes horizontal.
Cory Burke’s limited minutes seem to exacerbate his intensity, as he looks to collect a ball that made its way through Atlanta’s Leandro Gonzales Pirez.
Burke and Pirez again contesting control over the ball and mid-field real estate.
