May 12, 2012
Chester, PA
Let’s face it, the game was not about the Referee, Tori Penso, who after becoming a part of play in the first half did an admirable job at referee – at least as good as her male compatriots. True, she could have given a penalty kick early in the first half, when New England’s Brandon Bye appeared to take down Philadelphia’s Kacper Przybylko (see photo below), but VAR did not take a stand on the call. Also true that Kai Wagner’s tackle probably was a legit yellow card, even though he complained bitterly to Ms. Penso (see photo below). Overall, a decent job reffing in a tough locale, even with the reduced stadium attendance..
Nor was the game about what appeared to be a slick field. Several Union players went down at various times in the game, including Jamiro Monteiro on a fast break just as he was shooting (see photo below).
The game was about a well-organized New England squad, which has steadily improved since Bruce Arena took over as Sporting Director and Head Coach. The game seemed destined for a 0-0 draw when Teal Bunbury scored in the eighty-fifth minute (see photo below). Union keeper Andre Blake was leaning right when Bunbury shot through, down and to the left side of goal.
The game also was about the testy Philadelphia Union which, with five remaining minutes, refused to allow a loss to New England at home. In the eighty-eighth minute, Przybylko went up in tandem with the Revolution keeper Matt Turner. What happened in the air remains unclear, but Turner was not on his feet when he landed (see photo below). With Turner on the ground, somehow Przybylko had the presence of mind to attend to a bobbling ball in front of New England’s goal to score with precious few minutes to spare in the game (see photo below).
Referee Penso had a clear view of Bye’s inside-the-box move on Przybylko to conclude it was not PK-worthy.
The Union’s Leon Flach continues to amaze, filling in again for Jose Martinez. Here, shown squeezing between the ball and Carlos Gil.
New England’s Carlos Gil holding off Philadelphia’s youngster, Jack McGlynn.
Showing maturity beyond his years, Flach intercedes with the referee for the irate Kai Wagner after the card.
It definitely takes at least two defenders to slow down Monteiro.
Monteiro falls on the slick surface just as he was shooting with little resistance from the New England defense.
Philadelphia’s Jack Elliott is a sure defender, seen here with New England’s Designated Player, Adam Buksa.
Teal Bunbury’s score, shot to the left of Andre Blake.
Przybylko went up with New England’s Matt Turner . . .
And then somehow came down to score, pulling off the late-minutes draw.
Philadelphia Union
New England Revolution
