Chester, PA
October 3, 2021
The Philadelphia Union’s home game against the Columbus Crew had enough drama to fill an entire season. There was the goal off of a set piece by defender Jack Elliott that made its way from Center City through the Columbus defenders to nip the left corner of the Crew goal in the 25th minute. There was the pretty sequence and goal by Alejandro Bedoya, off of a slight backward diagonal assist by Kacper Przybylko immediately after half-time.
There was a questionable second yellow call on Kai Wagner that led to his ejection in the 64th minute. Then came the yellow card on Philadelphia’s Alvas Powell for colliding with Columbus’s Gyasi Zardes in front of goal that resulted in a penalty kick.
The game also showcased the undeniable talents of Andre Blake, who more than deserved the shutout. Not only did he save the penalty shot taken by the Crew’s Pedro Santos for Powell’s foul, he also made a classic “how did he do that save,” batting away a top right corner shot by Darlington Nagbe in the 80th minute.
Finally, the relentless Leon Flach made his first MLS goal in the 89th minute off of a cross back assist by the youngster Quinn Sullivan, who made the case that he both can cover the whole field and construct goal scoring plays.
Kai Wagner fielding the ball, followed by Columbus’s Pedro Santos.
Andre Blake is protected, and almost tripped up, by Philadelphia defenders.
Philadelphia’s Jamiro Monteiro picking the pocket of the Crew’s Steven Moreira.
Jack Elliott’s shot off of a free kick made its way past Crew defenders to the left corner of goal.
Columbus’s Gyasi Zardes trying to make his way past Wagner and Monteiro.
Philadelphia’s Leon Flach defending against Columbus’s Lucas Zelaravan.
Andre Blake’s save of the penalty kick taken by Santos.
Jonathan Mensah heads the ball past Philadelphia’s Kacper Przybylko
Philadelphia’s Quinn Sullivan subbed in for Daniel Gazdag and showed he could play the long field.
Quinn’s assisting pass to Flach resulted in the pile on to celebrate Flach’s first MLS goal.
Flach and Sullivan celebrate the goal and assist together.
