November 8, 2020
Chester, PA
To the victor go the spoils, and in this case the 2020 Supporters’ Shield went to the Philadelphia Union after its regular-season ending 2-0 win over the New England Revolution.
While the Union’s victory was not subject to doubt, New England’s goalkeeper Matt Turner was in fine form. Unfortunately for the Revolution, late in the first half Turner jumped high and to the left on a header from Philadelphia’s Captain, Alejandro Bedoya (see photo below), which appeared to hit the top left of the cross bar. The trajectory of the jump pulled Turner out of the goal, while Philadelphia’s Sergio Santos remained perfectly positioned for an easy score on the rebound at the forty-second minute (see photo below).
Philadelphia subbed Cory Burke for the prolific Santos at the sixty-third minute, perhaps somewhat earlier than expected. Burke returned the favor minutes later. Philadelphia’s José Martínez intervened in an pass intercepted by the Union’s Jakob Glesnes and crossed a pass left left that resulted in a Burke score at the sixty-ninth minute (see photo below).
The Union held on through stoppage time to earn the 2020 MLS Supporters’ Shield, the first in Philadelphia Union history.
Martinez refusing to allow New England’s Brandon Bye to get anywhere near the ball.
Santos dancing in unison with New England’s Andrew Farrell.
New England’s Turner is airborne on Bedoya’s header, which appeared to have hit the cross bar . . .
leaving Turner out of the way and Santos perfectly positioned for the goal.
Brendon Aaronson is eyed by Lee Nguyen, who came into the game for Alexander Büttner at the half.
Philadelphia’s Jakob Glesnes attacking with the ball.
Turner had an outstanding punch from a Union corner save to save further damage in the second half.
Martinez tries to corral New England Captain Carlos Gil.
Burke behind the others scoring on the Martinez cross. . . .
and enthusiastically punching the corner flag after scoring.
Philadelphia’s Ray Gaddis enjoying the Supporters’ Shield accolades, with Mark McKenzie lifting.
The Supporters’ Shield.
