Chester, PA
May 30, 2021
The Philadelphia Union triumphed emphatically over the visiting Portland Timbers 3-0. The score could have been even higher because Philadelphia’s Leon Flach also placed the ball into the Portland net, but VAR resulted in the goal being called back due to Flach’s apparent hand ball.
By halfway through the first half, Portland played like it was suffering from jet lag. In the fourth minute, Philadelphia’s Andre Blake made a fine save off a set piece shot from outside the box by Portland’s Diego Valeri and in the twelfth minute Felipe Mora headed the ball that was high and right of the goal. Once, however, the Union’s Kacper Przybylko scored in the twenty-sixth minute, Portland seemed to slow down. By the thirty-first minute, when Philadelphia’s Sergio Santos tapped his foot to Przybylko’s goal-directed header to raise the ante, Portland seemed to concede the game. At half-time, the score was 2-0 with Philadelphia ahead.
The Union continued to pressure in the second half. At the sixtieth minute, Philadelphia subbed Cory Burke for Sergio Santos, and Burke was presented with several opportunities. Three minutes later, Burke pressed up to the right side of goal and shot left. Philadelphia’s Jack Elliott was in the right place at the right time to pop the ball past Portland’s keeper, Logan Ketterer. Although other opportunities arose for the Union, the game ended at 3-0 with the fifth shut-out of the year for Andre Blake.
Andre Blake’s save off of Valeri’s free kick outside the box.
Felipe Mora’s header that veered well off the cage.
The Union’s defensive team of Jakob Glesnes and Jack Elliott is highly effective.
Przybylko’s shot past Ketterer, after Ketterer misjudged his effort to intercept the ball.
Philadelphia’s Santos rounding Portland’s Dario Zuparic.
Philadelphia’s second score resulted from this Przybylko header, which was directed into goal off of Santos’s foot.
Martinez was back to his usual self after his red card hiatus.
Portland’s Jeremy Ebobisse leans on the strong back of Kai Wagner.
Captain Alejandro Bedoya reaches past Yimmi Chará in an attempt to retain possession in Portland’s box.
Philadelphia’s third goal happened when Burke’s shot landed perfectly on the waiting foot of Elliott.
Portland’s Zuparic uses Philadelphia’s Jamiro Monteiro as a step ladder to head the ball away.
Philadelphia Union
Portland Timbers
