Chester, PA
On a rainy Sunday in October, the Philadelphia Union overcame a 3-1 halftime deficit to leave the pitch victorious in its overtime win against the Red Bulls. Following its form in the last few games of the season, the Union gave up the first goal early — in the 6th minute — on a shot by New York’s Josh Sims, assisted by Romero Gamarra. The Red Bulls’ second occurred in the 24th minute, when Union Keeper Andre Blake lost footing, and Tim Parker, assisted by Daniel Royer, headed the ball into the bottom left corner of the goal.
The Union captain Alejandro Bedoya, who rejoined the lineup after injury, scored in the 30th minute, assisted by Haris Medunjanin. Then, during stoppage time in the first half, New York’s Tom Barlow scored the Red Bulls’ third and final goal, leaving the Union with a healthy deficit at the half.
Shortly after half time, Philadelphia defender Jack Elliott headed the ball in from the right side to the bottom left corner. The Philadelphia equalizer came in the 78th minute from the speedy sub Fafa Picault, who headed the ball into goal off a cross from Sergio Santos.
It was only a matter of time before Marco Fabian entered the match. If the game came down to penalties, his scoring skills sorely would be needed. But Fabian turned the match before penalties with a deflected shot that perfectly arched over the New York goalkeeper Louis Robles’ reach, ending the game with a 4-3 Union victory over the Red Bulls.
The Red Bulls celebrate after Sims’ first goal.
New York’s Rece Buckmaster heading the ball.
Blake had two mis-steps resulting in adverse goals, most likely attributable to the wet conditions
Elliott headed the ball in an angled shot behind a New York defender
That landed perfectly into the lower left part of the New York goal.
Picault and Medunjanin celebrate Fafa’s equalizer
That goal also was cheered by Coach Jim Curtin, Santos and Ray Gaddis
Ilsinho stretching to defend against New York’s Kemar Lawrence
Fabian’s limited minutes carried the most bang for the buck
Philadelphia’s Jamiro Monterio — as always — covered a lot of ground
Despite the length of the game, Kai Wagner was pumped at the final whistle
