Chester, PA
September 3, 2021
No matter what, the game was going to be a challenge. The New England Revolution was in first place, and the Philadelphia Union would be missing seven starters and a capable sub to international play and yellow card accumulation (Blake, Burke, Elliott, Gazdag, Martinez, Mbaizo, Monteiro, Powell). By contrast, New England would be missing Matt Turner, Adam Buska and Tajon Buchanan.
With few options open, Philadelphia coach Jim Curtin played the kids. In addition to Leon Flach, who is a regular starter, the crowd saw Paxten Aaronson, Quinn Sullivan, Stuart Findlay, Nathan Harriel, Anthony Fontana, Jack McGlynn and Cole Turner play significant minutes in the game. Philadelphia fans also were happy to have their first viewing of Davó.
The first half of the game seemed almost mundane compared to the second half. The lone was scored at the 33rd minute by New England’s Matt Polster, but the Union certainly had its chances, and possession actually tilted in Philadelphia’s favor.
The craziness came in the second half. At the 55th minute, Arnór Traustason was shown a yellow. Four minutes later, Traustason earned a second yellow and was red-carded off the field. New England did well down a man, but the tensions started to mount. As the Union earned a throw-in during stoppage time, New England’s Henry Kessler kicked the ball into the stands before he realized that another ball was waiting in the metal frame at the precise point of the throw in. Kessler then promptly threw that ball into the stands as well. Mayhem ensued.
To top it off, in the last minutes of the game, Kessler feigned a fall after a soft touch by Glesnes. The normally even-tempered Kasper Przybylko became irate, and with Kai Wagner’s assistance, the game devolved into a shoving match which continued following the final whistle.
Philadelphia mascots presided over the game with the Sons of Ben.
Philadelphia’s Wagner appeals for a call while McGlynn heads the ball away.
Philadelphia’s Jakob Glesnes out-bodies Tommy McNamara, preventing a New England play on the ball.
Philadelphia’s Paxten Aaronson reaches past New England’s Wilfrid Kaptoum.
Even New England players were in awe of Kai Wagner’s backward block.
Philadelphia’s Stuart Findlay maintains eyes on the ball, while Teal Bunbury watches on.
New England’s Edward Kizza disagrees with a non-call on a play with Findlay.
New England’s Brandon Bye advancing downfield.
New England’s Arnór Traustason avoids eye contact and looking down after the red card.
Quinn Sullivan moving the ball toward goal under the watchful eye of New England’s DeJuan Jones.
Philadelphia’s Davó with a hard shot, although ultimately saved by New England’s keeper Brad Knighton.
Knighton had a good night out from the shadow of Matt Turner, who was called for international duty.
Tempers flared after Kessler kicked the ball (and threw another ball) into the stands.
Kessler seemed downright proud of himself after his on the field antics, seen here sparking Przybylko’s ire.
Philadelphia Union
New England Revolution
