Philadelphia Union – 2
New York City Football Club – 0
Chester, PA. Union Fans were in for a treat in Saturday evening’s game against NYCFC. The Union showed spark in defense and crisp, accurate passing on attack. Although NYCFC’s passing accuracy actually surpassed the Union (82% to 80%), it was the Union’s improvement and creativity that impressed. It may be too early to talk about the Union crossing the playoff threshold, but it certainly is fun to think about.
Corey Burke has gained in maturity with playing time, and he grabbed his 6th goal on the season in the 57th minute. Those 6 goals are all the more impressive given that he has only started in 6 games, and many of his appearances in the 14 games in which he subbed were for very limited minutes.
Always the crowd favorite, Ilsinho continued to delight and amuse. While he is entertaining to watch in any game, little will measure up to his goal in the 76th minute, when he tap-shoed his way through three NYCFC defenders and keeper Sean Johnson with a curling shot off of his left foot. His celebration included pointing to the Union bench, perhaps in a coded message to Coach Jim Curtin, who later briefly joined the celebration.
NYCFC defender Anton Tinnerholm helping move the ball toward the Union box.
The Union’s Auston Trusty was given the challenging task of breaking up David Villa’s concentration – a charge that he successfully achieved here.
The Union’s Ray Gaddis had a great evening of play, shown here tracking NYCFC’s Jo Inge Berget, shadowed by Auston Trusty.
A key play by the Union’s Alejandro Bedoya to push the ball away from the waiting feet of David Villa.
Bedoya was an integral part of the evening’s short, accurate passing, but he does it alone here.
The Union’s David Accam had several opportunities to show off his speed last night.
Every MLS team knows that Ilsinho’s cards are marked, yet he continues to deceive defenders with his scissors kicks and underhanded toe taps.
Ilsinho marked his goal with an exclamation point in the direction of the Union bench.
