Chester, PA
It all started out so well for the Union and its fans. The Union’s Auston Trusty scored his first MLS goal off a corner in the 11th minute, assisted by Borek Dockal and Haris Medunjanin. Philadelphia continued on with its offensive push, but at a significant price. Two of the four Impact goals (Alejandro Silva at the 28th minute and Silva again at the 76th minute) came on the Montreal counter. The Union’s defense just couldn’t get back in time and all but left the Union’s keeper Andre Blake to fend for himself.
The other two Montreal goals (Saphir Taider at the 39th minute and Quincy Amarikwa at the 63rd minute) also stemmed from Union defensive miscues. Taider swooped in unnoticed (and uncovered) on the rebound from a Blake save and Amarikwa scored on a cross from an unmarked Daniel Lovitz.
Philadelphia’s followed it new-found short passing game plan, but simply could not penetrate Montreal’s tightly woven defense. The stats back up Philadelphia’s improved passing accuracy (85% compared with the Impact’s 82%) as well as the total number of passes (575 to Montreal’s 396). But Philadelphia continued to be troubled by getting into the box and shooting. Three of Philadelphia’s nine shots were blocked, and two of the three on target were shot from outside the box.
Montreal should get credit for its patience, allowing Philadelphia to control the possession statistics (59.7% to 40.3%). By the game’s end, it felt like the Impact raided the keys to Philadelphia’s game plan, as Montreal pulled off an emphatic away victory from a playoff contender.
Coach Jim Curtin congratulates Auston Trusty on his first goal.
Blake came out to ward off Montreal’s first counter, leaving an empty net for Silva’s first score.
Montreal’s Taider was pleased with his rebounding goal off of a Blake save.
The Union’s Jack Elliott made am impressive slide to impede Amarikwa’s forward progress.
Montreal’s Bacary Sagna leaned on Auston Trusty’s young and capable back,
Only to find himself face down on the turf.
The Union’s Keegan Rosenberry leaps over the hometown favorite Lovitz.
Impact keeper Evan Bush had a fine evening, as he is seen here punching the ball over Corey Burke
Montreal’s Amarikwa looking to pass.
