Chester, PA
Philadelphia Union 2, Sporting Kansas City 0
It was yet another rainy home game for the Philadelphia Union. Philadelphia’s starting eleven were unfairly dubbed the Union “B Team” challenging a strong-finishing Sporting KC team. That, combined with the weather and an Eagles home game, resulted in a smaller than usual crowd.
The Union fans that showed up, however, were in for a treat. True, the midfield troika of Borek Dockal, Haris Medunjanin and Alejandro Bedoya was notably absent, as Philadelphia rested for the Lamar Cup final on Wednesday, September 26. And, the midfield passing without all three (passing accuracy, 75%) was not quite as precise as when they play together. Nor was the time of possession statistic particularly impressive (38.7%). Still, the lineup included players whose presence was a foregone conclusion in years past like, Fabinho and Fabian Herbers.
There were plenty of notable performances. David Accam played very well, and truth be told, Sporting KC was lucky to escape the “in the box” plow-over of Accam at the 43rd minute without a penalty. A shout out also is in order to the Union keeper John McCarthy, who played in Andre Blake’s stead, with 6 saves and a couple of crowd-pleasers.
Without a doubt, however, the evening belonged to Jay Simpson, whose former association with Chelsea reportedly gave him ample experience with playing on wet fields. His brace in the 71st and 89th minutes — both assisted by Bedoya (with Auston Trusty and Fafa Picault, respectively) — allowed the Union to overcome a Sporting KC team that had been at the top of MLS Western Conference and had won six of its last seven matches.
Herbers advancing the ball toward the Sporting KC goal.
Sporting KC’s Roger Espinoza maneuvering around Philadelphia’s Trusty.
Sporting KC’s midfielder Ilie Sanchez going up for a header.
The Union’s Fafa Picault tries to overcome a wedge by a horizontal Sporting KC Kristian Nemeth.
Bedoya on a run toward goal.
Jay Simpson’s Second goal.
And the celebration by his teammates after Simpson’s second score.
