Pfeffer’s goal lifts Union to a much needed win

By John Bancroft, Union Beat Writer
Photos by Justin Bancroft

Zach Pfeffer scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to lift Philly to a 1-0 win in front of a thrilled PPL Park crowd Sunday night.

The victory sent first-place D.C. United (6-2-3) to their first loss since March 22, ending their unbeaten streak at eight. For the home side, the win could not come quickly enough after a disastrous start to the season had led to unrest among sections of the support.
 

 
Right from the opening kickoff the atmosphere at PPL Park was different, even slightly magical, as if fans knew with Curtin shaking up line up this was going to be the night.

The first Union opportunity came on a Seb Le Toux pass to Conor Casey that he struck hard past Bill Hamid into net in the 17th minute, only to have it called back due to Casey handling  the ball. But the tone was set.

With the first half ending scoreless, D.C. United came out early in the second half trying to establish that they are the Eastern Division leaders. In the 50th minute Miguel Aguilar slammed a shot only to hit crossbar and in the 65th minute United had a goal called back for a foul during a scramble for a free kick in the box.

Still Philly hung in there and were making chances of their own with plenty of possession to work from against a subdued United side.

Cristian Maidana and Vincent Nogueira played effectively creating chances for Casey and Le Toux, something lacking in past games. .

The Union made effective substitutions in the second half and the previously injured Fabinho’s entering the game in the 71st minute caused problems for United and opportunities for the Union. It was his pass in stoppage time that gave Pfeffer the chance to be a hero.

The key to the Union win was to operate with a simple plan in mind. The plan let Casey play to his strength up top, let the other big guys work to win the second balls and fighting to control possession a lot and create chances. The Union dominated second half play with a 59% possession advantage.

 
The Union did what they had to and they worked and earned a positive result. They deserved to win.

The Union return to action next Sunday with a road match against the New York Red Bulls. D.C. United heads to New England for a Saturday showdown against the New England Revolution.