May 31, 2023
Chester, PA
The Philadelphia Union came out on top of Charlotte F.C. Wednesday evening with a score of 1-0.
The game festivities commenced with Jason Kelce, star of the Philadelphia Eagles, banging the Union drum. Although Kelce is beloved for his prowess on the American football pitch, he further endeared himself to the crowd by chugging a beer and sitting with the Sons of Ben supporters group while waving the Union flag.
Although the 1-0 victory was a slim margin compared with other Philadelphia victories of late, on two occasions the Union scored only to have the goals clawed back due to offside calls. The first, a stellar pass from Leon Flash to Mikael Uhre that led to Uhre’s measured shot into the right corner of Charlotte’s goal, was offside by the smallest of margins. The second involved Flach again, this time blocking a pass from Adilson Malanda, which Gazdag scooped up and chipped over Kristijan Kahlina, Charlotte’s keeper.
Initially the lone goal scored in the game looked to be the second goal this year scored by Gazdag off the run of play. That attribution, however, also was short-lived with the goal scored as an own-goal. Gazdag’s shot hit the post, bounced and only was redirected into the cage by Kahlina’s calf.
The victory over Charlotte elevated Philadelphia to third place on the MLS East table.
Pictures of the game appear below:
After his duties as master drummer for the Union, local hero and Eagle star Jason Kelce chugged a beer.
Kelce sat with the Philadelphia supporters and waved the Union flag.
Charlotte’s Kerwin Vargas is seen approaching the Philadelphia net.
Philadelphia’s José Martínez defending against a descending Vargas in the background.
Vargas’s pass to the left is defended by Philadelphia’s Kai Wagner.
Philadelphia’s Olivier Mbaizo brings the ball down . . ..
and winds his way through traffic near the Charlotte goal.
Philadelphia’s Dániel Gazdag seen among friends after his shot on goal resulted in the lone score.
Gazdag’s later shot went in, but the score was nullified as he was called offside.
Philadelphia’s Nathan Harriel, who was subbed in late, is about to be wiped out by Charlotte’s Guzmán Corujo.
