Philadelphia Union completed an incredible comeback at home to New York Red Bulls on Sunday night to secure their place in the Eastern Conference semi-finals.
Jim Curtin’s were 3-1 down at half-time but pulled it back to 3-3 before taking the win courtesy of a deflected Marco Fabian cross in extra-time.
It looked as though it wouldn’t be Union’s day with all three of Red Bulls’ goals coming through goalkeeping mistakes from Andre Blake.
But his teammates bailed him out, pulling off a remarkable comeback to ensure this impressive season continues, Union progressing to the Eastern Conference semi-finals in the Audi MLS Cup playoffs.
New York Red Bulls looked all set to progress after racing into a two-goal lead in the first 25 minutes.
Southampton loanee Josh Sims opened the scoring after just five minutes, netting his first MLS goal after cutting inside and catching Andre Blake unguarded.
And after missed chances from both sides, Tim Parker made it two when Andre Blake failed to make a convincing punch, allowing the Red Bulls defender to head into an almost open net.
Chris Armas’ side then received a blow when Josh Sims was taken off following a head injury, the lengthy delay seemingly suppressing all the momentum they had built up prior to the half-hour mark.
Union then got one back when Haris Medunjanin’s hopeful launch into the box from a free-kick found Alejandro Bedoya via a flick from Andrew Wooten. Bedoya thumped home with a fine, low strike to get his team back in the game.
Though, Union couldn’t keep up the pressure – Red Bulls hitting the bar through Barlow before reinstalling their two-goal lead deep into first-half stoppage time.
Andre Blake made it a hat-trick of mistakes when he again failed to claim the ball in the air, allowing Barlow with a chance to score the Red Bulls’ third, an opportunity he duly took.
Philadelphia, without star man Kacper Przybyłko, looked out of it heading into the break and it only had its keeper to blame, Blake enduring a nightmare first 45 minutes.
KEEP RUNNIN’ pic.twitter.com/fs372o1Lce
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) October 20, 2019
But these are the MLS playoffs and this would go on to be yet another classic in what has been a weekend of thoroughly entertaining match-ups.
Jack Elliott got Union back into the game, heading home after Mark McKenzie hit the bar.
52‘: GOOOOOAAAALL! Set piece magic and @jackells95 heads it into the back of the net.#PhillyOrNothing |#PHIvRBNY 2-3 pic.twitter.com/shzLQFVvLA
— X – Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) October 20, 2019
That put the wind into the sails of the home side, who brought on Ilsinho Jr and Fafa Picault to attempt to get themselves back on level terms.
It proved to be a stroke of genius for Jim Curtin.
With 12 minutes remaining of normal time, Sergio Santos put in a teasing cross for Picault who showed bravery and determination to head home the equaliser, completing Union’s comeback.
78‘: TIED UP thanks to @fafagoal23!!! Twitter name says it all and Talen Energy Stadium is ?#PhillyOrNothing |#PHIvRBNY 3-3 pic.twitter.com/7AvLzsfiUK
— X – Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) October 20, 2019
Picault almost won it in normal time, too, striking from close range deep into added time, but Luis Robles pulled off a top-class save to ensure Red Bulls survived going into extra-time.
The action slowed a little in extra time, but that was no surprise given the frantic nature of the entire first 90 minutes.
It was going to take a little class or a little luck in the extra-time chess match and it proved to be the latter which decided the contest.
Marco Fabian came off the bench on the 103rd minute and his cross to the back post was deflected in off the far post, sparking incredible scenes at Talen Energy Stadium.
A disallowed goal and a Bradley Wright-Phillips scare later and Philadelphia was there.
The comeback was complete – from 3-1 down to 4-3 up and Union’s reward is a date with Atlanta United at Mercedez-Benz arena on Thursday night in the Eastern Conference semi-finals.
Never count us out. That was for you, Union faithful ??
Moving on in the @audi #MLSCupPlayoffs! #PhillyOrNothing |#PHIvRBNY 4-3 pic.twitter.com/5T1mZOib7D
— X – Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) October 20, 2019
