Philadelphia Remains Undefeated Against Columbus Crew, 1-0

Chester, PA

April 9, 2022

After Saturday evening’s game, the Philadelphia Union remained undefeated and situated on top of the MLS East Table.  The lone goal in the game occurred at the 2 minute mark, as José Martínez directed a lofty angled pass across the Columbus box.  The Crew’s goalkeeper, Eloy Room, sought to intercept that pass and fumbled the ball directly into goal.  Official scoring called it an own-goal.  The Union’s celebration reflected the unusual nature of the score.

The rest of the match was a mix of lost scoring opportunities for Philadelphia and condensing the Union’s defense to hold onto the shutout.  Despite ceding 69% of possession, Philadelphia had 5 shots on goal (out of 10 shots total) to the Crew’s 4 (out of 19).

Philadelphia fans welcomed Mikkel Uhre to the starting lineup, even if he was unable to score. A deserved shout out to Quinn Sullivan, who subbed in for Uhre at the 79th minute.  It looked as though Quinn was instructed to sit on the experienced international, Darlington Nagbe.  As seen in the below photos, Sullivan was up to the task.

 

José Martínez moving the ball to the right before the pass that resulted in the Union’s lone goal.

In an attempt to intercept, Columbus’s keeper lost the ball and it bounced into the goal.

It was smiles all around (except for Artur) after the early goal was scored.

Martinez’s extended handshake with Philadelphia’s Jesús Bueno during the post goal celebration.

Philadelphia’s Nate Harriel has looked increasingly strong each week.

Philadelphia’s Julián Carranza has performed more than his share of defensive duties of late.

The Union’s Mikkel Uhre showing off his speed.

Captain Alejandro Bedoya settles a ball sent well out in front of him.

After lifting this ball above the net, goalkeeper Andre Blake came down hard on his shoulder.

Blake was able to keep the clean sheet – his fourth of the season so far.

Leon Flach defending Autur on the edge of the box.

The play seemed clean on this collision between Kai Wagner and the Crew’s Steven Moreira.

But when all was said and done, Moreira was shown yellow.

Philadelphia’s Dániel Gazdag circumventing the Crew’s Lucas Zelarayán.

Jack Elliott defending Columbus’s Gyasi Zardes.

Quinn Sullivan sticking to the Crew’s Darlington Nagbe.