Chester, PA
Philadelphia Union – 5
Minnesota FC – 1
The Saturday night game was tightly honed to the challenge. The Union stood in fifth place in the MLS East, a mere point behind the Columbus Crew. Five goals and two hours later, with a Columbus loss to the pesky Montreal Impact, Philadelphia had gained fourth place in the MLS East and earned a playoff berth.
The goals were spread around. In the first half, it was Philadelphia’s Cory Burke in the 8th minute, (assisted by Boris Dockal), Alejandro Bedoya in the 17th minute (assisted by Keegan Rosenberry and Dockal), Fafa Picault in the 23rd minute (assisted by Rosenberry and Haris Medunjanin), and Picault again in the 44th minute (assisted by C.J. Sapong). In the second half, the Union defense broke down for a momen, just long enough for Minnesota’s Darwin Quintero (assisted by Angelo Rodríguez) to score in the 54th minute.
Of course, the fans were hungry for the 60th minute — about the time that Ilsinho usually makes his appearance. Ilsinho not only sparks Philadelphia’s offense, but he can’t be beat for an all around good show. He may bring less to the defensive table than Sapong, but his ability to get past defenders and to chime in with the Union’s new-found short, connecting passes is impressive. And so it was that Philadelphia’s last goal came off Ilsinho’s foot from well beyond the box in the 78th minute (assisted by Picault).
The most impressive improving statistic for the Union remains in the passing department, with 90% accuracy. That percentage embodies the Union’s new team persona of short, accurate and patient passing. Philadelphia is going to need to control the passing as they move into the playoffs.
The Union’s Ray Gaddis watches the high foot from Minnesota’s Angelo Rodriguez.
The Union’s Andre Blake helping a shot over the top of the goal.
Minnesota goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth wards off an aggressive Cory Burke.
Minnesota’s Jerome Thiesson stopped by Ray Gaddis.
Ilsinho lesson no. 1: Don’t defend flat footed, no matter how quick you are.
Ilsinho lesson no. 2: No matter how quick you are, you just aren’t quick enough.
Burke speeds through, sandwiched between Minnesota’s Gomez and Michael Boxall
Minnesota’s Francisco Calvo and Alexi Gomez defending against Burke.
Ilsinho’s scarf celebration
