The Philadelphia Union has advanced to the quarter finals of the CONCACAF Champions League in the team’s maiden sojourn into the continental competition after defeating Deportivo Saprissa 3-0 at Subaru Park (4-0 on aggregate).
Tempers didn’t fair as much in this second leg match as the first, which saw a slew of yellow cards distributed in second-half stoppage time after a reckless Ricardo Blanco challenge on Kai Wagner.
Though there was another red card worthy tackle on the Union in this one, and though both teams accumulated 24 total fouls, it didn’t have the tension that many expected after the first leg.
The first half was a tight contest, with neither team getting the breakthrough.
Philadelphia controlled that half, with striker Kacper Przybylko missing a couple close-range chances inside the Saprissa six-yard box.
The scored remained 0-0 as both teams entered the locker room, but the Union stepped it up a level in the second half.
Within two minutes, Anthony Fontana danced through a web of Saprissa defenders, breaking through the back line and went down, earning his side a penalty kick.
Jamiro Monteiro stepped up and rifled his shot down the middle to give the Union a one-nil lead on the night and a two goal cushion on aggregate.
Monteiro continued to boss the midfield over the next few minutes, assisting Przybylko in the 51st minute off of a corner kick and Fontana in the 54th, as the Union took a 3-0 lead just eight minutes into the second half.
At this point, the game slowed down.
Saprissa and the Union began to substitute in some academy products, and challenges stopped flying as Saprissa gave up on scoring four late goals to win the tie.
Academy product Jack McGlynn made his Union debut, subbing on for Leon Flach in the 68th minute.
Quinn Sullivan also impressed off the bench, almost scoring in just his second Union appearance.
In stoppage time, a misplayed, defensive header sent Jamiro Monteiro through on the Saprissa goal, and the midfielder tucked his shot away, as the Union completed its 5-0 aggregate win over two legs.
The Union out-shot Saprissa 14-5, with the visitors unable to notch a single shot on target.
The Philadelphia Union will next visit Atlanta United for the first leg of the quarterfinal match on April 6, 7 or 8, and host the second leg on May 4, 5 or 6.
Philadelphia Union
CONCACAF Champions League
