August 3, 2023
Chester, PA
The Philadelphia Union advanced in Leagues Cup play after a narrowly defeat of D.C. United 5-4 via penalty tiebreaker. The game was a flashback to the May 17, 2023 meeting between the two teams at Subaru Park, when a sharp D.C. United team showed that it could challenge Philadelphia. That earlier game ended in a draw, though many predicted a win for the Union.
D.C. United appeared in control in the first half of the Leagues Cup game, with Philadelphia keeper Andre Blake in form with two classic saves. Philadelphia was the more dominant in the second half, and actually ended the game with the greater possession time (52%). At the 63rd minute, Philadelphia’s Jack Elliott sent a lofting pass to Julián Carranza, who touched the ball over the head of D.C. United’s keeper Alex Bono. The ball rolled into the net, but the goal was called back due to a foul by Carranza.
With the Leagues Cup rules, the game progressed to the penalty tiebreaker without extra time. Bono did well to stop the shot of the consistent Dániel Gazdag for Philadelphia to fall behind on the first try. But misses by D.C. United’s Chris Durkin and Pedro Santos reversed the course and the game ended in victory for the Philadelphia Union 5-4.
Pictures of the game appear below:
D.C.’s Jackson Hopkins had his own share of possession.
Philadelphia’s Damion Lowe warding off United’s Cristian Dájome.
Philadelphia’s Jesús Bueno has been in fine form of late.
After popping Elliott’s pass over Bono’s head, Julián Carranza tugs on the jersey of D.C.’s Donovan Pines.
Carranza, sandwiched between Pines and Derrick Williams, followed the ball into the goal.
Bono saved Dániel Gazdag’s penalty shot.
After scoring the winning goal, Olivier Mbaizo celebrates with Andre Blake.
D.C.’s Bono waves (broken fingers and all) to the Philly fans in the Sons of Ben section.
