Chester, PA
February 26, 2022
The Philadelphia Union drew against Minnesota FC on Saturday afternoon, 1-1. Before the game began, Union fans saw a preview of Philadelphia’s newest International DP, Michael Uhre, a reputed scoring sensation, although he did not appear in the game.
Minnesota started the game with greater speed than Philadelphia. The Philadelphia midfield missed the quickness of Jamiero Monteiro, who left the Union for the San Jose Earthquakes. Minnesota scored first at the 23rd minute with a shot by Robin Lod that was assisted by Franco Fragapane. The goal was well-executed, but likely was caused by a Union defensive breakdown, with Fragapane beating Olivier Mbaizo on Minnesota’s left wing, which left other defenders out of place.
Before half-time, at the 35th minute, Philadelphia leveled the score. Jakob Glesnes – the defender who arguably can do anything, pulled out to the right wing in a reset after a Philadelphia corner. Leon Flach passed to Kai Wagner, who in turn passed to Glesnes. Glesnes’s cross was a thing of beauty, pinpointed onto the head of Cory Burke for the first Union goal of the season.
Philadelphia pressed more in the second half and had its opportunities to surpass Minnesota, including a short range shot by Daniel Gazdag into Minnesota’s keeper, Tyler Miller.
Photographs of the game appear below.
Just in from Denmark, newcomer-striker Michael Uhre greets the Philadelphia Union fans.
Philadelphia’s Burke winding his way through the legs of Minnesota’s Bakaye DiBassy.
The Union’s José Martínez had a strong game, seen here connecting the ball forward.
Daniel Gazdag of the Union passing the ball while dogged by Minnesota’s Hassani Dotson.
Minnesota’s Lod watches his workmanlike shot sail into the upper right quadrant of goal.
Minnesota’s DiBassy quarreling with Julián Carranza’s head.
Minnesota’s keeper Miller approaching Burke as Burke adeptly headed the ball into goal.
Burke and Glesnes celebrate the combination that evened the score against Minnesota.
Philadelphia’s Mbaizo bringing the ball down field under the watchful eye of Minnesota’s Fragapane.
This was Philadelphia’s opportunity to pull ahead, but Gazdag’s shot went directly toward Miller.
Philadelphia Union’s finessing homegrown Jack McGlynn in the ball in the second half.
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