Philadelphia Union Regains Top of MLS East From Atlanta FC, 3-1

Chester, PA

A vocal full house watched on as the Philadelphia Union topped Atlanta FC 3-1, and took back first in the MLS East. The outcome resulted in Atlanta dropping to third, although a mere three points differentiates the top three contenders.

The Union seemed a bit tight in the first half, although a near miss by Marco Fabian and the rescinded Kacper Przybylko goal was emblematic of the Union’s countering game. Atlanta was the quicker to the ball, and it remains unclear whether the Union was sloppy in passing or Atlanta’s quickness allowed it to capitalize. Add to it Josef Martinez’s seemingly at will goal at the end of the first half, and the tables tilted in Atlanta’s favor by half time.

But the second half saw a recharged Union. Brenden Aaronson, whose finesse at times was overshadowed by Atlanta outbulking him, broke away to score at the 61st minute off of a Haris Medunjanin long looping assist.

Usually, it is the presence of Ilsinho that sparks the second half for the Union. This time it was the 77th minute substitution of the speedy Sergio Santos for Aaronson that changed the complexion of the game (fun fact, Santos has his own crowd song, even though he has played only 571 minutes this year). Przybylko’s game winning goal in the 86th minute was assisted by Santos and Kai Wagner. Santos went on to score the third goal four minutes later, assisted by Przybylko and Ilsinho.

Atlanta may be accustomed to playing in front of big crowds, but there is no doubt that the Union’s sell-out contributed its “Philly style” support to the game’s outcome.