Chester, PA
May 20, 2023
Saturday evening’s game against New England Revolution saw a glimpse of the Union’s mid-season form of 2023, with the game ending with a score of 3-0 for the Union. The result was New England’s second consecutive loss after bowing out to Inter Miami the prior weekend. New England dropped to third and Philadelphia rose to fifth on the MLS East table.
The pre-game ceremonies started with an old friend – Stuart Findlay – assuming the role of drum striker of the week. Last year, Philadelphia transferred Findlay to Oxford United FC, but not before he won the hearts of Union fans by delaying his departure date to cover in defense for an injured Jack Elliott.
Against New England, Coach Jim Curtin reverted to the three back formation that saw success against the Colorado Rapids. While New England held onto possession and control in the first half, its shooting statistics were unimpressive. It registered a mere four shots for the entire game, with none being on target, compared to the Union’s eleven shots with four being on target.
It is possible that the loss of Carles Gil to injury at the 37th minute affected the game’s outcome because the second half saw the type of offensive eruption that trademarked Philadelphia’s 2022 season. Dániel Gazdag, who this year had seen success only from the penalty spot, scored off the run of play in the 56th minute. Although Gazdag’s goal was splendid, Mikael Uhre deserved credit for a quick throw-in toward the cutting Gazdag before New England’s defense could settle in. Gazdag also converted a penalty in the 74th minute after Uhre was nudged in the box by Andrew Farrell. A final goal occurred shortly after Curtin subbed in Drexel grad Chris Donovan for Uhre. Donovan blocked a pass and sent Julián Carranza down field with the ball. Carranza passed back to Donovan on the right. Donovan managed to pass the ball diagonally through Farrell’s legs to Carranza who swept the ball past New England’s Dorde Petrovic.
Photographs of the game appear below:
Philadelphia’s Damion Lowe defends against New England’s Noel Buck.
New England’s Carles Gil before an injury led to substitution.
This contact by Farrell on Uhre led to a penalty kick for Gazdag’s second score.
Gazdag leaned left but shot right, leading to his second goal.
Carranza looking to shoot at the edge of the box.
Chris Donovan made good use of his 15 minutes of playing time, seen here with New England’s DeJuan Jones.
Carranza in appreciation of Chris Donovan’s assisting pass.
Donovan and Carranza meeting up post-score.
