The Eastern Conference leading Philadelphia Union welcomed Liga MX side Atlas F.C. to Subaru Park for an international friendly on Saturday night.
With a 21-man roster, the Union filled out their bench with eight Union II regulars. After a scoreless first half with chances on both sides, head coach Bradley Carnell made five changes to start the second. Forward Markus Anderson made an immediate impact, scoring from outside the box in the 46th minute.
The Liga MX powerhouse battled until the whistle but again the Union defense couldn't be broken down.
The Philadelphia Union will resume MLS play on Saturday, June 14th against Charlotte FC. Kickoff takes place at 7:30 p.m. ET with coverage found on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
How The Match Unfolded
Lineup notes
Forward Markus Anderson made his first appearance for the first team this season and showed up big, scoring a minute into his substitution.
Homegrown forward Eddy Davis lll scored a goal in his first appearance for the club in the 65th minute.
Halftime, Goalless at half | The first half finished scoreless with chances coming from both sides. In first half stoppage time, the Union found themselves nearly securing the first goal of the match. With a swift reaction from Atlas F.C. in the final seconds, the Union look to turn things around as the second half begins.
46’, New faces on the pitch - Forward Markus Anderson, midfielder Nick Pariano, midfielder Jovan Lukic, defenders Neil Pierre and Isaiah LeFlore came off the bench to start the second half. Pariano, Pierre and LeFlore make their first ever appearances for the club.
46’, The Union start the second half hot | Forward Markus Anderson comes off the bench and makes an immediate impact. The 21-year-old from Brooklyn, NY, leads the Union to the first goal of the match. Anderson’s quick effort turns the game in the Union’s direction, beginning the start of an energetic second half.
49’, Semmle comes up with a big save l Goalkeeper Oliver Semmle made a crucial save to keep Atlas from getting their first tally on the board.
61’ A couple of first appearances | As the second half continues to take place, the Union continue to make a few changes from the first half. Not only did Homegrown forward Eddy Davis III and forward Stats Korzeniowski take the field, but we witnessed their first ever appearance with the club.
62’, Atlas equalizes l Forward Diego Luis Gonzalez retaliates and finds his way past goalkeeper Semmle for the teams first score of the night.
65’, Davis III makes it 2-1 l Homegrown forward Eddy Davis III scores to put the Union back in the lead. The goal was assisted by midfielder Indiana Vassillev.
78’, Union sub l Forward Leandro Soria was subbed in for Homegrown midfielder Jeremey Rafanello to add some fresh legs to the squad.
90+5’, Union come up victorious! | After a scoreless first 45 minutes, the Boys in Blue come back energetic in the second half. Led by a quick goal from forward Markus Anderson at the 46th minute and a second goal by Homegrown forward Eddy Davis III in the 65th, the Union came up victorious in an exciting 2-1 triumph.
