Milan Iloski extended his scoring streak to five consecutive matches as Philadelphia Union defeated Seattle Sounders FC, 1-0, on Saturday night.
Philadelphia found the breakthrough in the 31st minute through a pair of Homegrown defenders. Making his first MLS start, Neil Pierre recorded his first MLS assist by combining with Frankie Westfield to set up Milan Iloski, who lofted a chipped finish over the goalkeeper from distance to extend his scoring streak to five consecutive matches.
The clean sheet secured all three points for the Boys in Blue as they continued their six-game homestand. The victory also marked another milestone for the club's young core, with Pierre becoming the latest Homegrown to make an impact while Westfield added another assist to his growing MLS résumé.
Philadelphia Union continue their six-game homestand on Saturday, August 1, when they host Atlanta United FC at Subaru Park. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET as the Boys in Blue look to build on a strong start to the stretch. Tickets for the match can be purchased by clicking here.
How The Match Unfolded
LINEUP NOTES
In his second match at the helm, interim Head Coach Ryan Richter made just one change to his starting XI, adding Neil Pierre after the 18-year-old Homegrown scored in his Subaru Park debut on Wednesday night. It's been a week of milestones for Pierre -- his appearance in the lineup marked his very first MLS start.Â
He replaced Japhet Sery Larsen in the lineup -- Richter told the media after the team's win against Red Bull that he'd felt some hamstring tightness during his shift.Â
Otherwise, the lineup remained the same -- Andre Blake was in net, behind a backline featuring Pierre, Nathan Harriel, Kai Wagner, and Frankie Westfield. Â
In the midfield was made up of Jovan Lukic, Danley Jean Jacques, Cavan Sullivan, and Indiana Vassilev, while Milan Iloski and Bruno Damiani were paired up top.Â
1, Another electric atmosphere | Just three days after the team's return to play following the World Cup, fans packed the stadium again, showing up in large number for the Union's first Saturday night showdown of the summer.
6', Wagner block  | Just like he did on Wednesday, Wagner engaged the crowd early, this time blocking Sounders left back Nouhou Tolo's shot in the sixth minute.
14', Union corners | Wagner riled the 120-122 corner in the 14th minute when he ran to take his second of a pair of corners, and with loud support behind him, nearly connected with a Neil Pierre who jumped high above the rest for header attempt similar to the one he scored against RBNY,
18', Harriel block |Â A sliding block from Harriel halted a Osaze De Rosario's run into the right side of the box, giving Seattle a corner that the Union defended well to keep the match scoreless.Â
26', Free kick | Sullivan won a Philly free kick from a foul buy Stuart Hawkins, and after Wagner sent it into the box, the 16-year-old tried to get a shot off from it but mishit the opportunity. Philly earned another corner, but were unable to capitalize on it despite Sullivan's determined efforts
31', Iloski goal! | For the second straight match, Iloski opened scoring -- Pierre passed to Westfield, who, from midfield on the right sideline, sent the ball sailing over Sullivan and four Sounders defenders, forcing their keeper to advance. Noticing the opportunity, Iloski tapped it toward the empty net for a goal, and triggering the stadiums first scoring celebrations of the evening.
45', Halftime | Philly retreated to the locker room for halftime ahead 1-0.Â
52', Iloski chance | Iloski attempted a shot from far outside of the box, missing just leftÂ
57', Sounders subs | Down a goal, storied Head Coach Brian Schmetzer made three subs, inserting fresh legs across his XI.Â
65', Union subs | Moments after a second Iloski goal was called offsides, Richter made changes of his own, sending on Ezekiel Alladoh and Quinn Sullivan to replace Damiani and Indiana Vassilev.
76', Quinn nearly doubles the lead | With the result still up for grabs, the Boys in Blue were quick to attack with Quinn Sullivan earning a half chance in the box that required a quick save from the Sounders keeper.
80', Union sub | As the match began to be played end to end, Richter made his second change of the evening with an eye on suring up the midfield with Jesus Bueno replacing Danley with 10 minutes left.
89', Final Union swap | After Cavan Sullivan saw another counter attack shot saved, the Boys in Blue returned to a veteran presence to see out the result with the 16-year-old being subbed off for Alejandro Bedoya.
