Employing two midfielders on the backline, Philadelphia Union carried the badge proudly but fell in a rainy contest to the Columbus Crew, 1-0, on Sunday night.
Captain Alejandro Bedoya and Jovan Lukic started as defenders in the Sunday Night Soccer showdown with eights players unavailable for the Union due to Gold Cup, injuries and a yellow card suspension. The Boys in Blue didn't change their ways though, employing a strategic press that had Wilfred Nancy's side on the back foot but the Ohio side would grab a late goal in first-half stoppage time to snap the Union's club-record 11 MLS games unbeaten streak.
Philly concludes its three-game road swing with an Independence Weekend showdown against Nashville SC on Saturday, July 5th. Kick off from the Music City is set for 8:30PM ET with the game broadcast on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
How The Match Unfolded
Head Coach Bradley Carnell used his 15th unique lineup of the year on Sunday in Columbus, sending out a group that looked far different from the one that drew Columbus 2-2 at Subaru Park back on May 10th.
One of the most notable changes was in net, as Andre Blake returned to the XI after missing significant time due to an injury and international duty with Jamaica. In front of him, the backline was altered as well as Alejandro Bedoya reprised his right back opposite Kai Wagner. With Jakob Glesnes out due to yellow card accumulation, Jovan Lukic was paired with Olwethu Makhanya at centerback instead of his typical 6 position.
In his first match back from Concacaf Gold Cup play with Haiti, Danley Jean Jacques rejoined the midfield, starting alongside Jesus Bueno, Ben Bender, and Indiana Vassilev. Up top, Carnell used a never-before-seen attacking duo in Markus Anderson and Bruno Damiani who have a goal each so far in June.
24', Intense opening stretch | It was a physical start to the match in Ohio with Alejandro Bedoya earning a yellow card 10 seconds into the game. He also found the Union's first shot of the match, attempting to chip 39-year-old backup keeper Evan Bush from distance.
35', More yellow for Philly | In the following 10 minutes the physicality between the two sides intensified, Jesus Bueno and Jovan Lukic were each shown yellow cards for a total of three for Philly in the first half.
45+2, Crew goal | The hosts found the first lead of the night in stoppage time by way of a goal from Mo Farsi shortly before halftime.
Halftime | The match was forced into a longer pause than usual at halftime due to weather, pausing until 8:13pm.
46', Union sub | Carnell made his first changes of the match immediately following the extended break, sending on 15-year-old midfiedler Cavan Sullivan for Ben Bender and Chris Donovan for Markus Anderson.
63', Another Union change | Homegrown Sal Olivas made his MLS debut nearly 20 minutes into the second half, subbing on for Bruno Damiani.
67', Union nearly find an equalizer | Philly was on the front foot in the second half and nearly found the game-tying goal off a set piece. Kai Wagner whipped in the right-footed cross into the penalty area that Makhanya tried to head across the frame of goal. It fell to Bedoya at the post but somehow the ball wouldn't sneak through.
63', Another MLS debut | Shortly after one Union homegrown made his league debut, a second took place as David Vazquez replaced Indiana Vassilev.
83', Union test the Crew backline | Philly kept pushing of their tying goal with Wagner getting into the box on the left side of the attack and hitting a centering pass to Olivas. The homegrown was in on goal but the ball was blocked out on a sliding effort from the reigning MLS Defender of the Year Steven Moreira.
90+4', Union push one last time | In the dying moments of the match, Philly sought to avenge the series with a stoppage time equalzer of their own after Danley was fouled 40 yards from goal. Wagner once again provided the service with the ball connected with Bueno but the effort went wide of the Crew net.
