Olwethu Makhanya was the latest hero in the rivalry as his 89th minute goal proved the difference as Philadelphia Union advanced to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Semfinals via a 3-2 win over New York Red Bulls.
Playing nearly a month after originally scheduled, the intensity of the rivlary wasn't cooled down by another two-hour weather delay. When the action kicked off under the lights of Subaru Park, the Boys in Blue had to rally back twice to extend their unbeaten streak against the Red Bulls. Tai Baribo netted the first equalizer, positiong himself perfectly to pounce on a deflected clearance off a free kick. Red Bulls regained the lead with 20 minutes remaining but newly-signed forward Milan Iloski delivered his first goal with the Boys in Blue, finishing off a counter attacking pass from Baribo. With extra time looming, Philly struck late like they've done in the past with Makhanya scoring a memorable late winner.
With the victory, Philadelphia Union will face off against Nashville SC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Semifinals on Tuesday, September 16th.
Philadelphia Union faces off against the Red Bulls once again this weekend, this time at Sports Illustrated Stadium in MLS play. Kick off from New Jersey is set for 7:30PM ET with coverage on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
How The Match Unfolded
Lineup notes
More than one month seperated Wednesday night and it's originally scheduled date, bringing about some changes to the lineup.
Head Coach Bradley Carnell crafted a strong lineup featuring Andre Blake in net, and a backline with Jakob Glesnes, Olwethu Makhanya, Kai Wagner, and Frankie Westfield protecting him.
In the midfield, Jovan Lukic returned to the starting XI, joining Indiana Vassilev, Danley Jean Jacques, and Quinn Sullivan. Up top, Baribo and Bruno Damiani were the chosen attacking duo.
On the bench, Andrew Rick manned the backup keeper spot, sitting aongside Nathan Harriel, Alejandro Bedoya, Jesus Bueno, Cavan Sullivan, Milan Iloski, and Mikael Uhre.
1', Cup action continues at last | After a postponed first attempt back in July and a two-hour rain delay on the rescheduled date, quarterfinal action finally began at Subaru Park with kickoff taking place at 9:35pm.
8', New York goal | The visitors struck first, earning a lead in the opening 10 minutes of the match by way of a goal from long range finish from midfielder Wikelman Carmona. VAR was able to be called on starting in the quarterfinal round of the tournament and a possible handball was reviewed, but the goal stood and play continued.
13', Baribo equalizes! | Philadelphia Union earned a free kick opportunity in the 14th minute, and when Kai Wagner sent it into the box, a Red Bull defender flicked it back, sending it to the feet of Tai Baribo who took two touches before powering it past Carlos Coronel. The fans who stuck around through the delay responded with Baribo chants and applause, providing the soundtrack for another promising chance in transition that was stifled only by New York's keeper.
25', Pair of yellow cards shown to New York | The rivalry started to show once again on the pitch with two yellow cards were shown to Red Bull players, earning Philadelphia two free kick opportunities in their attacking end, but the hosts weren't able to capitalize on either.
34', Brick Wall Blake | After a scuffle between Danley Jean Jacques and Kyle Duncan, New York took a free kick chance that unfolded into a shot from Noah Eile to the top center of the net. What look like a near-impossible shot to save was diverted above the net by none other than Andre Blake, keeping the match level. Shortly after, New York's Head Coach Sandro Schwarz made his first change of the match, pulling Duncan who was one of the two opposing players who had earned a yellow. He was replaced by defender Dylan Nealis.
Halftime, Union add fresh legs to the midfield | Head Coach Bradley Carnell made his first change of the match coming out of halftime, swapping Indiana Vassilev for the team's newest addition, 26-year-old Milan Iloski.
59', Iloski earns Philly a free kick | The second half was an intense battle from the start, and the physicality continued to ramp and the clock ticked on. In the 59th minute, Iloski was taken down with the ball near the top of the box, earning a free kick for Philly. Quinn Sullivan took the shot, but his drive missed right.
70', Another change from Carnell | Still locked at 1-1, Philly's leader opted to make another change, altering his attacking duo by swapping Bruno Damiani for Mikael Uhre.
71', Red Bull goal | New York pulled ahead with a one touch goal on a breakaway, making the score 2-1.
74', Iloski levels! | Just over one week after arriving in Philadelphia, Milan Iloski scored his first Union goal in epic fashion, finishing a pass from Tai Baribo to equalize and spark energy into his new team.
77', New additions | After his team tied the score, Carnell made more changes, taking out Frankie Westfield and Jovan Lukic for Nathan Harriel and Jesus Bueno.
89', Makhanya wins it! | With extra time looming, Philly make the most of their final push with Makhanya finding the back of the net to secure the Union another trip to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Semifinals.
