For the first time in six years, Philadelphia Union didn't claim a result against the New York Red Bulls, falling by a 1-0 margin on Saturday night.
Playing for the second time in four days, the Union made several changes to the lineup with saw another feisty chapter of the Eastern Conference rivalry. After a scoreless first half, the Union sought to take the lead but were denied by former keeper Carlos Coronel who saved the Bruno Damiani penalty kick. Momentum swung to the North Jersey side after the play with Dylan Nealis finding the game's only goal in the 74th minute.
With the result, Philadelphia Union see their franchise-record streak of 16-consecutive results against the Red Bull come to a end.
Philadelphia Union return to Subaru Park next weekend for another Eastern Conference clash with the Chicago Fire. Saturday's match will be Fiesta Hispana presented by BIMBO Bakeries with limited tickets available for purchase online by clicking here.
How The Match Unfolded
Lineup notes
Head Coach Bradley Carnell sent out a much different lineup than the one he used in Wednesday's U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinal win. On Saturday night, he kept Andre Blake in net, but changed the backline, starting Olivier Mbaizo and Kai Wagner on the outside and Olwethu Makhanya and Nathan Harriel at centerback. Typical starter, all-star Jakob Glesnes, was not with the group due to yellow card accumulation.
The midfield was made of Jovan Lukic, Jesus Bueno, and Alejandro Bedoya, while Chris Donovan made a uncommon appearance at the 10. Up top, Mikael Uhre and newly signed striker Milan Iloski were the attacking duo up top for the first time ever.
With the changes to the opening group, Philadelphia Union's bench was a deep one, featuring Andrew Rick as the backup keeper, plus Neil Pierre, Frankie Westfield, Danley Jean Jacques, Jeremy Rafanello, Cavan Sullivan, Quinn Sullivan, Tai Baribo, and Bruno Damiani.
10', Chippy opening stretch | As is custom for a Philadelphia Union versus New York Red Bulls head-to-head, the match was a physical battle from the start, with two shots apiece and three free kick opportunities granted to Philly within the first 10 minutes of play.
23', Red Bull chance | After dilligent defending around the box, New York's Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting found a header chance in the 23rd, but his shot was stopped by three-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Andre Blake Blake.
28, Rick replaces Blake in goal | Shortly after his save, Blake went down with an injury, causing a pause in play. Following attention from team medical staff, Blake was forced to leave match, giving 19-year-old Homegrown Andrew Rick an opportunity to step up between the posts.
45', Halftime | The first half finished 0-0, with New York outshooting Philadelphia 6-4. Carnell made his first tactical sub of the match upon emerging from the locker room, taking out Chris Donovan to send on Bruno Damiani.
61', Carnell turns to his loaded bench | With a rotated squad due to the midweek clash, Carnell turned to a pair of starters for the final half hour to push for the three points as Quinn Sullivan and Tai Baribo entered in place of Alejandro Bedoya and Mikael Uhre.
68', PK saved | With the lineup filled with fresh legs and creative minds, Philly earned a penalty kick when Damiani collided with Carlos Coronel. After a two-minute delay, Damiani stepped up for the attempt but saw his left-footed effort for the corner saved by the Red Bulls keeper.
74', Goal Red Bulls | After the save the crowd in North Jersey grew into the match and that momentum turned into a goal with just over 15 minutes as Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting threaded pass to the opposite side of the pitch for a one time finish from Dylan Nealis.
84', Wagner goes for the equalizer | Looking for more late magic like they've had most of the season, Philly remained composed and sought space to creative a game-tying goal. The chance came from Wagner wearing the captain's armband but the left back's shot went just wide of the far post.
