The Union took the lead three times at Allianz Field and held on to the last one to hand the Loons a first ever loss at their new home.
Philadelphia is back in first place as they welcome defending Supporters’ Shield holders New York Red Bulls for Rivalry Night next Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Minnesota pulled even twice but Auston Trusty flew in to finish an Ilsinho cross late in the match to win it for his team. In a reversal of previous matches, the Union took their chances, notching goals off a penalty and a free kick before Trusty’s late back post run handed them three points. Minnesota, meanwhile, struggled with the strong red zone defending from the visitors. The Union blocked shot after shot, and eventually all that dirty work paid off.
Jim Curtin’s side may have reeled in a huge three points, but the coach still isn’t seeing the game control that undergirded their run to the top of the east. This team, then, remains good even when far from their best.
“Showed a lot of grit, dug deep, guys pushed in a smart way,” Curtin said by way of summary. “To stick with it, to give up a goal, but to still have the character to get the third: It’s the sign of a first place team.”
Curtin singled out Kacper Przybylko’s workrate, and credited the striker with a strong response after he was reportedly distraught following the Union’s draw with Colorado. “A great game for the fans to watch,” he admitted. “It’s end to end, it’s wide open. They have a way of being aggressive, throwing numbers forward where when you win the ball, you want to break.”
Philly’s breaks created opportunities, but Minnesota used vertical combinations to get through the midfield.
“We talked at halftime about dropping deeper,” Curtin continued. “We started the [second] half excellent, but Minnesota kept coming in waves.
“We had to take points tonight, that was the reality. We played for a win, we were aggressive, and we used offensive subs.”
In the end, Curtin said the anger the team felt after giving up a late goal to the Rapids last Wednesday night. “Credit to the players,” he stated. “Stepped up in a big way and we took three points back and made up for not taking care of business against Colorado.”
Philly has to take care of business in their next home game, this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET when New York Red Bulls come to Talen Energy Stadium for Rivalry Night.
