A late goal saw Colorado Rapids earn a point against a Philadelphia Union side that controlled the match with over 60% of possession. The draw means the Union are set to travel to Minnesota one point off the Eastern Conference lead.
Colorado arrived without three of their top players — Kei Kamara, Tim Howard, and Jack Price — but that only meant the guys they brought knew exactly what they were there to do: Keep the Union off the board.
To that end, the Western Conference side st back and sought to keep Philly in front of them. The Union responded by attacking up the right side, with Ale Bedoya drifting over to support Ilsinho, who took on all comers. In th e5th minute, Bedoya and Ilsinho combined to set up Kacper Przybylko but the big striker’s shot was deflected over the goal. On the ensuing restart, Ilsinho found Sergio Santos in front of goal but at a narrow angle the striker could only nudge wide of the near post.
Philly came close again in the 17th minute after Przybylko set up Haris Medunjanin with a dropback pass. The midfielder stepped into a left-footed strike that buzzed wide of the goal.
The push for an opener continued and Jack Elliott’s close-range header was tipped away before Ray Gaddis crushed a ball just outside the right post from distance.
The breakthrough finally came in the 26th minute when Jamiro Monteiro, operating out of a central role, won the ball back 30 yards from the Rapids’ net and sent Sergio Santos in alone, The striker made no mistake as he slotted the ball under Irwin and put his side ahead.
Philly switched tactics early in the second half as they began picking out Santos in behind up the left. After a few early chances in behind, play switched again to the right and Ilsinho continued his assault on Colorado’s confidence.
Still, it was the visitors that seemed close to a comeback when Nicolas Mezquida tagged the post with a ball that popped back into play and was headed over.
In the 70th minute, the Union worked the ball right to left before substitute Fafa Picault picked out Ray Gaddis with a late run through center; the fullbacks shot was barely deflected around the goalmouth.
Colorado equalized in the 72nd minute after Andre Shinyashiki fought through a tackle on the left and picked out Jonathan Lewis at the back post. The winger, recently acquired from New York City FC, blasted home the first time finish out of the air.
The Union pressed forward and both Brenden Aaronson and Marco Fabian looked for gaps through center.
In Steaz stoppage time, Jamiro Monteiro was sent through but slipped as he sought to finish. Then, in the final seconds, Monteiro turned provider to Kacper Przybylko with a deft chip but the striker could only slide in and lift the ball over the bar as the match ended even.
The Union look to get back on a winning run when they take their first trip to Minnesota United’s brand new stadium on Sunday, June 2. Kickoff is slated for 4 p.m. ET.
