Talen Energy Stadium will be rocking on Sunday afternoon when Philadelphia Union hosts rival New York Red Bulls in a first round contest in the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs. While the match will be broadcast nationally on FS1, this is a match you won't want to miss in person.
While it might be just the second playoff match at the stadium, this season has proven that Talen Energy Stadium and is fueled by the passion and love of its fans. From the River End to each and every seat, Talen Energy Stadium has been rocking all of 2019 and let's take a look back at some of those special moments.
April 6: FC Dallas
Remember this game all the way in April? How can you forget it! The Boys in Blue found themselves trailing off a free kick strike from Reto Ziegler but the crowd didn't lose hope and neither did the Boys in Blue. With less than 10 minutes remaining, Jamiro Monteiro collected the ball and raced toward the FC Dallas goal and fired one of the heaviest shots you'll see in soccer. The keeper might have stopped it but he lofted it into the air and Cory Burke fought for the ball nearly the goal line and was taken down. Drama continued as Marco Fabián was stopped on the ensuing penalty kick but Burke timed his run and pounced on the rebound to make it 1-1.
Tying in the 85th minute with a rowdy crowd would be enough to make this list in preparation for the playoffs but the captain Alejandro Bedoya made it even more memorable. Literally a walk off winner. Ilsinho on the wing, three defenders all eyes locked on the Brazilian and he flicks it over FC Dallas to the captain. With the defense trying to recover in the box, two dribbles left, a left-footed shot falling away from goal and it was 2-1 Union in stoppage time.
That was an ending that Union fans will never forget and had Talen Energy Stadium rocking up and down, making the stands shake.
August 31: Atlanta United FC
Hosting the defending champions and fighting not only for first place but show how good the Union were. The stadium was packed and looking to erupt and just before halftime, Josef Martinez extended his scoring streak. Down 1-0, did the Boys in Blue give up? Did the fans? This is Philly, that doesn't happen.
The comeback was sparked from one of the cornerstones of the Union's overall plan, as homegrown Brenden Aaronson collected a pass from Haris Medunjanin and beat Brad Guzan between the legs (yep, again). A draw wasn't enough as the supporters section kicked off "The Macarena" that spread around the stadium. Moments later, Sergio Santos chased down a pass on the wing and fired a cross toward The Friendly Striker. Like he'd done all year, Kacper Przybylko buried the difficult chance and the stadium lost control. The Union led Atlanta 2-1 and the forward duo weren't done as Przybylko found Santos for the insurance goal.
September 14: LAFC
Two weeks later it was the Beasts of the East against the Best of the West at Talen Energy Stadium. It was standing room only in Chester, Pa., and the crowd were on their feet early thanks to Przybylko.
While the match ended in a 1-1 draw, the atmosphere was one that showed once again the impact that fans have on the Boys in Blue. That same energy is no longer wanted, it's expected. It's the playoffs, we'd not expect anything less.
