Jamiro Monteiro's virtual two-goal night in Columbus was the difference as Philadelphia Union pushed its unbeaten run to nine-straight matches in FIFA20 simulations with a 3-1 win against the Crew.
Brazilian forward Sergio Santos maintained his impressive scoring form with the Union's opening goal in the 19th minute of play. Captain Alejandro Bedoya collected a pass at midfield from Ilsinho and saw a streaking run by Santos. Knowing his teammate's pace to outrun the Columbus defense, Bedoya delivered a through ball that Santos ran onto and rifled a right-footed strike for the Union lead.
With Santos' ability to score known to the Crew defense, he showcased his playmaking ability in the 24th minute that doubled the Union lead. Collecting a pass inside the Columbus box, Santos thought about taking a shot but the angle proved too difficult. Picking his head up, he picked out Monteiro as he raced into the 18-yard-box in stride. Monteiro made perfect work of the pass, firing a right-footed shot through a defender's legs and into the back of the net.
Columbus Crew battled back into the contest with a 31st minute goal from Pedro Santos to trim the lead to 2-1 at the break.
The final half saw both sides look for the next goal with key stops by both goalkeepers but in the end it was a handball in the box that broke the Crew's spirits as Monteiro converted from the penalty spot in the 76th minute.
