The Philadelphia Union took the field on a sunny morning in Florida against NYCFC. Right off the start, the game had a completely different feel. The absence of fans and crowd noise did give an “authentic feel” which is what the MLS hoped for.

The MLS has made it a priority to spread awareness of the “Black Lives Matter” movement. Both teams wore warmup shirts supporting the movement and took a knee at the midfield circle. The Union players made a noticeable change to their jerseys is the name on the back. Every Union player had the name of a victim from police brutality with a written quote at the bottom saying “one name too many”.

Our players stand together. One name too many. pic.twitter.com/tPoR8DWveN

— PhilaUnion (@PhilaUnion) July 9, 2020

Here’s Union’s starting XI to kick off the “MLS is Back Tournament“

Counting.
Down.
The.
Seconds.

📝👉https://t.co/jz2XsAso21#MLSisBack | #DOOP | #NYCvPHI pic.twitter.com/xK2ZGHq6Vb

— PhilaUnion (@PhilaUnion) July 9, 2020

First Half

The first half was mainly about possession and getting back to feel of playing a live game. NYCFC lead in possession 57% to 47%. There weren’t too many goal scoring opportunities with only four saves, two from each team. The game got a little chippy heading into halftime. José Martinez and Jamiro Monteiro both received yellow cards.

Second Half 

The Union came out with no changes until the 58th minute where 20-year-old Anthony Fontana replaced Ilsinho. In the 63rd minute, the Union finally get on the board with a goal from Alejandro Bedoya. The ball bounced around the box and made its way to Bedoya who slotted it home.

First goal of our tourney goes to the Captain!

Couple of bounces in the box & the @AleBedoya17 decides to slot it away 🔥🔥🔥#DOOP | #NYCvPHI 0 – 1 pic.twitter.com/rmC5WMjbkU

— PhilaUnion (@PhilaUnion) July 9, 2020

The momentum changed significantly and the Union seemed to be getting back to game form. In the 73rd minute, Warren Creavalle replaced José Martínez to eliminate the possibility of Martinez getting a second yellow causing the team to go down to 10 men. NYFC had a great opportunity to tie the game in the 86th minute but Union goalkeeper Andre Blake makes an incredible save.

90. This close to an equalizer from @Heber__Araujo.

Respect to Andre Blake…

We’ve got six minutes of extra time to go.

🗽 0-1 🐍 | #NYCvPHI pic.twitter.com/btCvmQ1sMT

— New York City FC (@NYCFC) July 9, 2020

The Union made their final substitutions in the 83rd minute as Jakob Glesnes came on for Brenden Aaronson and Jack de Vries came on for Alejandro Bedoya. NYCFC had a couple chances at the end of the game to get an equalizer, but Andre Blake didn’t show any rust in his incredible return.

The Union gets the win 1-0 and earn 3 points to start off on top of Group A. The Union’s next game is scheduled to take place next Tuesday where they play against Nashville FC. However, there is some concern as Nashville FC had five players test positive for COVID-19.

If you can’t watch the game next week, don’t worry we have you covered. Our good buddies over at Fox Sports The Gambler announced that they are the NEW HOME for Philadelphia Union Soccer. Gotta love it. Sean Brace and the rest of the crew over there are fantastic, and even have our guy Victor Williams locked in as an Eagles Insider for the upcoming NFL season.