Philadelphia Union tie 1-1, place second in Group A
The Union locked in a spot for the next round of the MLS is Back Tournament after beating Inter Miami last week. Before moving on, they still had one final match in Group A against Orlando FC last night. The match was extremely important for seeding in the coming rounds. The only way the Union was able to advance through Group A in 1st place was with a win. Last night, it just didn’t happen, as they tied Orlando FC 1-1.
Philly however, remains unbeaten in four regular-season games.
The Union are unbeaten in four regular-season games.
Their last streak of that length was May 29-June 26, 2019.
Union are tied on 8 points with Orlando and Toronto in the East standings. Columbus leads with 10.
— Joe Tansey (@JTansey90) July 21, 2020
First Half:
The game started off fast for both teams and there were many goal scoring opportunities. In the 22nd minute, Union midfielder Brenden Aaronson took a knee to the back and received a free-kick. Aaronson seemed to be in much pain and even had to come off the field for a minute. Fortunately, he was able to return to the field in what could have been a big blow to the Union midfield. In the 29th minute who else other than Andre Blake came up big with a great save.
Dre Says ✋NAH🤚#DOOP | @andreblake29 | #PHIvORL 0 – 0 pic.twitter.com/QxS17Yv688
— PhilaUnion (@PhilaUnion) July 21, 2020
Close to the end of the first half, the Union had a great chance in front of the goal but Breden Aaronson missed the left. The first half ended 0-0 with great chances from both teams but neither was able to put one in the back of the net.
Second Half:
To start off the second half in. the 50th minute, Union goalkeeper Andre Blake stepped up big again.
🗣ANDRE BLAKE. BRICK WALL.#DOOP | @andreblake29 | #PHIvORL 0 – 0 pic.twitter.com/m8NfgZEeQB
— PhilaUnion (@PhilaUnion) July 21, 2020
In the 68th minute, the Union finally put one in the back of the net. Ilsinho had a great finish into the side netting after a nice assist from Alejandro Bedoya.
Skilsinho takes no time to get goin’ 🙌#DOOP | #PHIvORL 1 – 0 pic.twitter.com/jm1XbTqJHF
— PhilaUnion (@PhilaUnion) July 21, 2020
The Union was on top but it only took a few minutes for Orlando to equalize. In the 70th minute, Mauricio Pereyra had a beautiful header from a cross by Nani.
What a header. 🔥
Field-level views! #PHIvORL https://t.co/TLyp9zeltN pic.twitter.com/GMExbtaLai
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 21, 2020
The game ended in a draw 1-1 after 6 minutes of extra time. In extra time there was a controversial no-call. A blatant handball in the box from an Orlando defender was not called and no VAR was used. If called this would’ve been a PK and the Union could’ve won the game. Here’s a closer look a the handball from the Union’s own Twitter account.
🔍🔍🔍 pic.twitter.com/RHktOVsFCv
— PhilaUnion (@PhilaUnion) July 21, 2020
Both teams had chances to take the lead but no one could put one home. With the tie, Orlando takes first place in Group A and the Union finishes 2nd with 7 points.
Player of the Game
My player of the game for tonight has to be who else other than Andre Blake. I will never get tired of talking about how good he is and the Union is lucky to have him. Blake played a crucial role in avoiding a loss tonight, he continues to impress every game. Check out his full highlights from tonight.
This tweet needs no copy, but here you go:
🤯Andre🤯Blake🤯#DOOP
— PhilaUnion (@PhilaUnion) July 21, 2020
What’s next for the Union?
The Union plays Saturday at 10:30 p.m. ET against the 2nd place team from Group C. The 2nd place from Group C will be decided tomorrow.
Toronto FC vs New England Revolution, 9 am Est
Montreal Impact vs DC United, 10:30 pm Est
Can’t Watch on Saturday?
If you can’t watch, 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.
