The Philadelphia Union took the field tonight following a huge 3-0 Champions League Quarterfinal victory against Atlanta United. Back home at Subaru Park against NYFC, you would think the Union should have the advantage, but their recent home record has been worrisome. Ever since their brutal MLS playoff last year at home to the New England Revolution, the Union has lost two of their last three home games. It turns out the poor play at home continued tonight making it three losses out of their last four. 

NYFC came out firing, as they score in the 5th minute. Midfielder Jesus Medina scored his third goal of the season.

Things got ugly for Union only 15 minutes in with Jose Martinez receiving a red card for a dirty elbow shot to Valentin Castellanos. Just like that, the Union were down 1-0 and now down to 10 men. NYFC headed into halftime with the lead as the Union had to try and find a way to equalize down a man. Martinez will now serve a two-game suspension from all competitions.

The second half didn’t change for the Union as their sloppy play continued while having to play short-handed. In the 65th minute, NYFC struck again. Striker Valentin Castellanos scored his third goal of the season, putting NYFC up 2-0. 

The gamed ended 2-0, as the Union’s home struggles continue. Their next game is Tuesday in the second leg of the Champions League Quarterfinal against Atlanta United. This game is at home and the Union are currently up 3-0 vs Atlanta but we will have to see if they can improve their home play in another historic game for the club. 

Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Union