The Philadelphia Union took the field in Yankee Stadium on Sunday afternoon for their last game of the 2021 regular season. A win or draw would secure the Union second place and home-field advantage through the playoffs. NYCFC came into this game with a lot on the line sitting at 4th place in the Eastern Conference. This was the Starting XI for the Union.

First half

In the 21st minute, NYCFC’s Gedion Zelalem had horrendous studs up tackle that VAR reviewed. He was given a red card, and just like that, NYCFC was down to 10 men. 

Six minutes following the red card, the Union were able to take the lead. Kacper Przybylko found the back of the net off an assist from Leon Flach. Przybylko is now one goal away from second place in regular-season goals scored for the club. The Union entered the half with a 1-0 lead.

Second Half

It didn’t take long for NYCFC to score early in the second half, even down a man. In the 53rd minute, who else other than Valentin Castellanos found the back of the net. This was Castellanos’s 19th goal of the season. The score was now 1-1 with around 40 minutes left to play. 

Union goalie Andre Blake made some incredible saves to keep them tied until the final whistle. The Union ended their 2021 regular season with a draw. They have now secured second place in the Eastern Conference and look to make a title run back home in front of their fans. Their first opponent will be the rival New York Red Bulls, with the date and time yet to be determined.

Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Union