Michael Bradley on the ball
Photo: Philadelphia Union
John Bancroft, Philadelphia Union Beat Writer
Photos by Diego Muya
“If it wasn’t for bad luck, I wouldn’t have no luck at all” Cream/Eric Clapton
This was a game where the Union had a chance to play for themselves, for their fans, and for pride. Unfortunately, things just didn’t play out way for the 1-6-3 Union.
With a little more than 5 minutes passing the first half Michael LaHoud was lost to a quad strain and was replaced by Richie Marquez making his first MLS start and facing USMNT and Toronto star Michael Bradley.
Bradley is always a handful and his movement and commitment in the game shows why he is highly regarded.
Edu makes a tackle
Photo: Philadelphia Union
Play moved up and down the field as both teams probed the others defenses to earn that always crucial first goal.
The Union back line and Jon McCarthy looked both good and bad. McCarthy had a few shaky moments before he settled down a bit and came up with big save in the 22nd minute.
Giovinco’s free kick won the match
Photo: Philadelphia Union
But it was Giovinco’s goal that was the difference.
Expertly taken from about 30 yards out, the Italian striker got it up and over the wall before it was sent past a diving John McCarthy. It was his fourth goal of the season and worthy of winning a match.
Toronto closed out the first half up one nil and controlled time of possession 65% to the Union’s paltry 35%. At that point, it would have been hard to make the case that parity is still live and kicking in MLS.
The second half opened with more back and forth and Toronto willing to be patient given the 1 goal lead.
Bradley played with patience in the midfield. As the game slides into the 66th minute. Connor Casey is substituted for Sheanon Williams. 3 minutes later Casey rips a shot on frame only to have it blocked and him getting dumped in the box for his effort.
The Union thought they found the equalizer in the 79th minute when Aristeguieta headed a ball past Toronto keeper Chris Konopka. However, the sideline official ruled it offside.
Maidana takes a set piece for Philly
Photo: Philadelphia Union
The Union pressed the attack hard to find the equalizer in 6 minutes of stoppage time. They crashed the box hard many times it looked like a rugby scrum.
But when it was all over the Union didn’t have the mettle that was needed to come out on top.
The Union’s next game away is against another Eastern Conference rival, away at Montreal. The Impact are the only side in MLS below Philly but have six games in hand due to their CCL run.Only one side has played as many games as the Union, Vancouver, and they have 11 more points.
Philly have conceded 18 goals. Their nearest adversary has lost just 12. Their goal difference at -8, is four worse than the next worst side.
May 9,2015. Game time 7:00PM
MATCH RECAP
Philadelphia Union 0, Toronto FC 1
PPL Park
Chester, Pa.
SCORING SUMMARY
TFC – Sebastian Giovinco 36’ HIGHLIGHT http://bit.ly/1OPDe9V
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY
TFC- Nick Hagglund 43´
PHI- Ray Gaddis 56´
UNION STARTING XI
John McCarthy, Ethan White, Maurice Edu (c), Sheanon Williams (Conor Casey 66´), Raymon Gaddis, Andrew Wenger (Sebastian Le Toux 54´), Eric Ayuk Mbu, Zach Pfeffer, Michael Lahoud (Richie Marquez 5´), Cristián Maidana, Fernando Aristeguieta.
Unused subs: Fabinho, Jimmy McLaughlin, Richie Marquez, Fred, Andre Blake.
TORONTO FC STARTING XI
Chris Konopka, Damien Perquis, Ashtone Morgan, Justin Morrow, Nich Hagglund, Micheal Bradley (c), Jackson (Warren Creavalle, 71´), Robbie Findley (Collen Warner, 76´), Benoit Cheyrou, Jozy Altidore, Sebastian Giovinco (Eriq Zavaleta 89´).
Unused subs: Quillan Roberts, Luke Moore, Daniel Lovitz, Jonathan Osorio.
OFFICIALS
Armando Vilarreal (referee), Corey Parker (assistant), Kyle Longville (assistant), Robert Sibiga (fourth).
ATTENDANCE
17,859
