Reunions very rarely live up to expectations. Their is always that promise of recapturing the magic of what made a partnership, a project, or a time unique but more often than not things just do not sync up like they used. If matchday one of the return of the Fabian Espindola-Alvaro Saborio partnership is any indication it would appear that D.C. United have found the exception to the rule. Despite falling behind two goals early, United rallied thanks to the former Real Salt Lake duo to win at RFK Stadium by the score of 3-2.
Philadelphia would take the lead early thanks to goals by forward C.J. Sapong (0.24′)and midfielder Sebastian Le Toux (4′). But United would counter late in the first hald and throughout the second half thanks to goals be Saborio (37′,) midfielder Nick De Leon (66′,) and Espindola (79′). The win snaps United’s 3 game winless streak and evens the season series with the Union at 2-2.
Despite coming out of Sundays’s match with the desired result, things did not start off so easy for United. Twenty-four seconds match the leaders of the Eastern Conference found themselves down a goal. Sapong retrieved a pass from Le Toux and shook off United right-back Chris to give Philadelphia the very early 1-0 advantage. The goal was Sapong’s seventh on the season and his fifth goal in ten games.
For D.C. could even catch their breath, Philadelphia would strike again. Although Le Toux’s shot from the left flank was low and lacking velocity, a Sapong dummy move threw off United goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra whose diving effort was not enough. The goal was Le Toux’s third of the season.
Down two goals and facing a hot and hostile supporters section, United tried to ignite their attack. A left-footed shot by Espindola in the 23rd minute looked promising but went wide fo the Union goal. Led by center-back Maurice Edu the Union defense was effective throwing off the rhythm of D.C’s passing. With Edu and defensive Brian Carroll applying consistent pressure, United’s passes were often choppy and either arriving at their targets too quickly or too slowly.
But D.C. adjusted to Philadelphia’s defensive style by using crosses and in-swingers to open the match up. That change in philosophy paid off shortly before half-time when a cross by Korb into the Union box would find Saborio. His strike would narrow the gap to 2-1 and give him his fourth goal of the season and first with United.
Into the second half United would continue to apply pressure to the Union defense through the peripheries of the pitch. In the 62nd minute De Leon nearly found the equalizer thanks to a cross by Espindola. Due to catching the ball with his back to goal, De Leon was forced to take an off-balance shot that would go wide.
He was much more fortunate with his second opportunity, finishing off a rebound off of a shot by Espindola. Union goalkeeper Brian Silvestre made the initial save, but could not retain possession. The goal was De Leon’s first of the season and first goal since a July 5th goal against Toronto F.C. in 2014.
The Union nearly regained the lead in the 77th minute when Sapong slipped in between United center-backs Bobby Boswell and Steve Birnbaum. But his shot hit the cross-bar and was ultimately cleared away. Sapong continued to be a nuisance all throughout the second half using his strength to force United to make difficult challenges and put themselves in compromising positions.
Despite Sapong’s best efforts the second half belonged to the United attack. They would eventually find the game-winner in the 78th minute when Espindola would head home his third goal of the season. Although the cross by Korb set up the game-winning goal it was Saborio’s presence that forced Edu and fellow Union center-back Ethan White to cover him. That left often a small space in Philadelphia’s defense for Espindola to expose.
With the victory, D.C. United (11-7-5, 35 points) to seven points over second-place Columbus Crew SC. They will host Real Salt Lake next Saturday at 7pm EST.
The Union meanwhile still find themselves on the outside looking in for an MLS Eastern Conference playoff spot. With the loss (6-12-4, 22 points) they are unable to overtake Orlando City SC. They will play host to another Atlantic Cup rival, the New York Red Bulls, on Saturday at 7pm EST.
