Things weren’t easy but would the Philadelphia Union have it any other way? After giving up two late goals the Union avoided the upset in the 2016 U.S. Open Cup against the Harrisburg City Islanders thanks to a last-minute goal from midfielder Roland Alberg.
Forward Walter Restrepo opened the scoring for the Union in just the third minute. With Union coach Jim Curtin using a 4-2-3-1 Restrepo was able to find space early, hitting a low shot past Islanders goalkeeper Nick Noble.
Alberg would score the first of his two goals just before halftime. The Dutch midfielder would make an uncontested run down the right flank and finish off a setter in by forward Fabian Herbers. The goal was Alberg’s first as a Union player.
In the second half, the Islanders would find life late thanks to substitutes Craig Foster and forward Cardel Benbow. Benbow would help set up Foster in the 79th minute to cut the Union’s lead in half. A late goal from midfielder Bobby Warshaw would tie the game late, sending shockwaves across PPL Park in Chester, Pennsylvania.
Warshaw’s goal came after Islanders midfielder Jose Baril was ejected from the match due to a dangerous challenge. Baril’s challenge underscored a very physical second half which saw four cards and 16 fouls committed by both sides.
But the Union would save their best for last when in the third minute of stoppage time Alberg’s free kick would go beyond the outstretched arms of Noble and give the Union the final victory.
With the victory, the Union move on to the round of 16 in the U.S. Open Cup. They will return to Major League Soccer league play on Saturday night when they travel to Yankee Stadium to face New York City Football Club.
MATCH SUMMARY
Philadelphia Union- John McCarthy, Raymond Gaddis, Richie Marquez, Ken Tribbett, Fabinho, Ilsinho (Leo Fernandes 63′), Roland Alberg, Warren Creavalle, Vincent Nogueira (Brian Carroll 73′), and Fabian Herbers (Sebastian Le Toux 78′)
Goals- Restrepo (3′) and Alberg (45′ and 90+3′)
Yellow Cards- Marquez (28′) and Creavalle (33′)
Harrisburg City Islanders- Nick Noble, Shawn McLaws, Liam Doyle, Shane Johnson, Danny DiPrima (Craig Foster 69′), Paul Wilson, Jose Baril, Bobby Warshaw, Aaron Wheeler, James Thomas, and Matthew Bolduc (Cardel Benbow 69′)
Goals- Foster (79′) and Warshaw (90’+1′)
Yellow Cards- Benbow (82′) and Johnson (84′)
Red Card- Baril (89′)
Philadelphia Union
US Open Cup
