Chester, PA
August 18, 2021
Faced with one of the MLS East’s better teams, the Philadelphia Union nabbed three points from NYCFC with a score of 1-0.
Once again, Philadelphia did not dominate possession (41% to 59% for NYCFC). But, the team did take advantage of a picture-perfect pass from Kai Wagner just beyond Sergio Santos directed to the cutting Alejandro Bedoya at the 67th minute. Bedoya headed the ball into the left corner, well past NYCFC’s keeper Sean Johnson (see below photograph). The Union held onto that 1-0 score until the end of stoppage time.
NYCFC had plenty of chances, including one early in the first half that bounced off of the goal’s upright. Overall, NYCFC had 15 shots, but only 2 were on goal. Philadelphia, on the other hand, looked rested following the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League game against Club America.
Philadelphia’s Daniel Gazdag threading the needle between NYCFC’s Alexander Callens and Nicolas Acevedo.
Martinez had a very good game, here disengaging the ball from NYCFC’s James Sands.
Santos sparked the Union offense, using his patented footspeed, seen here with NYCFC’s Malte Amundsen.
Philadelphia’s Jakob Glesnes defending NYCFC’s Santiago Santos.
NYCFC’s Callens all alone with the ball.
The Union’s Alejandro Bedoya leaping for the header.
Santos and Cullens working their heads.
The Union’s Martinez getting clipped by NYCFC’s Valentin Castellanos, pulling the foul.
Philadelphia’s Bedoya headed the perfect pass from Kai Wagner in and to the left of keeper Sean Johnson.
Philadelphia’s Leon Flach dogging NYC’s Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, with Wagner looking on.
Flach has a knack for getting his foot between the ball and NYCFC’s Andres Jasson.
It was good to see the Union’s Jamiro Monteiro back on the field, seen here clinging onto NYCFC’s Keaton Parks.
Philadelphia’s Wagner holding back NYCFC’s Talles Magno Magno, while the sideline judge watches on.
After 4 minutes of stoppage time, NYCFC voiced its collective view that the final whistle was too early – and perhaps other grievances.
Philadelphia Union
