Philadelphia Union 1 – 2 New York City FC
Struggling expansion team NYCFC registered its first win on the road, and second win in the short-and-bleak club’s history over Philadelphia Union that are also on a recent road to recovery from a terrible start to the MLS 2015 season. Overall, it was good match of two sides that were in impressive form and came determined to win.
June 7, 201
This game was the 3rd and last game this MLS season of the two teams meeting, with hosts Philadelphia Union coming into the game ranked 7 in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference (4-8-3), having played 15 games this season, and scoring 17 goals. Union have started to improve after a troubled start this season, and have won 3 of their last 4 games.
Visitors New York City Football Club come into this game from the bottom of the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference (1-7-5), with an 11-game winless streak, having played 13 games and scored 10 goals.
In the two previous meetings between these sides, Philadelphia won over New York 2-1 at home, and the two sides tied 1-1 in New York to follow.
NYCFC’s Coach Jason Kreis presented a defensive, 4-4-2 formation, with Forwards David Villa and Adam Nemec at the left and right front respectively. As Mix Diskerud is on national duty, Midfielder Thomas McNamara starting his first game with NYCFC. He is playing the left wing and should be an interesting one to watch.
Union’s Coach Jim Curtin came up with a 4-2-3-1 diamond formation and more condensed midfield, with the aim of the midfield supporting and creating opportunities for attacking Forward C.J Sapong to finish off. Philadelphia seems to be having trouble with conceding too many goals this season, and thus playing tonight with Keeper Brian Sylvestre – its 3rd goalkeeper this season.
The Match starting with both sides looking strong and building momentum, although NYCFC appeared to be slightly on top in dictating the game’s tempo. Chances were created on both sides, with a face-paced and dynamic match (possession almost equal throughout the match, with a slight advantage to New York, and a total of 12 shots for each side throughout the night), the first half was goalless.
A setback to NYCFC right at the start of the second half, when Philadelphia’s C.J Sapong receives a corner kick to the penalty-kick point, and takes advantage of New York’s confused defence to score a goal from the centre of the box into the left (46’).
Philadelphia 1 – 0 New York
NYCFC came back with an answer not long after, with an assist by Kwadwo Poku, Thomas McNamara receives a ball and with a beautiful arch kick, scores into the upper corner. A good debut for both players with New York, McNamara’s 1st goal with the club and 2nd overall.
Philadelphia 1 – 1 New York
As the match was approaching full time, and it seemed as if both sides will part ways with yet another tie, NYCFC’s Forward Patrick Mullins, who only came on to play on 78’, receives a throw-in from the sideline by Jeb Brovsky, steps into the right-upper corner of the box and scores the winning goal for New York (87’).
Philadelphia 1 – 2 New York.
Both sides were nearly even tonight in terms of possession, shots and creating chances. However NYCFC had the slightly upper hand, which made all the difference. A very impressive game from New York keeper Josh Sounders, who made a total of 6 saves this match, vs. 3 for Union’s Sylvestre.
