Philadelphia Union

Salary-cap issues & difference of opinion lead to Union's decision on Adu


WAYNE, Pa. – At some point during this past offseason, Philadelphia Union manager John Hackworth presented Freddy Adu with a clear-cut choice: renegotiate your pricey contract or don’t come back for the 2013 season.

Adu opted for the latter, thereby ending his rocky tenure with the Union after one-and-a-half years. The onetime MLS prodigy is now being shopped to other clubs around the world, according to Hackworth.

“Basically what happened was we presented Freddy with a couple of scenarios that we would feel comfortable with bringing him back,” the Union manager told a group of reporters following the team’s open training session Monday. “Freddy came back and said, ‘Hey I’m going to stick with my current situation and play under the current [contract].’ We made it very clear that was his choice and he has that option. He’s under contract with us. But if he made that choice, then he wasn’t going to be coming back as part of the team.”

While the financials were the driving force behind the divorce – “he’s on a long-term contract that makes it hard for a team in this league with salary cap restrictions,” Hackworth admitted – Adu’s role on the team was another reason why the marriage didn’t last.

Adu made it clear at many points last season that he was unhappy with playing on the wing and constantly being subbed out of the game in the second half. But Hackworth never budged and instead gave the keys of the car to Michael Farfan, who will likely continue to be the club’s top playmaking midfielder in 2013

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/01/21/salary-difference-opinion-lead-unions-decision-adu

 

Union expand on partnership
with Harrisburg City Islanders in MLS-USL Pro merger


Another step in improving soccer development in the United States was announced today as MLS announced a massive merger with the United Soccer Leagues’ Professional Division. The deal will see many MLS clubs field its reserves within USL Pro, giving those players more opportunities to get in real game scenarios.

With MLS ‘ old structure reserve players only saw 10 matches a year spaced out over a nine-month stretch. With this format, teams are housed within the USL Pro schedule providing the opportunity for more than double the matches in a competitive league that many MLS teams, like the Union use as a feeder system to the big show.

http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/ne...-harrisburg-city-islanders-mls-usl-pro-merger

 

Philadelphia Union reveal 2013 local television schedule and television talent

ESPN color man Alejandro Moreno joins Union broadcast team

“Local soccer fans can once again count on Comcast SportsNet and The Comcast Network to provide unparalleled Philadelphia Union coverage, with 20 high definition games and the return of the “State of the Union’ magazine show,” said Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia President Brian Monihan.

The Union’s weekly magazine show entitled “State of the Union,” which airs bi-weekly on Friday nights on The Comcast Network and Comcast SportsNet returns for its third season. Air times are scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on The Comcast Network and 11:30 p.m. on Comcast SportsNet.

http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/ne...cal-television-schedule-and-television-talent

 

2013 Depth Chart: Philadelphia Union

 

2013 PHILADELPHIA UNION TERTIARY JERSEY

 

Union Defeat Colorado Rapids 2-1

Philadelphia Union defeated the Colorado Rapids 2-1 Sunday afternoon in Denver behind goals from Amobi Okugo and Jack McInerney, with the club earning its first three points on the year. The teams played in front of over 15,000 fans at Dick's Sporting Goods Park a day later than originally scheduled, as the match was postponed due to blizzard conditions in Denver.

The Union got on the board first in the 34th minute as Okugo scored off of a corner kick, marking his first-ever goal in Major League Soccer and for the club. Forward Sebastien Le Toux found an awaiting Okugo back post in the 34th minute to put the Union ahead. The defender redirected the ball towards net after it got past Colorado goalkeeper Matt Pickens.

"It's feels good to score my first goal," said Okugo postgame. "I've been in the league for four years and to get a goal especially in an effort where the team gets a win - a hard fought win - it means a lot."

Colorado leveled the match in the 68th after forward Deshorn Brown found halftime substitute Jamie Smith just inside the box, who curled a shot to the far post of a frozen Zac MacMath.

But it was McInerney's tally in the 79th minute that put the Union ahead for good. Second-half substitute Antoine Hoppenot took a long ball from defender Jeff Parke, turned, and collided with Colorado's Hendry Thomas but managed to stay on his feet. Hoppenot then took off down the right side of the pitch and played a through ball into space for McInerney. It was then McInerney who slotted a low shot past Rapids keeper Matt Pickens.

With that, the Union head back to Philadelphia with three valuable road points.

"We knew coming here it was going to be extremely difficult," said Union manager John Hackworth. "We were going to have to drop our line and defend more than we normally do. I would say us going up a goal, we kind of sat back too much and gave them too much of the ball, [Colorado] tried to get the equalizer and did. But credit to our guys they fought hard and capitalized on a sequence there to get the win."

It was a game largely controlled by Colorado. First half stats alone showed that while shots were even apiece at four, the Union only held 37.2 percent of the possession, with that statistic barely rising in the second half (35.8 percent overall). However, a stingy Union defense spearheaded by Sheanon Williams and the shutdown play by center fullback Jeff Parke along with a substitution (Hoppenot) paid dividends down the stretch.

"We are a team that likes to push the game," said Hackworth. "We are a team that likes to press, but with being here for two days, sitting in the hotel, watching the storm dealing with the weather and the delays, it was going to be asking a lot to come in here and take this game to them."

The Union return to PPL Park on Saturday for a 5 p.m. matchup with New England Revolution on The Comcast Network. Tickets can be purchased at www.philadelphiaunion.com/tickets.

 

Union Win 1-0 Contest against New England Revolution at PPL Park

On a cold, wet night at PPL Park, the Philadelphia Union gritted out their first home win of the season behind a 76th minute game-winning goal from forward Jack McInerney as the club moved to 2-1-0 on the year.

McInerney scored his second goal in as many games and was the catalyst on a second consecutive win over New England at PPL Park. The Union improved to 5-0-3 all-time and McInerney notched his third game winning goal against the Revs.

"I don't know what it is with [the Revolution], but I know I get in good spots against them," said McInerney after the game. "They sit high up [on defense] and I like it because I can get balls played back in behind them in the box that amount to good goals."

It was a physical contest between these two unlike any seen against the Revs all-time. In all, referee Jose Carlos Rivero dished out four yellow cards - two apiece to each team in a match that saw 28 fouls in total.

"When you get weather like that, with the rain and the hail before the game, it kind of throws [traditional] soccer out of the window," said Union defender Sheanon Williams. "We tried as best as we could to get it down and play. Sometimes, that failed and that's when the battles happened. I think we stepped up well to the occasion today and we did what we needed to do."

There was a turning point towards the end of the match where the Union shifted momentum in their favor and pressed the Revs defense, finding gaps down the flanks into the box. Although the Union scored on a set piece, it was a constant flurry of scoring chances within the last 30 minutes of the match as Philadelphia pushed for a goal.

Both Keon Daniel and Michael Lahoud had one of the biggest chances to put the Union ahead in the 74th minute. Daniel created space took a shot that offered a rebound which he chased down and laid off to Lahoud. Lahoud danced around a couple of defenders at the top of the box, created space and hit a drive that forced Revs goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth to make a save which he tipped over the bar for a corner kick.

It was one of many plays in a late surge from the Union, one manager John Hackworth noted was more systematic than one might think.

"I think that when we moved Michael Farfan out wide left, he started out on the ball [New England] didn't have a great way to defend that," Hackworth said. "We just wanted to see if we could put [Antoine Hoppenot, who came in for Farfan in the 67th minute] in that situation. Now Antoine is going to stretch the defense with a lot of energy and a lot of pace and he did that. That allowed Jack McInerney to move out there and you are basically playing a 4-3-3 at that point and that opened the game."

Smart decisions now have the Union holding six points after three matches heading into a break from MLS play this week, thanks to a pair of FIFA international match dates. The Union host Mexican League club Pumas UNAM in an exhibition match next Saturday at 5 p.m. Then it's a return to MLS play on March 30 with a nationally televised match against New York at Red Bull Arena (3:30 p.m., NBC Sports Network).

 

Philadelphia Union Fall to New York 2-1 at Red Bull Arena

Philadelphia Union lost a 2-1 contest against the New York Red Bulls Saturday afternoon at Red Bull Arena, as New York forward Thierry Henry provided the game winner after forward Conor Casey had equalized for the Union in the 63rd minute.

"I don't think we did what we needed to do [to walk away with a point], but in the end it's still tough to swallow," said Union manager John Hackworth. "We're going to be attack-oriented. We're going to go for wins on the road. That's what we were trying to do. It's unfortunate that we fell behind before we made a couple changes there. It's a frustrating, frustrating loss."

After Dax McCarty scored for New York 10 minutes into the second half, Conor Casey equalized in the 63rd minute, just two minutes after entering the game for forward Sebastien Le Toux. Casey got on the end of a long throw in by Sheanon Williams and directed a header on frame and past New York goalkeeper Luis Robles.

Thierry Henry then provided the game winner in the 81st minute, giving New York its first win of the season and the Union their second loss of the 2013 campaign. In addition, the Union fell to 0-6 all-time at Red Bull Arena. However, Philadelphia still sits squarely in third place in the Eastern Conference standings, tied with Houston on six points (2-2-0, MLS; 3-2-0 overall).

It was a tale of two halves, as the Union kept the Red Bulls attack at bay on a few occasions in the first half. In the first half, the Red Bulls had seven attempts on goal, but zero were on target as thwarted chances from the Union defense coupled with New York inability to put a shot on frame killed their chances.

However, the second half saw a much different story as the Red Bulls found pockets in behind the defense and closed out with a goal from Henry in the 81st minute, taking a ball down in the box and slotting it past Zac MacMath to the far post.

"He found himself free behind our two center backs, trapped it with his thigh and just turned and hit it," said MacMath, postgame of Henry. "It's tough because all the guys that played today were tough and put a lot of fight into it. To give up a goal like that and to go down like that late is very tough on the whole mentality of the team."

The Union are on the road again next weekend as the club travels to Columbus, Ohio for an Eastern Conference matchup against Columbus Crew at Crew Stadium, scheduled to kick off at 5:00 p.m. ET on Live Well Network and Univision Deportes.

 

Union Earn 1-1 Draw against Columbus Crew Behind Goal from McInerney

Philadelphia Union played Columbus Crew to a 1-1 draw on Saturday afternoon behind a first-half goal from forward Jack McInerney, giving the club its first-ever point in Crew Stadium.

A 34th minute goal from McInerney gave the Union a 1-0 lead going into the break, but a strike from Dominic Oduro in the 72nd minute leveled the game at one apiece. The draw gives the Union seven points on the year as the club moved to 2-2-1.

"From all the games I've seen, and I've seen a lot of them obviously, I think (Columbus) is one of the best teams in the league right now," Team Manager John Hackworth said. "So to come into Columbus - in this stadium where we've never gotten a point - to get our first point and do it against one of the best teams in the league, you've got to walk away thinking it's a result."

Philadelphia started the game bright, creating several scoring opportunities to open the game. In the 7th minute, forward Conor Casey played a ball through to midfielder Gabriel Farfan on the left side, who tried to curl a shot to the far post, but his effort went wide. Danny Cruz also got behind the defense in the 12th minute, but his attempted shot went high and wide as the midfielder didn't get a clean hit on the ball.

After a continued attack on the Columbus back line, the Union capitalized in the 34th minute of play as Casey flicked a ball behind the Crew defense to Cruz, who went in on goal. With just Crew goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum to beat, Cruz played the ball across the face of the net with his first touch, allowing McInerney to tap it home for the score, marking his third goal in the previous four games.

Following the Union goal, the Crew applied some pressure to the Union defense, but was unable to find the back of the net before the half. Columbus almost went level just four minutes after the Union took the lead, as Dominic Oduro fired a shot inside the 18 that went just high after creating space behind the Union defense.

While Philadelphia opened the first half with several scoring opportunities, it was Columbus that applied pressure to start the second half, and eventually broke through in the 72nd minute on a goal from Oduro.

In front of Zac MacMath and the Union defense, Eddie Gaven played a ball from the top of the 18 to Oduro on the right side, as the forward got behind the Union final line of defense. Oduro gained possession and fired a shot in the upper corner of the near post, leveling Columbus 1-1.

The Union created chances to score in the final 20 minutes with substitutions Antoine Hoppenot and Michael Lahoud both coming close to giving the Union a victory, but were unable to find the final touch to put them ahead.

"It's one of those crazy games. I thought we were a much better team in the first half and should have had multiple goals," Hackworth said. "In the second half, they were really good and the tide turned on us and it was frustrating to give one up. I thought we were going to steal one there in the end because we had a couple of really good looks, but it wasn't meant to be."

With four points earned on the road this year, the Union now return home to PPL Park next week as the club faces Toronto FC on April 13, a 4 p.m. ET game on 6abc.

 

Philadelphia Union Come Back to Earn 1-1 Draw against Toronto FC

Philadelphia Union fought back to earn a 1-1 draw with Toronto FC Saturday afternoon, as forward Jack McInerney provided the equalizer in the 93rd minute of a physical, hard-fought battle between the two Eastern Conference sides.

With over 20 fouls - eight which were yellow card cautions - one ejection and numerous stoppages of play for injuries, the match saw plenty of physical play. Toronto FC goalkeeper Joe Bendik also put in a strong effort, making nine total saves, with six coming in the second half.

"Our thought going into this is that we needed to dictate the possession, the tempo and the rhythm of the game and the stat sheet says we did," said Union Team Manager John Hackworth after the match. "But in reality, it was such a weird game you couldn't get any rhythm going in it. It was very frustrating."

A constant wave of attack on Toronto keeper Joe Bendik finally paid off in second half stoppage time when a shot from Conor Casey was deflected and rolled right to the feet of fellow striker McInerney, who scored his fourth of the season with a well-placed ball back post.

McInerney's goal nullified a goal from Toronto forward Robert Earnshaw, who ran in behind a confused Union defense and slotted home past Zac MacMath in the 71st minute.

"They played the ball over the top and I think [our defense] thought they were offsides," admitted Union keeper Zac MacMath. "It's becoming way too much of a theme where we aren't giving up many shots, but teams are still scoring goals and that's frustrating for me personally. Now it's something we need to reflect on and try to figure out [how to correct it]."

In front of 17,182 in attendance at PPL Park, the Union improve to 2-2-2 on the year with seven points.

"I think we do a good job of getting a point and working real hard," said midfielder Danny Cruz. "Keep in mind we had a goal called back [a disallowed McInerney goal attempt in the 88th minute] that could have made it two, but credit to our guys to battling back and getting a late one and a point. By no means are we happy about this, but I think there are good things to take from it, as well."

The Union prepare for an Eastern Conference clash against rivals D.C. United next Saturday (5 p.m., ESPN2) at RFK Stadium. It's a game soon after this one against Toronto ended, many of the players already had on their mind.

"It's a huge game and I think it comes at the right time because we've been playing well on the road," said Cruz. "We played well against Colorado, we hit a bump against New York and we played very well against Columbus. It's a game we are already talking about and we are already looking forward to next Sunday."

 

Jack McInerney Named MLS Player of the Week



Philadelphia Union forward Jack McInerney has been named Major League Soccer Player of the Week by the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) for Week 8 of the 2013 MLS season. McInerney scored twice in the first half of a 3-2 victory over D.C. United on Sunday, marking the first two-goal performance of his MLS career. After scoring in three straight games, the 20-year-old striker now leads the league with six on the year, making him the youngest player ever to hold the outright lead in goals in MLS. McInerney also leads the league in game-winning goals with three on the year.

McInerney opened the scoring on Sunday after he collected a ball in space and muscled himself past two D.C. United defenders to put the Union ahead in just the seventh minute of play. McInerney would net his second of the match in the 26th, pouncing on a loose ball in the box from a long throw-in from defender Sheanon Williams.

The MLS Player of the Week is selected each week of the regular season by a panel of journalists from NASR. The group consists of members of print, television, radio and online media. More information and membership information can be found at www.soccerreporters.com.

The Union (3-2-2, 11 points) travel north to face the New England Revolution on Saturday at Gillette Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET on The Comcast Network.

 

Philadelphia Union Fall 2-0 to New England Revolution

Philadelphia Union (3-3-2) fell 2-0 to the New England Revolution (2-3-2) Saturday night at Gillette Stadium as second-half goals from Diego ***undez and Lee Nguyen propelled the Revolution their second win of the season.

"That was not reflective of the kind of game we are capable of playing. And it was probably our worst performance on the year so far," Team Manager John Hackworth said following the match. "In a lot of ways, it's frustrating because we've been playing consistent and at least the way we tried to plan tonight - it just wasn't the same."

Hackworth started the same lineup that fueled a 3-2 win over D.C. United the week before, but on this night, the Union were unable to capitalize on chances and they dropped a result to New England for the first time in club history.

"Disappointing," said Union defender Jeff Parke. "They are a decent team but we made them look a lot better than they were. We gave chances and they punished us, so it's a game we felt we should've gotten at least a result and it's one we go home with zero points...and that's just disappointing."

Both goals for New England arrived in the second half, starting in the 61st minute when Diego ***undez scored his first of the season for New England, finishing off a slotted ball from midfielder Kelyn Rowe. The Revolution struck again in the 72nd when Lee Nguyen finished off a play he started, sending a ball in the box for forward Saer Sene, who had his initial shot stalled by Union keeper Zac MacMath. However, the deflection fell to the feet of Nguyen, who continued his run into the box and had a wide open look on goal, which he pounded past MacMath.

The game marked the first multi-goal match of the season for the Revolution, which improved to 2-3-2 (8 points) in MLS play as the Union fell to 3-2-3 (11 points) on the year.

"I thought there were a lot of things we could have done better...it just wasn't our night offensively or defensively, having possession of the ball and making plays that we generally make. It just wasn't there tonight," said Union captain Brian Carroll.

The Union did show flashes of brilliance, perhaps one of the biggest plays in the 40th minute, when midfielder Danny Cruz flashed down the right flank and served a ball in that was flicked on by Jack McInerney and fell to midfielder Michael Farfan. Farfan made a move to create space, but his shot was tipped away by Revolution goalkeeper Bobby Shuttlesworth, one of his four saves.

In the 83rd, McInerney found himself on fast break after an attempted header back between a pair of Revolution defenders went awry, but his shot in the box was also stymied by Shuttlesworth.

"We had chances and we didn't take advantage of them," said Hackworth. "Shuttlesworth makes a few good saves as well and keeps them in the game and then I thought we came out in the second half and were actually playing much better, we had numbers forward...but [this kind] of play is not reflective of our team."

The Union will look to shake this game off and prepare for a return to PPL Park for a match next Saturday (4 p.m., 6abc) against the Seattle Sounders.

"It's a long year. It's a disappointing result, but it's a long year, said Carroll. "We have to move on and be better in the next one - plain and simple."

 

Philadelphia Union Draw 2-2 with Seattle Sounders

Philadelphia Union (3-3-3) earned a 2-2 draw with the Seattle Sounders (1-3-3) Saturday afternoon behind two second-half goals from midfielder Danny Cruz in front of 18,344 spectators at PPL Park.

"In the first half, we put a lot of balls in the box, but the execution was really poor," said Union manager John Hackworth. "And I said to the guys [at the half] that there is nothing I can give you as a coach to execute a skill you are already good at, but I can get you to play harder and you have to just keep going. It was important for us to keep our foot on the gas and believe it."

After Eddie Johnson put the Sounders ahead in the first half, Cruz evened the score 1-1 in the 50th minute, smashing a shot far of Sounders goalkeeper Michael Gspurning that fell to him after a Conor Casey header hit the post. Cruz crushed the rebound for his first of the year. A minute later, Cruz put the Union ahead, 2-1 pouncing on a weak clearance by Seattle and earning the brace.

"At the end of the day, I wanted a win. I think that's first and foremost and most important," Cruz said postgame. "I am happy with a result at home and credit to Seattle. They are good team. As far as the goals, I am ecstatic just to be able to contribute and that the coaches had faith in me and I was just happy to see the ball go back in the net both times."

In the 64th minute, Seattle midfielder Mauro Rosales ensured Seattle would earn a point, slotting a left-footed shot past Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath. It marked the second time in three tries that Seattle (1-3-3, six points) would draw at PPL Park.

For the Union, the team improved to 3-3-3 (12 points) in a match that saw referee Jorge Gonzalez go into his pocket six times, three for red cards, including one that finds defender Sheanon Williams missing the next match after getting into a confrontation with Seattle's Lamar Neagle, who was also sent off.

The Union are on the road again next week for an Eastern Conference matchup against the Chicago Fire at Toyota Park, a 1:30 p.m. ET kickoff broadcast on The NBC Sports Network.

 

Philadelphia Union Earn 1-0 Victory against Chicago Fire

Philadelphia Union (4-3-3) defeated the Chicago Fire (2-6-1) 1-0 Saturday afternoon as a goal from Jack McInerney, his seventh of the year, and a shutout from goalkeeper Zac MacMath gave the Union three points on a windy day at Toyota Park.

"It was a tough game in a lot of ways and the wind is always something that affects a soccer game more than anything," said Union manager John Hackworth. "It was hard to play, especially in that first half, we just felt like we were pinned in. Second half, we didn't play our best soccer but we found a way to win, and that's huge."

Behind a defense featuring two new starters in Bakary Soumare and Gabriel Farfan, goalkeeper Zac MacMath put in a strong performance, enforcing himself as the true last line of defense. As a result, that the Union have now captured 10 of their total points in matches away from PPL Park.

Off a restart, second half substitute Sebastien Le Toux floated a ball to the feet of McInerney, who took a smart touch and hit a shot on goal in which a deflection from the Fire ensured the ball would find the back of the net.

Postgame, however, McInerney didn't open with the comments of him scoring now his team-high seventh goal of the season but instead gave all praise to the play of his goalkeeper.

"It was an unbelievable game. In fact, I think that it was [MacMath's] best game of the season by far," McInerney began. "He definitely kept us in the game in the first half and that was the goal, to get through [the first half] 0-0. It was just an unbelievable game and I doubt we even come away with a tie if it wasn't for him."

Statistically, the numbers will show that Chicago generated more chances, held edge in possession and tried to dictate the pace for much of the match. But MacMath kept the Union in the game with six saves, showing on this day why he's the obvious choice as net minder for Hackworth and the Union technical staff.

"Every game you know you are going to have to make saves to keep your team in it, especially on the road when you are trying to get the shutout," said MacMath postgame. "We have to do the same things going forward that we did today, which was fighting, having heart even when things aren't pretty. The guys stayed together. We didn't quit and as a result we got the three points."

It's short rest for the Union, who welcome the defending MLS champion Los Angeles Galaxy to PPL Park on Wednesday (7:30 p.m., Comcast SportsNet), then it's another match with the Fire on Saturday, May 18 (7:30 p.m., The Comcast Network ) where Hackworth noted some reshuffling could certainly occur.

"We'll have to mix it up because we have LA on Wednesday night," Hackworth said. "We have a lot of depth on our roster, so I am sure we are going to have to go into it deep."

 

Philadelphia Union Defeat Chicago Fire 1-0 at PPL Park

Philadelphia Union (5-4-3) earned a 1-0 victory against the Chicago Fire (2-7-1) Saturday night at PPL Park behind a third-minute goal from forward Jack McInerney on an assist from fellow forward Sebastien Le Toux.

"I think Chicago is a much better team than their record shows and credit to them," said Hackworth. "They certainly tried to come in and put us under a ton of pressure and their ball movement was dangerous, so for us to have to deal with that for 90 plus minutes and grab this win says lot about our guys."

Union forward Jack McInerney headed a perfect inswinger from Sebastien Le Toux past Chicago goalkeeper Sean Johnson in the third minute of play. McInerney's goal was his eighth of the MLS regular season and the assist from Le Toux marked his fourth, both of which are league highs.

Chicago was forced to deal with a Union contingent that created a ton of chances. Much of the play in this match came from the midfield play from Kleberson, paired with Michael Farfan who pinched in from a right midfield role to support, and from the tireless efforts of Brian Carroll.

"He's got such good feet and great vision that he draws some attention from the [opposing] defense," Carroll said of Kleberson postgame. "It helps our outside midfielders and forwards going into the attack and allows me to focus on solidifying us defensively. It gives me an extra second or two as well to find him or find someone else to switch the play [on the field]. We are happy to have someone of his caliber on the team."

Danny Cruz, customarily on the right flank, was switched to the left and was tireless on attack, creating chances inside the 18-yard-box. He spoke on the team effort that allowed the Union (5-4-3, 18 points) to come away with a strong win at PPL Park.

"It's no secret when we played [Chicago at Toyota Park], we got outplayed, but I always say good teams find a way to win and we did," said Cruz. "And tonight they came out a bit more physical, but credit to us. I think we stayed together as a unit and it was a good group effort. Our back line played well, a lot of good running from our guys in the midfield and I'd like to point out Sebastien Le Toux, who was phenomenal today. He was outstanding all the way around."

In their three-game, eight day stretch, the Union captured six of nine possible points, earning those points both home and on the road. The Union now enjoy a few days off before it's next match, Saturday at Stade Saputo against the Montreal Impact (7:00 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet), followed by third round U.S. Open Cup action against either the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on the road or the Ocean City Nor'Easters at PPL Park, with either set for a 7 p.m. kick on May 28.

"It was a wild week, but two wins in one week is solid," said Carroll. "It was lopsided result midweek, but the guys picked themselves up and responded. Anytime you can beat a team in one week you take a lot of pride in that."

 

Philadelphia Union Fall to Montreal Impact at Stade Saputo

Philadelphia Union (5-5-3) fell to the Montreal Impact (7-2-2), 5-3 Saturday night at Stade Saputo as goals from Jack McInerney, Antoine Hoppenot and Sebastien Le Toux weren't enough to complete a comeback performance against their Eastern Conference counterpart.

"We tried to come back and get ourselves in the game and we certainly did that," said Union manager John Hackworth. "Then [the match] turns and the momentum should go in our favor and we really mismanaged parts of the game."

Goals from DiVaio in the second, 28th and 32nd minute, coupled with tallies from Andrew Wenger (74th) and a clincher in stoppage time from Blake Smith provided the Impact with enough in an eight-goal perfomance between the two sides.

A comeback looked very likely after second-half substitute Hoppenot scored in the 69th and a blistering left footed shot from Le Toux, brought the Union within one goal in the 85th minute.

This one was a fast paced, physical match played in a steady downpour. The Union was efficient in their chances on goal, as just four chances on frame and netted three goals. Additionally, though there were gaps in the Union defense on a few occasions, the offensive outburst showed promise going forward into a long season, specifically to McInerney, who pointed that out as a bright spot after the match.

"It's good for our confidence; losing certainly isn't, but being able to put chances in the back of the net is good because you need goals to win games," said McInerney. "Getting goals on the road is a good sign, but when we give up so many chances in the back like we did tonight we are not going to get the results. So now it's about going back to work and locking that down."

Hoppenot, who scored his first of the season on a long ball into the box that found the far post of Montreal goalkeeper Troy Perkins, echoed McInerney's sentiments.

"Two times we came back from two goals down and I think that shows a lot of resolve and that our team is always ready to fight," said Hoppenot. "At the end of the day, we didn't get the three points, but I think this shows that if we are goals down we can fight back and I am confident that will find us getting points and that it'll only help us towards the end of the year."

The Union fly back to Pennsylvania Sunday afternoon and will have to prepare for first round U.S. Open Cup play against the Ocean City Nor'Easters of USL PDL on Tuesday at PPL Park (7:30 p.m.). After that, the team returns to Canada on Saturday for an Eastern Conference clash against Toronto (6 p.m. ET, The Comcast Network).

"You can't let this one linger for too long. We still have a lot of games left," said McInerney. "Obviously, we have a game on Tuesday and a big game next Saturday on the road, so it's time to regroup - and I think we'll be okay. We'll recover."

 

Philadelphia Union Battle Back to Earn Road Draw against Toronto FC

Philadelphia Union (5-5-4, 19 points) came back from a one-goal deficit Saturday evening to earn a 1-1 draw on the road against Eastern Conference foe Toronto FC. The club returns to PPL Park for another huge matchup against Columbus Crew Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., broadcast on Comcast SportsNet.

"I think I would start by paying Toronto a compliment because they were really good to start the game. They are such a different team than the team we played earlier in the season and they are playing differently, too," said Team Manager John Hackworth. "Full credit to our guys who fought back and even though it wasn't pretty, it was effective. But to get one back here like we did today, it's good for us."

In stoppage time, Jack McInerney took the lone opportunity he had all game and buried a low driven ball past Toronto goalkeeper Joe Bendik. The goal nullified one in the 65th minute from Toronto FC Academy product Jonathan Osorio, who broke past a Union defender and placed a header past Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath.

McInerney scored his 10th of the season, solidifying his position as leader for the most goals in Major League Soccer. Even better, McInerney now has 22 goals in 74 matches played for the Union and the count is still out on just how many have come via last second thrillers.

"Every single game, he just finds a way to get on the board," Hackworth said of McInerney, the reigning MLS Player of the Month, recently added to the provisional roster for the U.S. men's national team ahead of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. "We didn't play our best soccer and I don't think Jack was in the best form early in the game and he was getting frustrated...but he kept his nose down and waited for his opportunity and he just continues to score."

The match is one that has encompassed three games in an eight day period for the past two weeks for the Union. This week doesn't get any easier as the club will face the Columbus Crew Wednesday at PPL Park, who sit just below the Union in the Eastern Conference standings. The team will stay active during the international break, as well, with matches against USL-PDL affiliate Reading on June 7 (7 p.m.), a U.S. Open Cup fourth round match against D.C. United on June 12 (7:30 p.m.), and a meeting with USL affiliate Harrisburg on June 18 (7:30 p.m.).

The Union will then return to MLS play on June 23 with a home match against the New York Red Bulls at PPL Park (5 p.m., ESPN)

"They threw everything they could at us early and we certainly weathered a big storm there in the first half," said Hackworth. "This was a really important result for our club to come here and get a point on the road, especially through a tough stretch where we have played so many games in such a short amount of time."

 

Carroll Leads Union Past Crew 3-0

Brian Carroll scored one goal and added an assist, Sebastien Le Toux had two assists, and the Philadelphia Union cruised past the Columbus Crew 3-0 Wednesday night.

 

Philadelphia Union 3, New York Red Bulls 0


CHESTER, Pa. – For the first time in 26 months, the Philadelphia Union have beaten the New York Red Bulls.

Conor Casey made sure of that.

Led by a pair of goals from Casey, the Union (7-5-4, 25pts) picked up a 3-0 win over their New York rivals Sunday at PPL Park, moving into a second-place tie with the Red Bulls (7-6-4, 25pts) in the Eastern Conference with a game in hand.

Before Sunday, the Red Bulls, who played nearly 60 minutes with 10 men after an ejection to Lloyd Sam, were riding a five-game winning streak against the Union, who are now 3-6-0 all-time against New York.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-06-23-PHI-v-NY/recap

 

Philadelphia Union Earn 2-2 Draw with FC Dallas at PPL Park

Philadelphia Union (7-5-5, 26 points) played Western Conference side FC Dallas (8-3-6, 30 points) to a 2-2 draw at PPL Park Saturday evening, as a last-minute goal from Blas Perez equaled the score after goals from defender Amobi Okugo and forward Aaron Wheeler had put the Union ahead.

Aaron Wheeler got his head on a cross into the box from Sheanon Williams to put the Union ahead, 2-1 in the 87th minute, against a 10-man Dallas side looking to escape Chester with a point. But what looked imminent to be a scintillating finish for the Union turned into heartbreak as a header from Perez forced Philadelphia to settle for a 2-2 tie against FC Dallas at PPL Park.

It was a late Union foul that sparked the Dallas equalizer, as a free kick into the box eluded the grasp of goalkeeper Zac MacMath. FC Dallas midfielder David Ferreira then flicked the ball towards the head of Perez, who put it into the net.

"This reminds me of games last year against [D.C. United] where we dominated and dominated and next thing you know they get a late goal," said defender Amobi Okugo. "The positive from this is that we didn't lose it, but you hate to let any team get a point in your house, especially like that."

It was the Union that struck first in the 20th minute off a header from Okugo in the box for his third goal of the season. Once again, a long throw-in from Williams proved the perfect remedy, as he picked up his sixth assist of the season, his fourth by way of his booming restarts. Moments later, Dallas' Walker Zimmerman quieted the crowd with a goal, equalizing from a Michel free kick in the 24th minute.

Williams was also the hero in second half stoppage time, as he cleared an FC Dallas shot off the line to preserve the Union's lead.

"Our lines were tight and we stuck with our people but we either didn't control [the pace of play] when we needed or control the first or second pass," said Union captain Brian Carroll. "We needed to see this game out a little better, we have been good at doing those things...it's something we just didn't clean up and take care of. It feels like we let two [points] slip away."

With the departure of midfielder Keon Daniel (Trinidad and Tobago) and Jack McInerney (United States) for international duty in July's CONCACAF Gold Cup, the Union will look to dig deep and keep the form that has made them one of the League's hottest clubs in matches against Real Salt Lake in Sandy, Utah on July 3 (10 p.m., The Comcast Network) and again versus the Houston Dynamo (9 p.m., TCN) on July 6 before a return home to face Chivas USA on July 12 (7:30 p.m., TCN).

"The thing we need to do now is not let this one hang over our heads," said Carroll. "We can't let this one affect how we play in our next game... because we all know we just gave [two points] away - and that can't happen."