Photo courtesy of The Philadelphia Union
Behind first half goals from Indiana Vassilev and Bruno Damiani, the Union extended their unbeaten streak vs. Red Bull to fifteen matches in all competitions – holding New York scoreless.
After only scoring one goal across their last three matches, notching two against a rival was enough to get Bradley Carnell’s side feeling good and back in the win column. Especially so for Bruno Damiani, who tallied his fourth of the season, and played a big influence in the attack on the night.
Not only did Philly win on the scoresheet, they won the chance creation battle as well. The Union’s 2.38 expected on five shots on target to NYRB’s 0.6 on one shot on frame translated in the eye test.
Outside of the early minutes, New York struggled to find space behind Jakob Glesnes and Olwethu Makhanya. The center-back duo did well to put out fires as they arose, with the Union’s press ahead of them forcing the Red Bulls into countless errors.
The Union’s first goal came in the ninth minute, when a scramble in the box fell to the feet of Vassilev who made no mistake and fired home his third in all competitions.
Damiani’s goal came fifteen minutes later after some good interplay, where he played a role in the build up, and finished off a Quinn Sullivan through ball adroitly.
The second half, the Union sat deeper and picked and chose their opportunities to seek out an attack off of Red Bull mistakes. Sal Olivas came on late and had a breakaway chance to extend the lead to three, however, he couldn’t beat NYRB keeper Carlos Coronel.
Two-nil, three points, and all eyes on the Hell is Real Derby to see if the Union can sneak back into first place in the Eastern Conference with a Columbus victory. Next up, CF Montreal come to town for a Wednesday night match at Subaru Park.
GOALS/ASSISTS
PHI – Indiana Vassilev (unassisted) 9’
PHI – Bruno Damiani (Q. Sullivan, Baribo) 24’
DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY
PHI – Nathan Harriel (caution) 62’
PHI – Jovan Lukic (caution) 62’
RBNY – Omar Valencia (caution) 83’
RBNY – Dennis Gjengaar (caution ) 90+4’
Lineups
Philadelphia Union: Andre Blake; Nathan Harriel (Chris Donovan 90+4), Jakob Glesnes, Olwethu Makhanya, Kai Wagner, Danley Jean Jacques, Jovan Lukic, Quinn Sullivan (Frankie Westfield 73’) , Indiana Vassilev (Alejandro Bedoya 85’), Tai Baribo (Jeremy Rafanello 85’), Bruno Damiani (Sal Olivas 73’).
Substitutes not used: Andrew Rick; Olivier Mbaizo, Ben Bender, Cavan Sullivan.
New York Red Bulls: Carlos Coronel; Noah Eile (Omar Valencia 45’), Alexander Hack, Sean Nealis, Peter Stroud (Julian Hall 73’), Daniel Edelman (Ronald Donkor 45’), Kyle Duncan (Dennis Gjengaar 86’), Mohammed Sofo, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Wikelman Carmona (Wiktor Bogacz 86’), Emil Forsberg.
Substitutes not used:; Dylan Nealis; AnthonyMarcucci, Nehuen Benedetti, Tim Parker.
