Philadelphia Union beat New York City FC 2-1 as Vincent Nogueira scored the game-winning goal during the second minute of stoppage time to secure the victory. Behind a sold-out crowd of 18,603, the Union won their first game of the season behind goals from Nogueira and 20-year-old Zach Pfeffer, who scored his second career goal.
“I just want to thank the fans to have a packed house, sell out, and have it be as loud as it was,” Union head coach Jim Curtin said. “As poor as our records been, it was impressive. They pushed us on – to be on the good end of a 90-plus minute goal.”
The match also featured the MLS debut of Philadelphia-native John McCarthy. McCarthy picked up the win while making three saves.
The energy was clear from the Union early, who were very comfortable on the ball for much of the first 25 minutes. They had a chance early from 18-year-old midfielder Eric Ayuk Mbu who blasted a shot wide during the 2nd minute. The play was set up beautifully by Sebastien Le Toux who dribbled through a few defenders before setting Ayuk up inside the 18-yard box along the right side.
Good pressure from the Union continued in the 23rd minute when Vincent Nogueira played Andrew Wenger through before Wenger sent a ball back to the center of the box for Zach Pfeffer. Pfeffer had a good look, but it was blocked.
The play continued in NYCFC’s end before Nogueira put on net that required a save from goalkeeper Josh Saunders.
The Union finally broke through just a minute later on as Pfeffer’s goal. The play was set-up on a long run from Wenger who played Le Toux through up the left flank. Le Toux then beat a defender near the end line and centered a ball that appeared to go in off Ayuk, who was originally credited with the goal. It was later changed to Pfeffer who got the last touch on the ball.
“If Ayuk scored it, it doesn’t matter because the team scored a goal,” Pfeffer said. “That’s what most important, the team scoring that goal and getting those three points.”
The 1-0 lead for the Union at halftime didn’t last long, though. David Villa equalized in the 55th minute after a mad scramble inside the Union box. Wenger, McCarthy and Josh Williams all converged on a ball that eventually got loose and fell right to Villa, who easily scored.
The Union had a few chances late, including a save from Saunders on a C.J. Sapong shot in the 67th minute. Cristian Maidana also sent a ball just over the bar in the 88th minute.
But the Union broke through during stoppage time to seal the win. It started with Wenger slipping by Williams before crossing a ball into the 6-yard box, which was temporarily punched by Saunders. With the ball lingering from around 12 yards out, Nogueira made a dashing run through the ball and slotted it past a helpless Saunders.
“Again, he’s coming off the ankle injury so the fitness isn’t fully there but for him to make the commitment to get in the box that late in the game; it’s a play where he could have easily not have run the extra 50 or 60 yards but he took that initiative and he got in,” Curtin said about Nogueira. “The ball bounced to him and it’s a good goal for us in so many ways.”
With the win, the Union move to 1-3-2 (5 points) while the loss drops NYCFC to 1-2-2 (5 points). The two teams will finish off the home-and-home set on Thursday, April 16, at Yankee Stadium with kick-off slated for 7 p.m.
“I’ll probably sleep better tonight,” Curtin said. “I didn’t sleep against Kansas City at all so this feels good. The guys will celebrate it. Some of the heartbreak and tough games we’ve had, whether it be Salt Lake or the crazy red card game, it feels good.”
BOX SCORE
Philadelphia Union 2, New York City FC 1
PPL Park
Chester, Pa.
SCORING SUMMARY
PHI – Zach Pfeffer (Eric Ayuk, Sebastien Le Toux) 27’
NYC – David Villa 55’
PHI – Vincent Nogueira 92’
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY
PHI – Michael Lahoud (yellow) 81’
NYC – Kwame Watson-Siriboe (yellow) 85’
UNION STARTING XI
John McCarthy, Ray Gaddis, Steven Vitoria, Maurice Edu ©, Sheanon Williams, Michael Lahoud, Vincent Nogueira, Andrew Wenger, Zach Pfeffer (Cristian Maidana 84’), Eric Ayuk (Conor Casey 72’), Sebastien Le Toux (C.J. Sapong 66’).
New York City FC STARTING XI
Josh Saunders, Josh Williams (Kwame Watson-Siriboe 81’), Jason Hernandez, Chris Wingert, Jeb Brovsky, Andrew Jacobson, Mix Diskerud, Sebastian Velasquez (Khiry Shelton 46’), Ned Grabavoy, Adam Nemec (Javier Calle 72’), David Villa.
OFFICIALS
Jair Marrufo (referee), Jeff Muschik (assistant), Brian Dunn (assistant), Danny Thornberry (fourth).
ATTENDANCE
18,603
QUOTES
Philadelphia Union Head Coach Jim Curtin
Opening Statement
Before I get started I just wanted to thank the fans to have a packed house, sell out, and have it be as loud as it was. As poor as our records been, it was impressive. They pushed us on. To be on the good end of a 90 plus minute goal; it wasn’t our best second half, that’s for sure. In a lot of ways though in MLS, you look across the league and there’s been games where teams get out played and win and we’ve been on the end of some where we think we’ve outplayed teams and lost. This feels much better, I won’t lie, to get a 2-1 win. I think some guys got some good performances. I’m really happy with the first 25 minutes of the game. They’re a team that when we tire, even a little bit, they have enough players that if you’re a step late to them they can pick you apart. Fitness wise, we were a step slow to them. We still created chances and our guys worked hard and they deserve the three points based on their performances this season. It’s good to see a couple breaks go our way now and it gives confidence. Again there are no better fans, especially when you’re winning, than the Philadelphia fans.
How much better does it feel winning in stoppage time?
Jim- I’ll probably sleep better tonight. I didn’t sleep against Kansas City at all so this feels good. They guys will celebrate it. Some of the heartbreak and tough games we’ve had, whether it be Salt Lake or the crazy red card game, it feels good. Again, they guys work so hard each week and we’re starting to get some guys back. Sheanon towards the end is gassed. Vincent is gassed at the end of the game as well because they’re coming off of injuries. To get 90 minutes was difficult and as we get everyone back and healthy we can start to push the fitness level a little bit. I still think we have a very, very good team when everyone is here and healthy and pushing each other. Of course we’re going to have injuries, that’s part of the game and we got slammed a bit with five or six.
On McCarthy’s performance
Jim- He was excited out of everyone after the game. He really emotionally thanked me. We’re both from the city. We both get what it means to win and there’s no better city than when you’re winning. For the night the city will be his. He’ll have a good time but you’ll have to move on and start to think about Thursday. It was a solid performance from him. It kicked well into a tough win in the first half. He made the saves when we needed him to. I was mad at our back defenders. They were giving him some bobbling passes at his knees. They gave him some difficult things to deal with but he handled it well. Goalkeeping is a tough position and the kid stepped up and did a good job. He’s tough.
On Vincent Nogueira
He pushed the whole game. Again, he’s coming off the ankle injury so the fitness isn’t fully there but for him to make the commitment to get in the box that late in the game; it’s a play where he could have easily not have fun the extra 50 or 60 yards but he took that initiative and he got in. The ball bounced to him and it’s a good goal for us in so many ways. At home we can’t afford to draw anymore. We dug a hole a little bit so to get a result it was necessary to get all three points. I’m really happy that he got the goal.
On Sebastien Le Toux
I’ve never seen that before in terms of the amount of blood. I think he went into the boards and it’s a pretty deep gash that we’re really concerned with. Those things are metal and who knows how deep it went in but the amount of blood was gross. I don’t like looking at that stuff but he came off the field and they were trying to get it to stop but it was a real deep wound so he’ll have that evaluated. His legs are fine. I hate to be selfish but that’s all I’m concerned about so he’ll be fine for Thursday.
On C.J. Sapong’s performance
Again, he’s another guy that is great to have back. When you look down your bench and you’re bringing in CJ, Connor, Chaco; they all came in and left a mark on the game, CJ especially. He really gave us energy. He’s excited to be back out there. As the fitness grows and he gets back he’s a weapon. I hated it every time when I was coaching or watching a game. I hated when he came into the game playing against him. He’s a handful. He’s a guy that other teams don’t like to deal with. He’s big. He’s strong. He’s fast and he’s got a good engine. He’ll be up for selection as a starter and that’s the good thing about getting guys back now and having our depth come back. It’s important to rotate the squad the right way. We can play better. There’s no question. That wasn’t a great performance but it was a gutty, needed performance
On Andre Blake
His knee has responded well. It’s a matter of him getting the reps in practice. I didn’t think this was a good spot to throw him into his first live action. We’ll evaluate whether it will be an inter-squad game or a situation where we can get him some more action before we throw him into a real game. John and him will compete and it’s healthy. It’s good that we have goalkeepers that will push each other but I’m not one to change a winning team too much. I think John will be the guy on Thursday.
On the goal taken back from Ayuk
I feel bad. He was called in on Cameroon’s under 23’s as well. He was supposed to be with them in a qualifier and we said no because he’s been very good for us. He’s been dangerous and a real bright spot for us. He had a very good game against Kansas City. He was a handful today for the first 25 minutes. You’ll see the fitness start to come. He hasn’t been on this stage and for what he’s done has been amazing. The intensity and to sustain that for 90 is something he’s still going through. It’s a growing process but you can tell that he’s a handful.
On Rais Mbolhi
Rais is still a Philadelphia Union player. He’s a guy that is taking some time away from the team right now clearing his head and when he comes back we all know what he’s capable of. He’s a goalkeeper who has been noted at the highest level for a long time. Rais and I will have a discussion and when it’s time for him to come back he will come back.
On Nogueira possibly substituting out
Zach Pfeffer cramped up. I was going to push for the win and tell Zach to drop back towards Vincent’s spot. Vincent is also coming off of the ankle injury so he was a little tired towards the end. Once Zach cramped up on one of those long runs we made the change to take him out. If you pinpoint back last year to Vancouver, he lost the ball and didn’t chase back and it led to a goal. It cost us. And in this game, after he cramped up, he caught up to Via and not only saved the game but led to a second goal. It was a big play for him and big moment in his career. I talk about MLS being a crazy league and everybody thinks it’s always down to tactics but sometimes you just have to flip a coin and it went our way today and Vincent is the hero, which is good.
On Sebastien Le Toux
He runs and runs and runs and is a guy that has a ton of energy and makes it tough on defenders. He runs in the blind spots well. It was a very good performance from him. He’s itching for that first goal too and it’s going to come too if he keeps putting the work in.
On Fernando Aristeguieta
Fernando went through a fitness test and he’s been playing through a tear in the quad. He’s had it since the Chicago game and he was able to play through it without an issue. He got an MRI yesterday and there was no further tear so it isn’t like it has gotten worse in that regard. There may be some fluid, or something, going on in there. The kid was devastated that he couldn’t play. He’s a warrior. He would go out on the field and fight for the team no matter what so when he told me “Coach it doesn’t feel right” I 100 percent respected his opinion because he will play through tough pain. We don’t want it to be something that he’s chasing the whole year so having a game off, we’ll reassess where things are and hopefully he can be healthy for us on Thursday because he is a guy that people are talking about in the league. He fits this league to a T which is a good complement from guys I respect in the league.
Union midfielder Vincent Nogueira
On a play like that goal what do you see as the play is developing, what is it at the end of a long game that forces you to get into that box and make yourself an option?
I mean because I was a little tired like everyone else in there, I saw that the goalkeeper did not get the ball, I was in the box and I was first on the ball. It is hard because there is a goal keeper and a live defender.
When you are going up against a team with guys like Via, what is the balance between wanting to defend them and going forward?
It is hard to defend the best. In my case it is more about defending, that is why I am in the box then.
Did you know that coach was going to take you out, that was his original plan?
I heard about that so I did not know about that at the time. Was a good thing.
Jim talked about needing more goals and assist from you to be successful, what that a message that he had spoken to you about and do you feel you need to contribute more this year in those areas?
For me it is not my first job. For me my first job is to kick that ball and go far so good for me. Of course if I can do it I will do it. Going forward I will make an effort to do so.
Union goalkeeper John McCarthy
With that late goal, take us through walking off the field a winner on your debut?
I did enjoy it, I really did, I was crying. That’s what you always dream about as a kid being a fan of the team and growing up being able to play for them and that is what I did.
How many people did you have here?
I know that there were two or three buses full of people that came down from Napa? I handed out a good 20-30 tickets. My aunt bought like 40-50 tickets each time, probably around 300 or 400 people if I had to guess.
After half time when they got the goal, what is the mentality after you don’t have the lead anymore and trying to recover from that?
It is just like 0-0, you play to win and be as competitive as you can be. When you get the chance hopefully you take advantage of it.
How nervous were you going into this game?
I had nerves for sure, my breakfast went down nice and easy but I can’t say the same about my lunch. Once I got into the locker room I realized I want to play on a bigger stage then these types of games so if I can’t handle the philly environment then I won’t be able to handle something higher than this.
Can you talk about the free kick late in the game, what you saw on the play?
I did not want to cheat, I tried staying as big as possible, I went to the right than swerved back the other way. I thought the easiest thing to do was punch it and try to get high and wide as possible.
What is it going to be like walking into Yankee stadium Thursday?
They are going to want to win one back, so we have to bring it to them.
This week you guys spoke about raising your level, what did some of the guys say to you to get you ready for this moment?
Enjoy the moment it is your opportunity, they had my back and they supported me in all preseason so enjoy your moment.
What are you going to do tonight; I mean do you go out? What are you going to do?
I would just like to hang out with my family and go home to my puppy.
Union midfielder Zach Pfeffer
What did you think of Ayuk’s backflips?
They are awesome, he does them all the time in practice so nothing new to us.
Jim gave specific praise to the run you made defensively
It was a bad giveaway on my part, obviously I recognize that. The only thing to do when you make a mistake is to react to it and that part of my game I really develop a lot this year. I am going to continue to develop it and I think I showed it in that moment. That defensive part of my game is something that I am really adding making me a more complete and mature player. I am happy I was able to get back and clear that danger.
First goal of the season, second year recruit, was that how you drew it up?
No it wasn’t but a goal is a goal. If Ayuk scored it, it doesn’t matter because the team scored a goal. That’s what most important, the team scoring that goal and getting those three points.
Talk about the midfield battle today – going up against such big names like Villa
I thought we did well, especially during the first half. Second half it kind of switched up. We can’t be intimated when playing high profile goals and need to remain confident in ourselves. That is what we did tonight and scored three points.
NYCFC Head Coach Jason Kreis:
Opening statement
Jason: Another match where I thought we wasted 45 minutes. For whatever reason, I don’t know the answer to it, and I don’t think anyone has it quite yet, but we have to figure it out pretty quickly: we can’t seem to start a match the right way. We’ve had one good start to a match, and that was the home match we won. So we’ve got to sort through that. But, the reaction and response in the second half was very good. You walk away one half feeling very disappointed and disgruntled, but the other half says there’s still good stuff there and I see an end-product that we want to get to, but we have got to figure it out pretty quick.
What was your vantage point on the final goal - the game winner?
Jason: The big thing that happens that just glared at me right away was that it’s a long ball, I don’t even remember, it came from the goal keeper from a goal kick, but a long wafted ball that’s in the air a long time and it bounces. It bounces probably 35 yards away from our goal and within the width of the penalty box. You should never see that. Never. Not at this level. We need to look at this and figure out how in the world the ball’s allowed to bounce like this from there.
After the equalizer, it seemed like the team went off and was in the ascendancy, playing with a certain amount of flow. At that point, did you think you were going to win the game?
Jason: I was a little bit uninterested in what the result would be, I was more interested that we finally started to show a little momentum and a little more of what we need to see – which is to be able to keep the ball in our parts of the field. I feel like there’s so much urgency right now that every time someone gets the ball, we need to have a goal-scoring chance. If we were a little more aware and smarter when we attacked, we should be able to keep the ball on our part of the field and create momentum to bring meaningful chances at goal, rather than every risk to put the ball into low-percentage areas.
Do you think fatigue played into conceding the goal late?
Jason: No, I don’t think so. I mean we had the one substitution for a cramp or injury, you never want to be making subs for a cramp so we’ll have to address that.
Can you talk a little bit about what Nemec offered coming back this time around?
Jason: We talked a little bit about how we wanted to defend long throw-ins, so it’s a shame that we have to spend more time and energy talking about that, but it is the game and it’s the league we’re in, and there seems to be a few teams that are focused on attacking that way. Organizationally, we need to solve it, since we gave away that goal that cost us the match against Kansas City.
Khiry (Shelton) played I think in every game except the one. It seems like he’s made a positive impression in all of them.
Jason: I think the same thing. Positive contributions in every match, maybe there was one where I thought there wasn’t a real positive contribution, but regardless, for a young player I think he’s done a great job.
Do you think Casey interfered with the keeper on that goal?
Jason: I didn’t see it – never saw anything like that – was a little more focused on how it got to that area of the field – that should never happen.
I guess that kind of goes back to what I was saying. If fatigue isn’t a factor, then is it just a lapse in concentration or something else?
Jason: You would be correct to say that if it’s a misjudgment – a lack of focus – that’s caused by fatigue.
NYCFC Goalkeeper Josh Saunders
What was your vantage point on the game winner. From their long kick or whatever, all the way up to the box, was odd how it all played out and how it all broke down.
Josh: Just for us it was kind of a lack of concentration toward the end. We’re pushing to get the win but at the same time you have to be mindful of getting a result out of it. It was just a little lapse – we allowed the ball to bounce in our half of the field – and then had a two-v-one we didn’t get enough pressure to, guy served the ball, took a bit of a deflection, and then a bit of a scramble because they wanted it.
Presumably considering their record, you guys had to expect they would be coming into this game with a desperate state of mind.
Josh: We’re both 5, 6 games into the season and we’ve won one game and they haven’t won any. So I think if you look at the situation from both sides, we were both hungry for a win. I wouldn’t say it was desperation being five games in, but at the same time, we were both pushing, both competitive teams.
Just in terms of how the team is coming together – what has been the story of this off week and how NYCFC has developed and looking back so-far.
Josh: The story? I mean just a bunch of good training sessions, a bunch of good work, a lot of possession-oriented training. We trained really well this week but at the same time, we have to be man enough to put it together on the field.
NYCFC Defender Jason Hernandez:
Any thoughts on the fairly slow start to the team?
Jason: Yeah, you know that’s kind of been a topic of discussion amongst the team right now. We look like two teams in every match, the first half we kind of look like we’re sleep-walking a little bit, the second half we seemed to play more of our style and look more like ourselves. We’ll get together before the next game and really put our heads together and try and find the reason behind that, and try and rectify it.
Two quick games coming up as well, going into this busy week.
Jason: Yeah, great chance – we don’t have to sit around and dwell on this result, we have a good chance to get back after it. And obviously we’ll be seeing Philly again so we’ll look to correct our mistakes and definitely try and come out with three points back at home.
Have you guys talked at all about a different look you might be expecting from Philadelphia on the road?
Jason: You know we haven’t gotten that far – we’re taking it one match at a time and fortunately we know we did some good things here even though we’re leaving with nothing. We need to come back together and use this adversity to power us on and make sure we’re ready for Thursday’s match.
Is this a period of adversity now?
Jason: Yeah, absolutely, you know anytime you have more than one loss in a row, it takes a group of men to look at each other and say how are we going to get out of this and how are we going to fix this. We’ve shown flashes of what we can be, but unfortunately flashes aren’t going to do it – we need to sustain that over 90 minutes and so we have the guys in here to do it, we have the staff that believes in us that’s going to push us on to do it, so it’s on us to get the job done.
