Philadelphia Union nabbed three points behind Cory Burke’s second-half goal as they knocked off New England Revolution for the second time in three weeks. Whereas the last matchup revolved around set pieces, the big story in this one was an offsides call that wasn’t.
A VAR-y good win
It was exciting, then it was confusing. And then it was very exciting. Haris Medunjanin sent Cory Burke over the top and the striker ignored everything — including an offsides call and his teammates yelling at him — as he beat Matt Turner, scored, ripped off his shirt, and celebrated in the corner on his knees.
Referee Drew Fischer held up the restart for several moments as he waited for word from his Video Assistant Referee, then he consulted the replay and awarded the Union the only goal of the match.
It was the turning point in the game, and after it was official, Haris Medunjanin began letting off steam, screaming and throwing his hands in the air as he urged the fans to get louder and let New England know there was no way back into the match.
Dre’s day
The man standing in between the Revs and at least a point? Andre Blake. The big goalie has not been called upon to carry the defense as many times as in previous seasons, but he was up for it Saturday night. First Cristian Penilla and then Juan Agudelo tested the big Jamaican from close range, but both were repelled by the big goalie’s stunning reflexes.
Blake’s heroics backstopped a strong defensive showing overall. Though Philly was unable to secure a second goal, their back four made life extremely tough on the Revs front line, allowing only eight total shots, five on target.
Man up
Chicago appears to have started a trend. The Revolution came out and man-marked the Union’s three central midfielders from the start. The tight marking meant that, like back on May 30, it was the center backs who had time on the ball while Luis Caicedo, Cristhian Machado, and Wilfried Zahibo stayed in the back pocket of Philly’s middle trio.
Jim Curtin often talks about how the Union don’t want to change how they play no matter the opponent they face. This commitment to a set of principles is part of the culture the club wants to build from top to bottom, so it’s always interesting to see other clubs give such respect to that set of principles that they adjust their own. Going forward, pay attention to what other struggling clubs like Orlando City do as they seek to stop a streaking Philly team.
The Union are back in action on Wednesday, August 29 when they face DC United at Audi Field.
