Daniel Gazdag hit the back of the net in historic fashion at Subaru Park on Tuesday night, sending the stadium into an eruption of celebration as he etched his name in the club’s record books as its all-time leading goal scorer.
The 28-year-old Hungarian’s header off a Quinn Sullivan cross helped minimize Seattle Sounders’ lead as his team fought back from a troublesome 3-0 first half, but in the end, the home team finished just short, suffering their second loss of the season.
In the moments after accomplishing the once-in-a-lifetime personal achievement, Gazdag’s focus remained locked on his team’s success, further solidifying his legendary tenure representing the club’s crest.
“It’s obviously a nice number. I'm happy that I've become the all-time leading goal scorer of the club. That's amazing. When I got here three years ago, I wouldn't even think about that,” Gazdag said. “I'm happy with that, I'll be happy in the future, for sure. But today, it's just annoying that we played like that.”
Disappointed by the unfavorable result, Gazdag said that after the team’s next victory, he’ll take a longer moment to take in the achievement and celebrate with not only his team, but club legend Sebastan LeToux, who’s total he eclipsed to set the record.
“It would have been much better if we won the game and we could celebrate together. Also with Sebastian,” Gazdag said.
“He gave me some advice as well in the past, so obviously, I want to give this goal to him as well, he's a true legend of the club. It would have been much better if we won today and we could have celebrated together a little bit.”
Philadelphia Union’s next match is on the road at D.C. United on Saturday night, and Gazdag ensured his team’s uncharacteristic home losses won’t discourage them. Rather, they’ll use them to fuel their already fiery competitive spirit, which has already guided them toward a result in every one of their road matches in the 2024 regular season.
“After two games like this, we have to go out there and just run through walls to win the next game, it doesn't matter against who,” Gazdag said.
