After helping spark a rally on the road over the weekend, Philadelphia Union midfielder Daniel Gazdag was named to Major League Soccer's Team of the Matchday for Week 8, the league announced on Monday afternoon.
Gazdag picked up his second Team of the Matchday honor in 2023 after scoring his third goal to make it a one-goal game before setting up the game-tying goal three minutes later for a 2-2 draw at Chicago Fire FC.
The emphasis in the final half hour was get Gazdag on the ball and the midfielder did just that as he helped set up the opening goal. Dropping off get involved and on the ball, the Union’s No. 10 created chaos in the box that the Fire defense was forced to somehow clear. Jose Martinez quickly sprinted for a quick throw in to Uhre inside the box where the big forward was chopped down from by Navarro. The referee pointed to the penalty spot where Gazdag unleashed some anger as he blasted a right-footed shot past the keeper.
Curtin turned to his subs following the goal with some offensive changes as Matt Real and Quinn Sullivan took to the pitch. Three minutes later it was a tied game with defense becoming offense on the left side of the pitch. Once more a quick thrown in had the Fire defense unsettled as Carranza headed a pass to the sideline for Sullivan. The homegrown barely kept the ball in play but did to break open the attack. Peeling back to allow for teammates into the attack, Sullivan turned on the jets to create space on the wing and float in a perfect cross to the back post. The cross connected with Gazdag perfectly who headed it across goal to Carranza for the tap in equalizer.
Philadelphia Union is back at Subaru Park this weekend for the start of a quick two-match homestand. It kicks off on Saturday night with Greener Goals presented by Subaru where the Union battle Toronto FC. The Boys in Blue then return to Concacaf Champions League action with a MLS Cup rematch against Los Angeles FC in the first leg of the Semifinals on Wednesday, April 26th at 9PM ET. Tickets for both matches are on sale now but are going fast!
