Eight minutes.
That’s all it took for Ilsinho to tear apart New York City FC’s defense after he entered the match Saturday. It would take a few more for him to get Ronaldo Matarrita — a player who would have been key for NYC in their upcoming match against New York Red Bulls — sent off for what Jack Nicholson might call ‘not being able to handle the truth.’
That truth is simple: Don’t try to defend the Union’s Brazilian maestro on your own. And even if you bring a friend, you better be careful. Matarrita was left split-legged, looking over his shoulder as Ilsinho rumbled into the box and slid the ball past Sean Johnson to give Philly a buffer against a comeback that never even materialized.
With David Accam looking dangerous on the night and CJ Sapong dominating Ben Sweat in the air, the Union were already having a good night on the wings before Ilsinho entered the match. But as they looked to secure a second straight win at the front end of a huge six match run through the Eastern Conference, it was Ilsinho’s sumptuous moves that provided a visual to match Philly’s current level of self belief.
And that is why the Brazilian was the player of the match against New York City FC on Saturday night.
The Union are back in action this Saturday at 7pm EST when they welcome New England Revolution to Talen Energy Stadium.
