Philadelphia Union suffered a 3-0 loss at the hands of the Colorado Rapids on Saturday night at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. With the loss, the Union move to 1-1-1 for the 2018 season. Philadelphia will be back in action on April 7th when they return home to face the San Jose Earthquakes.
The Union made MLS history before kick-off as they started the youngest backline in MLS history with Matt Real (18 years-old), Auston Trusty (19 year-old), Jack Elliott (22 year-old) and Keegan Rosenberry (24 years old).
As the match began both teams spent the beginning of the match getting adjusted to the other’s playing style. The first opportunity came in the 11th minute when Keegan Rosenberry curled in a cross, which just missed the outstretched foot of David Accam.
In the 14th minute, Colorado’s Marlon Hairston had a dangerous cross, which Dennis Castillo got a shot off which led to Union goalkeeper Andre Blake making his first save of the game.
Blake came up big once again for the Union in the 44th minute. After a corner from Jack Price found the head of Tommy Smith, Blake made the first stop then rookie defender Real made a goal-saving clearance on the rebound from Enzo Martinez
Colorado struck first in the second half in the 53rd minute, when Dominique Badji scored his first goal of the game. Another corner from Price found the head of Smith, where Badji tapped in the ball to take the lead.
Eight minutes later, Badji settled a long ball from Tim Howard and laid it off to Johan Blomberg. His shot was deflected by Jack Elliot, but settled for Badji to score his second goal of the game and take a 2-0 lead.
Badji completed his hat-trick in the 87th minute. A pass from Blomberg let Badgi place the ball right past Blake.
The Union had multiple chances to find the back of the net, but could not convert. Blake’s 232-minute scoreless streak came to end tonight, after Badji’s first goal.
The Union will to get back on track when they face the San Jose Earthquakes on April 7th at Talen Energy Stadium. Kick-off for that match is set for 7 p.m. ET and will be televised on PHL17.
