Philadelphia Union drew New York Red Bulls 2-2 Sunday night in front of a sold out crowd of 18,500 fans at Talen Energy Stadium. C.J. Sapong and Chris Pontius recorded second-half goals in a span of 78 seconds to give the Union a point. Philadelphia returns to action this Wednesday when they travel to Boston to face New England Revolution in the quarterfinals of Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup competition.
Red Bulls struck first in the 27th minute, taking advantage of a turnover from Philadelphia’s Ken Tribbett. Bradley Wright-Phillips created pressure, stealing the ball and then dished it out wide to a wide open Sacha Kljestan. His shot snuck past the outstretched arms of Union goalkeeper Andre Blake giving Red Bulls the early 1-0 lead.
Kljestan gave the Red Bulls 2-0 lead thanks to an excellent free-kick. New York sent men in motion creating confusion for the Union defense. The kick was well struck, deflecting off Tranquillo Barnetta and leaving Blake without much of a chance. Kljestan’s brace gave New York a two-goal lead at the half.
In the 65th minute, Philadelphia created an opportunity to get their first goal of the match. Keegan Rosenberry sent in a nice pass into the box that was intended for Pontius. Sal Zizzo dragged down Pontius from behind, giving the Union a penalty kick. Moments later in the 67th minute Sapong converted his first career penalty kick to bring the Union within a goal.
Philadelphia tied the match a minute and 18 seconds later. The goal was set up beautifully as Rosenberry delivered a pass on the near sidelines for Fabian Herbers, who then sent in a pass across the box. The ball found its way to Pontius who came crashing in and tied the match at two apiece. The goal was Pontius’ team-leading seventh goal of the season.
The match took a turn in the 72nd minute when Ilsinho was issued his second yellow card of the match and the Union played the rest of the match with 10 men. Despite being down a man, Philadelphia controlled the pace of the match creating several opportunities but were unable to record the game-winning goal as match ended in a 2-2.
Philadelphia will look to continue their run of strong play this upcoming week. After facing New England Revolution in Open Cup play, the Union will return to MLS action when they travel to Montreal to square off against Eastern Conference foe Montreal Impact.
MATCH RECAP
Philadelphia Union 2, New York Red Bulls 2
Talen Energy Stadium
Chester, Pa.
POST MATCH AUDIO
Union head coach Jim Curtin
Union defender Keegan Rosenberry
Union forward C.J. Sapong
Union forward Fabian Herbers
FINAL MATCH STATS
Shots: 16-8 Union
Shots on Target: 8-4 Union
Possession: 56.8 - 43.2 Red Bulls
Passing Accuracy: 74-68 Red Bulls
Fouls: 18-10 Red Bulls
Corners: 7-4 Union
Duels won: 50-49 Red Bulls
Tackles won: 10-7 Red Bulls
SCORING SUMMARY
NYRB – Sacha Kljestan (Bradley Wright-Phillips) 27’
NYRB – Sacha Kljestan 44’
PHI – C.J. Sapong (PK) 67’
PHI – Chris Pontius (Fabian Herbers) 68’
[AUDIO]
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY
PHI – Brian Carroll (Yellow) 36’
PHI – Ilsinho (Yellow) 43’
NYRB – Sal Zizzo (Yellow) 66’
PHI – Ilsinho (Yellow) 72’
NYRB – Connor Lade (Yellow) 73’
PHILADELPHIA UNION STARTING XI
Andre Blake; Fabinho, Richie Marquez, Ken Tribbett, Keegan Rosenberry; Brian Carroll ©, Tranquillo Barnetta (Warren Crevalle 90+3); Chris Pontius (Sebastien Le Toux 82’), Roland Alberg (Fabian Herbers 64’), Ilsinho; C.J. Sapong
Substitutes not used: John McCarthy, Ray Gaddis, Josh Yaro, Leo Fernandes.
NEW YORK RED BULLS STARTING XI
Luis Robles; Connor Lade, Aurelien Collin, Damien Perrinelle, Sal Zizzo (Chris Duvall 67’); Dax McCarthy, Felipe; Mike Grella, Sacha Kljestan, Alex Muyl (Gonzalo Verón 80’); Bradley Wright-Phillips (Ronald Zubar 83’)
Substitutes not used: Justin Bilyeu, Derrick Etienne, Sean Davis, Kyle Reynish.
OFFICIALS
Alan Kelly (referee), Brian Dunn (assistant referee), Eric Weisbrod (assistant referee) Robert Sibiga (fourth)
ATTENDANCE
18,500
TEAM NOTES
- Brian Carroll started in his 150th match as a Philadelphia Union.
- Carroll is the franchise leader in games started.
- C.J. Sapong attempted his first career penalty kick tonight.
- Keegan Rosenberry has played in every minute this season, the only Union player to accomplish this feat.
- The Union are tied for the MLS lead with 34 goals scored this season.
- They are tied with NYCFC and FC Dallas.
- Philadelphia has the best goal differential (six) than any other club in the Eastern Conference.
- The Union are now 7-1-3 at Talen Energy Stadium this season. Their 24 points at home are the most in the Eastern Conference.
