Philadelphia Union gave up two second half goals in their first-ever loss to Inter Miami CF Saturday night at Subaru Park.
Jamiro Monteiro continued his hot streak by netting the Union’s lone goal of the night. Inter Miami equalized the 73rd minute with a headed conversion from Golanzo Higuain before Federico Higuain grabbed the game-winner in the 83rd.
While the first half produced no goals there was no shortage of fireworks. Philly and Miami combined for 20 fouls as they reignited what has already become an intense rivalry. After unveiling two banners celebrating the 2020 Supporters’ Shield, the Boys in Blue looked to forward Sergio Santos – back in the lineup after fighting off injuries – to fly past the Miami defense, but his fifth minute chance was negated by a foul.
The visitors nearly got on the scoreboard in the 19th minute when Robbie Robinson picked off a pass from Jakob Glesnes, but the Union escaped when his shot rang off the post. Moments late the Union responded when Olivier Mbaizo rifled a cross into the box for Santos, but the striker’s flicked attempt was saved by Philly native and former Union goalie John McCarthy.Â
In the 37th minute, six Union players touched the ball in a 10 second buildup to a chance. Collecting a pass from Glesnes on the right flank, Mbaizo took a touch centrally and threaded a pass to Santos. The Brazilian quickly backheeled the ball to Przybylko at the edge of the box, but his headed ball to Monteiro was snatched away but an on-rushing McCarthy.
The Union came out the locker room even more aggressive to start the second half, dominating the first 15 minutes and producing a pair of scoring chances. The 50th minute saw Monteiro drift a cross over the Miami defense that Przybylko raced onto, only to see his shot tipped wide of the far post by McCarthy.
The same combination created a breakthrough in the 57th. Przybylko rolled a pass toward the penalty spot from the left side of the box and Monteiro darted in to slot it home past McCarthy for his third goal of April.
Inter Miami erased the Union lead in the 73rd minute when the Higuain brothers connected. Set up by a Flach foul, Federico, on as a sub, delivered a dangerous that Gonzalo nodded in to equalize.
The Boys in Blue looked to retake the lead moments later when Monteiro ran onto a pass from Przybylko and set up Flach at the far post, but the bounce didn’t favor the midfielder and he scuffed the finish outside of the near post.
The winning strike came against the run of play as Miami capped off a counterattack with a header from Federico Higauain. Defender Nicolas Figal ran into the Union’s box and, after buying time with some fancy footwork, fed Higuain for a close-range header that left Andre Blake with no time to make a save.
The Union now turn their focus back to the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League as they head south to take on Atlanta United FC on Tuesday, April 27. Kick off from Mercedes Benz Stadium is set for 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast nationally on FS1 and TUDN.
