Philadelphia Union were the better side as they saw off New York Red Bulls Saturday night in US Open Cup action. Here are a few major points coming out of a difficult match.
Big bad Blake
Before the Union took the lead early in the second half, Andre Blake needed to showcase his otherworldly reflexes to keep the scoreline at zeroes. First he got his fingers to Carlos Rivas’ shot at the end of the first forty-five, then he denied international teammate Kemar Lawrence’s powerful shot by adjusting his body in midair to deflect the ball onto the underside of the crossbar. It was exactly the type of superhuman play Blake has made a staple of his repertoire, and it allowed the Union to stay in the match until they could finally find a goal through Haris Medunjanin
Finishing, finally
A lack of finishing has dogged the Union all season, even as they create chance after chance early in matches. It happened against Toronto, and after Cory Burke put an open shot over goal from close range in the first half, it looked as though the Union might let another spell of dominance turn into a deficit.
But it was not to be. Haris Medunjanin started a transition up the left, and Philly’s dedication to switching play stretched the Red Bulls defense, opening space in the center. The big Bosnian strode into that space, put on his dancing shoes to dismiss Tyler Adams’ tackle, and blasted a deflected effort past Luis Robles.
After Jesse Marsch threw on his big dogs in the 61st minute, the Union doubled their lead through Burke after sensational quick passing on the right. The second goal proved necessary as Kaku and Bradley Wright-Phillips combined to give New York hope in the 77th.
Switching play to soften the press
Philly has given New York fits this season while more decorated sides like New York City and Atlanta United have struggled mightily. It happened again Saturday night, with constant switches of play and a delicious array of body feints allowed the Union to avoid the first man pressing the ball and find open spaces on the pitch.
Although it looked easy, the Union’s players -- particularly the three in midfield -- needed to have a brash confidence to hold the ball under the Red Bulls’ marauding pressure. It will be interesting to see if other MLS sides begin to copy Philly’s approach since so few have had offensive success against New York this year.
