Philadelphia Union defeated New York Red Bulls 2-1 Wednesday night at Talen Energy Stadium behind a two-goal performance from Chris Pontius. The victory sends Philadelphia to the quarterfinals against New England Revolution July 20. The club will return to MLS action this Saturday against the Dynamo in Houston. Kick-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. and will be televised on The Comcast Network.
New York Red Bulls struck first in the 17th minute thanks to Mike Grella. Sacha Kljestan sent a free-kick into the box that was sent towards the net by Bradley Wright-Phillips. Union defender Richie Marquez attempted to clear the ball, but his attempt was sent right to the foot of Grella who finished the job.
In the second half Philadelphia tied the match on a fancier setup play in the 55th minute. Keegan Rosenberry got the momentum going with a pass down the sideline to Sebastien Le Toux. The Frenchman was then able to get the ball to Ilsinho who dribbled into the attacking third. He found a streaking Pontius who delivered home the fantastic finish.
The Union wasted little time taking the lead. Tranquillo Barnetta created the goal, stealing possession from Red Bulls and dribbling through the midfield before dishing a pass to Ilsinho. Then it was déjà vu, as the Brazilian sent in a picture-perfect lob into the box that found the foot of Pontius to give the Union a 2-1 lead in the 60th minute of play.
After fireworks down the stretch, the Union were able to hold on and defeat the Red Bulls. This was the fourth come from behind victory for the Union in the last three years. The win improved the Union’s Open Cup record to 14-6 overall and Jim Curtin’s record to 10-2.
The Union return to MLS action this Saturday as the top team in the Eastern Conference when they take on the Dynamo in Houston. Kick-off for that match is scheduled for 9 p.m.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
https://mlssoccer.box.com/s/6msfq0xt34d33jrm7gbmg0r2lh1oetn0
MATCH RECAP
Philadelphia Union 2, New York Red Bulls 1
Talen Energy Stadium
Chester, Pa.
POST MATCH AUDIO
Union head coach Jim Curtin
Union midfielder Chris Pontius
Union midfielder Warren Creavalle
Union goalkeeper Andre Blake
FINAL MATCH STATS
Shots: 16-8 Red Bulls
Shots on Target: 6-3 Red Bulls
Possession: 54.9 - 45.1 Red Bulls
Passing Accuracy: 73-70 Red Bulls
Fouls: 14-12 Red Bulls
Corners: 8-3 Red Bulls
Duels won: 51-39 Red Bulls
Tackles won: 13-11 Red Bulls
SCORING SUMMARY
NYRB – Mike Grella 17’
PHI – Chris Pontius (Ilsinho) 55’
PHI – Chris Pontius (Ilsinho) 60’
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY
NYRB – Sal Zizzo (Yellow) 51’
PHI – Ilsinho (Yellow) 56’
PHI – Leo Fernandes (Yellow) 90+4’
PHILADELPHIA UNION STARTING XI
Andre Blake; Fabinho, Richie Marquez, Josh Yaro, Keegan Rosenberry; Warren Creavalle; Tranquillo Barnetta ©; Chris Pontius, Roland Alberg (Brian Carroll 76’), Ilsinho (Leo Fernandes 67’), Sebastien Le Toux (Walter Restrepo 79’)
Substitutes not used: John McCarthy, Ray Gaddis, Ken Tribbett, Cole Missimo,
NEW YORK RED BULLS STARTING XI
Ryan Meara; Sal Zizzo, Aurelien Collin, Ronald Zubar, Connor Lade (Justin Bilyeu 88’); Dax McCarty, Sean Davis (Felipe 64’); Mike Grella, Sacha Kjestan, Lloyd Sam (Gonzalo Veron 70’); Bradley Wright-Phillips
Substitutes not used: Brandon Allen, Chris Duvall, Alex Muyl, Luis Robles
OFFICIALS
Mark Kadlecik (referee). Eric Weisbrod (assistant referee), Jeffrey Skinner (assistant referee), Jaroslaw Werel (fourth)
TEAM NOTES
- Philadelphia improved to 11-2 at Talen Energy Stadium in Open Cup play.
- The Union have reached the quarterfinals of the Open Cup for the third consecutive year and for the fourth time in five years.
- Philadelphia improved to 2-1 all-time against the Red Bulls in Open Cup competition.
- The Union meet New England Revolution in the quarterfinals, with the game to be played at Harvard’s campus.
- It will be a rematch of the 2014 quarterfinal where the Union won 2-0 at Talen Energy Stadium.
- The Union’s all-time record in Open Cup play is now 14-6. Jim Curtin’s record in 10-2.
- Sebastien Le Toux and Brian Carroll tied Ray Gaddis for first all-time in Union franchise history with 15 games played in Open Cup competition.
- Keegan Rosenberry made his first Open Cup appearance.
- Chris Pontius has now recorded three goals in his last two games played in all competitions.
