In a final tune up before heading south for Concacaf Champions League action, Philadelphia Union knocked off rival D.C. United behind a two-goal performance from homegrown Anthony Fontana.
Playing at Subaru Park in rainy conditions, the 21-year-old felt right at home with an early third minute goal. Homegrown Quinn Sullivan began the play with a quick pass to his left to an oncoming Fontana at the edge of D.C. United’s 18-yard-box. With the defense focused on him, the midfielder tried to cross to a streaking Alejandro Bedoya but the pass was deflected only to be intercepted once more by Fontana. With a single touch, Fontana rifled a right-footed shoot past D.C. United goalkeeper Chris Seitz to make it 1-0.
Midway through the opening half the Union doubled its lead with homegrowns once more leading the way. 17-year-old Jack McGlynn forced an interception with a timely high-press that ended up at the feet of Sullivan who darted into the box. Sullivan laid it back off to McGlynn at the top of corner of the 18 for a shot that once more was deflected by D.C. Off the high volley, Fontana once more found space with a right-footed shot into the upper corner.
On the other side of the field, goalkeeper Andre Blake and his defense put up another strong effort to earn the clean sheet. Blake went the full 90-minutes with a diving save in the 34th minute and a 1v1 stop in the second half.
Wednesday afternoon also saw the Subaru Park debuts of newcomers Stuart Findlay and Leon Flach, with the duo getting 15 minutes of preseason action.
Philadelphia Union departs for Florida on Friday afternoon for the final preparation ahead of their April 7th contest against Deportivo Saprissa. Kick off from Costa Rica is set for 6 p.m. ET.
SCORING SUMMARY
PHI – Anthony Fontana 3’
PHI – Anthony Fontana (Jack McGlynn) 38’
LINEUPS
Philadelphia Union: Andre Blake; Kai Wagner, Jack Elliott (Stuart Findlay 76’), Jakob Glesnes (Aurelin Collin 76’), Nathan Harriel (Matt Real 61’); Jose Martinez (Cole Turner 45’), Jack McGlynn (Leon Flach 76’), Alejandro Bedoya (Matej Oravec 76’), Anthony Fontana; Paxten Aaronson (Shaynder Boregelin 61’), Quinn Sullivan (Brandan Craig 76’).
