This Saturday, Philadelphia Union orchestrated the flow of the game at Talen Energy Stadium, celebrating a definitive 2-0 victory in week 20 of the MLS. The opening goal was scored by midfielder Indiana Vassilev just 8 minutes into the first half, quickly followed by Bruno Damiani’s strike in the 23rd minute which cemented Philadelphia’s lead.
Olwethu Makhanya emerged as the standout player of the match, reinforcing his strong performance by clearing 7 threats from the defensive area. Vassilev was also pivotal, contributing with a goal and 3 shots on target against New York Red Bulls.
Coach Bradley Carnell deployed a 4-4-2 formation, featuring Andre Blake in goal, with Nathan Harriel, Olwethu Makhanya, Jakob Glesnes, and Kai Wagner solidifying the defense. Indiana Vassilev, Danley Jean Jacques, Jovan Lukic, and Quinn Sullivan formed the midfield, while Bruno Damiani and Tai Baribo led the attack.
On the other side, Sandro Schwarz’s team employed a 3-4-3 strategy, with Carlos Coronel protecting the net and Sean Nealis, Noah Eile, and Alexander Hack comprising the defensive line. Mohammed Sofo, Daniel Edelman, Peter Stroud, and Kyle Duncan were positioned in midfield, and Emil Forsberg, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, and Wikelman Carmona made up the forward line.
The match at Talen Energy Stadium was officiated by referee Marcos de Oliveira.
Looking ahead, Philadelphia Union will host CF Montréal in their next outing, while New York Red Bulls will welcome New England Revolution.
Substitutions for Philadelphia Union
73’ 2T – Quinn Sullivan went off for Francis Westfield and Bruno Damiani was substituted for Sal Olivas.
87’ 2T – Indiana Vassilev was replaced by Alejandro Bedoya and Tai Baribo by Jeremy Rafanello.
95’ 2T – Nathan Harriel made way for Chris Donovan.
Yellow cards for Philadelphia Union:
16’ 2T – Jovan Lukic (Unsporting behavior) and 17’ 2T – Nathan Harriel (Unsporting behavior).
Substitutions for New York Red Bulls
45’ 2T – Daniel Edelman was substituted for Ronald Donkor and Noah Eile for Omar Valencia.
72’ 2T – Peter Stroud made way for Julian Hall.
86’ 2T – Wikelman Carmona was replaced by Wiktor Bogacz and Kyle Duncan by Dennis Gjengaar.
Yellow cards for New York Red Bulls:
17’ 2T – Emil Forsberg (Unsporting behavior), 39’ 2T – Omar Valencia (Unsporting behavior), and 49’ 2T – Dennis Gjengaar (Unsporting behavior).