Philadelphia Union claimed a narrow victory against CF Montréal on Wednesday, securing a 2-1 win in their MLS Week 21 match. The home team opened the scoring with Tai Baribo’s first goal, which came during a well-executed play in the 36th minute of the first half. However, the visitors found an equalizer just after the break, as Prince Osei Owusu struck in the 47th minute following a set piece.
Despite the equal scoreline, the Union regained the lead when Olwethu Makhanya netted a powerful header just four minutes into the second half, sealing the game for Philadelphia.
Prince Osei Owusu of CF Montréal nearly brought his team level again in the 78th minute, but his effort struck the post, denying him a second goal.
The standout performer of the match was undoubtedly Prince Osei Owusu, who not only scored but also challenged the Philadelphia defense with seven shots throughout the game.
Olwethu Makhanya made a significant impact for the Union, contributing solid defensive efforts alongside his game-winning goal.
In an impressive moment early in the match, Hennadiy Hennadiyovych showcased his skills by effortlessly nutmegging his marker just 3 minutes in.
Philadelphia’s coach, Bradley Carnell, deployed a 4-4-2 formation featuring goalkeeper Andre Blake; defenders Nathan Harriel, Olwethu Makhanya, Jakob Glesnes, and Kai Wagner; midfielders Indiana Vassilev, Danley Jean Jacques, Jovan Lukic, and Quinn Sullivan; and forwards Bruno Damiani and Tai Baribo.
On the other side, head coach Laurent Courtois opted for a 4-3-3 setup with Sebastian Breza guarding the net; Dawid Bugaj, Joel Waterman, Brandan Craig, and Luca Petrasso forming the defense; Samuel Piette, Dante Sealy, and Victor Loturi in midfield; and Hennadiy Hennadiyovych, Prince Osei Owusu, and Fabian Herbers up front.
The match at Talen Energy Stadium was officiated by referee Guido Gonzales Jr.
Looking ahead, Philadelphia will face Houston in their next fixture, while CF Montréal is set to host Chicago Fire.
Philadelphia Union Substitutions
60’ 2T – Jakob Glesnes replaced by Francis Westfield; Tai Baribo substituted for Mikael Uhre
83’ 2T – Bruno Damiani off for Chris Donovan; Indiana Vassilev out for Alejandro Bedoya
87’ 2T – Quinn Sullivan replaced by Cavan Sullivan
Yellow Cards in Philadelphia Union:
20’ 1T – Jakob Glesnes; 41’ 1T – Quinn Sullivan
CF Montréal Substitutions
45’ 2T – Fabian Herbers replaced by Tom Pearce
59’ 2T – Hennadiy Hennadiovych off for Caden Clark
66’ 2T – Samuel Piette substituted for Bryce Duke
82’ 2T – Dawid Bugaj replaced by Fernando Álvarez; Luca Petrasso out for Olger Escobar
Yellow Cards in CF Montréal:
40’ 1T – Victor Loturi; 28’ 2T – Brandan Craig