Union Plays to 1-1 Draw With Toronto FC

Report From Philadelphia Union 

Toronto, ON. – Philadelphia Union drew with Toronto FC Saturday in front of a crowd of 26,455 at BMO Field. The draw brings Philadelphia’s record to 11-11-9 this season with 42 points. Alejandro Bedoya recorded his first MLS goal in the effort. The Union return to action this Saturday when they take on New York Red Bulls.

 

Philadelphia set the tone early in the match with chances all over the pitch. Union leading goal-scorer Chris Pontius had an opportunity to add to his total but sent his attempt high over the bar. Moments later No. 6 overall pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft Fabian Herbers sent a missile of a shot towards the net, but Toronto FC goalkeeper Clint Irwin stood tall and deflected the shot away.

 

The Union broke through thanks to their Designated Player. Bedoya opened up his Union account with a spectacular goal in the 25th minute of play. Bedoya was set up by a crisp pass from Herbers. Bedoya dribbled through the Toronto defense and sent a cheeky chip from just inside the box. The shot floated over the outstretched arms of Irwin and into the back of the net to give Philadelphia the 1-0 lead. The assist from Herbers was his seventh of the season, which is not only a team-high but he leads all rookies in MLS.

 

Philadelphia had a chance to extend their lead just before the half. Warren Creavalle tracked down his own pass in the corner to set up another scoring chance, but Irwin denied the second goal. The Union dominated the tempo of the match through the first 45 minutes of play, with shutdown defense work. The Union did not allow Toronto to produce a shot in the first half, and kept the score at 1-0.

 

Toronto came out aggressive in the second half searching for the equalizer. Justin Morrow received a pass from Jonathan Osorio in the box and Morrow was able to sneak his shot by Blake to tie the match at one in the 70th minute of play.

 

Despite several attempts to take the lead, the Union were able to fend off the Toronto attack and keep the match at a 1-1 draw. Philadelphia will return to action this Saturday when they travel to New Jersey ending their three week road trip against New York Red Bulls.

 

 

MATCH RECAP

Toronto FC 1, Philadelphia Union 1

BMO Field

Toronto, ON.

 

FINAL MATCH STATS

Shots: 10-9 Toronto

Shots on Target: 4-2 Toronto

Possession: 62.2-37.8 Toronto

Passing Accuracy: 82-72 Toronto

Fouls: 12-6 Union

Corners: 4-2 Toronto

Duels won: 44-38 Toronto

Tackles won: 17-9 Philadelphia

 

SCORING SUMMARY

PHI – Alejandro Bedoya 1 (Fabian Herbers 7) 25’

TOR – Justin Morrow 4 (Jonathan Osorio 5) 70’

 

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY

TOR – Will Johnson (Caution) 24’

PHI – Richie Marquez (Caution) 66’

TOR – Jozy Altidore (Caution) 90+4’

 

PHILADELPHIA UNION STARTING XI

Andre Blake; Fabinho, Richie Marquez, Ken Tribbett , Keegan Rosenberry; Brian Carroll ©, Warren Creavalle; Chris Pontius (Charlie Davies 80’), Alejandro Bedoya, Fabian Herbers (Ilsinho 67’); C.J. Sapong.

 

Substitutes not used: John McCarthy, Ray Gaddis, Maurice Edu, Auston Trusty, Roland Alberg

 

TORONTO FC STARTING XI

Clint Irwin; Steve Beitashour (Daniel Lovitz 87’), Nick Hagglund, Drew Moor, Justin Morrow; Michael Bradley ©, Will Johnson (Marco Delgado 59), Benoit Cheyrou, Jonathan Osorio; Jozy Altidore, Jordan Hamilton (Mo Babouli 77’)

 

Substitutes not used: Alex Bono, Tsubasa Endoh, Eriq Zavaleta, Mark Bloom.

 

OFFICIALS

Ismail Elfath (referee), Peter Manokowski (assistant), Phil Briere (assistant), Silviu Petrescu (fourth)

 

ATTENDANCE

26,455

 

TEAM NOTES

• Alejandro Bedoya recorded his first MLS goal in today’s match.
• Fabian Herbers recorded his team-leading seventh assist in the match.
• Herbers leads all rookies with seven assists.
• Keegan Rosenberry has played every minute this season, the only outfield player in MLS to accomplish that.
• Brian Carroll made his 344th career start, which is fourth all-time in MLS.