Philly Sports Jabronis
Report From Philadelphia Union
CHESTER, Pa. – Philadelphia Union defeated D.C. United 3-0 Saturday night at Talen Energy Stadium thanks to a brace from Ilsinho. The Brazilian earned his first and second goals of the season in the victory, while Roland Alberg tied Chris Pontius for the team lead in goals with six. Philadelphia returns to MLS action hosting New York Red Bulls July 17 on FS1.
Philadelphia struck first in the 20th minute after converting a penalty kick. The play was set up after former D.C. United midfielder Pontius made a mad dash to the box and was brought down by Kofi Opare. Alberg stepped up to the box and beat United goalkeeper Bill Hamid to give the Union the early 1-0 lead.
Later in the second half the Union converted on yet another penalty kick. This time it was Ilsinho who created havoc in the box. Ilsinho was brought down after some fancy footwork towards the net. Ilsinho took the liberty of taking the penalty that he earned and snuck home the goal just past the out-stretched arms of Hamid in the 37th minute.
The third and final goal for the Union came in the second half off a set piece. Alberg sent in a free-kick that found the head of striker C.J. Sapong. The veteran was able to deflect the ball towards the middle of the box. Ilsinho got a running start and sent a bullet into the back of the net. The goal gave the Union a commanding 3-0 lead in the 47th minute.
Philadelphia went on cruise control after Kofi Opare was sent off with his second yellow card of the match in the 65th minute. Opare made a reckless challenge on Pontius outside of the box giving the referee no choice but to issue a second yellow card.
The match wrapped up with the All-Star duo of Andre Blake and Keegan Rosenberry. The defense was able to shutout D.C. United for the second time this season. Blake finished the evening with three saves. He is now 6-1-2 with four shutouts at home this season.
Philadelphia will look to continue their run of strong play next week. After an international friendly with Crystal Palace of the Barclay’s Premier League Wednesday night, the Union will host New York Red Bulls in a national televised match.
MATCH RECAP
Philadelphia Union 3, D.C. United 0
Talen Energy Stadium
Chester, Pa.
POST MATCH AUDIO
Union midfielder Chris Pontius
Union defender Keegan Rosenberry
FINAL MATCH STATS
Shots: 15-6 Union
Shots on Target: 7-3 Union
Possession: 59.6 – 40.4 Union
Passing Accuracy: 84-76 Union
Fouls: 21-11 D.C. United
Corners: 5-1 Union
Duels won: 49-41 Union
Tackles won: 16-14 Union
SCORING SUMMARY
PHI – Roland Alberg (PK) 20’
PHI – Ilsinho (PK) 37’
PHI – Ilsinho (Sapong, Alberg) 47’
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY
D.C. – Kofi Opare (Yellow) 19’
D.C. – Kofi Opare (Red) 65’
PHILADELPHIA UNION STARTING XI
Andre Blake; Fabinho, Richie Marquez, Ken Tribbett, Keegan Rosenberry; Brian Carroll ©, Tranquillo Barnetta; Chris Pontius, Roland Alberg (Warren Creavalle 71’), Ilsinho (Sebastien Le Toux 68’); C.J. Sapong (Fabian Herbers 79’)
Substitutes not used: Matt Jones, Ray Gaddis, Anderson, Leo Fernandes
D.C. UNITED STARTING XI
Bill Hamid; Taylor Kemp, Steve Birnbaum, Kofi Opare, Sean Franklin(C); Marcelo Sarvas; Fabian Espíndola, Jared Jeffrey, Nick DeLeon (Luciano Acosta 64’), Lamar Neagle (Bobby Boswell 68’); Alhaji Kamara (Alvaro Saborío 57’)
Substitutes not used: Travis Worra, Jalen Robinson, Rob Vincen, Lloyd Sam
OFFICIALS
Sorin Stoica (referee), Claudia Badea (assistant) Logan Brown (assistant) Jose Carlos Rivero (fourth)
ATTENDANCE
18,463
TEAM NOTES
- Andre Blake and Keegan Rosenberry were named to MLS All-Star Fan XI.
- Rosenberry has played every minute this season, the only Union player to do so.
- Blake improved his record at Talen Energy Stadium to 6-1-2.
- Philadelphia has scored more goals than any club in MLS (32).
- The Union have shutout D.C. United in both matches this season, outscoring them 4-0.
- United entered the match allowing the fewest goals in MLS (17), have only allowed three or more goals in a match three times including tonight. First since March 26.
- Roland Alberg tied Chris Pontius for the team lead in goals with six.
- Ilsinho recorded his first two goals of the season tonight.
- C.J. Sapong made his first start since June 1 against Columbus Crew SC.
