Union Moves into 1st Place With 2-1 Win Over Orlando City SC

CHESTER, Pa. – The Philadelphia Union defeated Orlando City SC 2-1 behind a dazzling 90th minute free-kick from Tranquillo Barnetta. Andre Blake made two saves, including a crucial one in stoppage time to seal the win. The three points moves the Union ahead of Orlando City SC and into the spot of the Eastern Conference.

The Union high pressed from the moment the game started, and it quickly showed results. Forward C.J. Sapong gave the home side an early lead in the second minute, finishing a poor clearance attempt. The Union continued to push as the half developed, but Orlando City SC tied the game two minutes before the halftime whistle.

Forward Adrian Winter received the ball at the top of the 18-yard box, taking a touch with his right foot, to volley the ball to his left and then fired it into the bottom right hand corner of Blake’s goal.

Both teams battled deep into the second half, but it was the Union that had the final say. In the last minute of regular time, Barnetta sent a beautiful free kick off of the crossbar and across Joe Bendik’s goal line to secure the team’s third victory of the season.

Friday’s match honored Puentes de Salud with the Every Save Makes a Difference initiative. $500 for every save made during tonight’s game will be donated in the form of soccer equipment to the local nonprofit that offers medical and education services to the Latino community in South Philadelphia. The organization will receive $3,000 on behalf of the program sponsored by MLS WORKS, Univision Deportes and Allstate after Blake and Bendik made a total of six saves.

Philadelphia Union return to action on Saturday, April 16 against Seattle Sounders at 10 p.m. at CenturyLink Field. The game will be televised on The Comcast Network.

MATCH RECAP
Philadelphia Union 2, Orlando City SC 1
Talen Energy Stadium
Chester, Pa.

POST MATCH AUDIO
Head coach Jim Curtin: http://bit.ly/22jbqwc
Tranquillo Barnetta: http://bit.ly/1RJVWzH

SCORING SUMMARY
PHI — C.J. Sapong 2’ HIGHLIGHT:http://bit.ly/1VFvQiz
ORL — Adrian Winter 43’ HIGHLIGHT: http://bit.ly/23qrAWU
PHI — Tranquillo Barnetta 90’ HIGHLIGHT: http://bit.ly/1N0dtUd

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY
PHI — Fabinho 30’ (Yellow)

MATCH DAY STATS
Box score: http://bit.ly/1N0dtUd
Stats: http://bit.ly/1Xmi0R7

PHILADELPHIA UNION STARTING XI
Andre Blake, Keegan Rosenberry, Richie Marquez, Ken Tribbett, Fabinho, Brian Carroll, Sebastien Le Toux (Fabian Herbers 63’), Vincent Nogueira, Chris Pontius (Leo Fernandes 85’), Roland Alberg (Tranquillo Barnetta 63’), Ilsinho, C.J. Sapong

Unused subs: Matt Jones, Anderson, Raymon Gaddis, Walter Restrepo

ORLANDO CITY SC STARTING XI
Joe Bendik, Rafael Ramos, Luke Boen, Seb Hines, Aurélien Collin, Servando Carrasco, Darwin Cerén, Antonio Nocerino (Hadji Barry 90+1), Adrian Winter, Kaká, Kevin Molino (Carlos Rivas 90+1)

Unused subs: Earl Edwards, David Mateos, Julio Baptisa, Kevin Alson

ATTENDANCE
15,011

TEAM NOTES
The Union lead the Eastern Conference with a record of 3-2-0 and nine points.
Tranquillo Barnetta made his second league appearance and scored his second-ever Union goal.
Brian Carroll made his 349th career league appearance. Only six players have ever reached 350 in league history.
Carroll also tied the franchise’s record for games started with 138. He tied Sheanon Williams.
Philadelphia Union return to action on Saturday, April 16 at 10 p.m. against Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field.