Match Recap: Sparks fly as the Union draw the Colorado Rapids

After a promising first half, the Union could not hold on to win a crucial game against the Colorado Rapids. While the Union held a 3-1 lead for the first 75 minutes, an unfortunate penalty and red card to Michael Lahoud paved the way for a Union draw.

At tonight’s game, Philadelphia honored the men and women from our armed services. With Tickets for Troops, the Sons of Ben supporter’s group buys tickets for the match and the Union will match all fundraising efforts, giving our troops a front row seat at a Union game. This year’s Tickets For Troops match was even more special because Danny Cruz’ father Al Cruz attended his first home Union match after completing his 5th tour of duty in Afghanistan. The atmosphere was fantastic as the Union honored our armed servicemen and prepared for battle against the Rapids.

Philadelphia started the match on  a high note. In the 16th minute, Conor Casey buried the ball past the keeper off a spot-on assist by Raymon Gaddis. Before celebrations ended, Colorado equalized off a Dillion Serna goal. 13 minutes later defender Sheanon Williams netted a goal leaving the Union up heading into the locker room. The first half was full of chances for the Union side but only two could find the back of the net.

After halftime, Philadelphia looked invigorated. After tons of chances, Andrew Wenger scored in the 74th minute. A few minutes later, things turned from good to bad for the home team. Michael Lahoud was sent off in the 76th minute after a harsh challenge in the home team’s 18 yard box. Along with a straight red given to Lahoud, Colorado was award a penalty. Dillon Powers stepped up to take it and once again, Colorado was back in the match. Even with a goal advantage, Philadelphia struggled with a man down for the rest of the match. With a few minutes left to secure three points at home, something the Union have not done since the home opener, Rapids players Deshorn Brown scored an unassisted goal to end the game in a tie.

Following the game, a beautiful firework display lit up the Delaware River as the Union headed to the locker room unsatisfied with just one point.

As far as playoffs go, Philadelphia currently has a 4-8-7 record with 19 points sitting 7th in the eastern conference. While this game was not a “must win” it could of helped Philadelphia’s playoff run immensely. The Union take the pitch again Wednesday at home against their I-95 rivals the New York Red Bulls beginning at 7pm.

Staring XI’s:

Philadelphia Union (4-2-3-1)

Macmath

Gaddis – White – Williams – Fabinho

Lahoud – Okugo

Maidana – Le Toux – Cruz

Casey

 

Colorado Rapids (4-2-3-1)

Clint Irwin

Burch – Moor – O’Neil – Wynne

LaBrocca – Watts

Hill – Powers – Serna

Brown

 

Goals:

Union: Conor Casey (Raymon Gaddis) 16′

Rapids: Dillon Serna (Dillon Powers) 18′

Union: Sheanon Williams (Cristian Maidana) 31′

Union: Andrew Wenger 74′

Rapids: Dillon Powers (PK) 79′

Rapids: Deshorn Brown (Gabriel Torres) 86′

 

Disciplinary:

Rapids: Shane O’Neil (Yellow) 12′

Union: Michael Lahoud (Yellow) 29′

Rapids: Nick LaBrocca (Yellow) 34′

Union: Michael Lahoud (Red) 76′

Union: Amobi Okugo (Red) 90 + 4′

 

Substitutions:

Rapids: Carlos Alvarez (Kamani Hill) 65′

Union: Andrew Wenger (Danny Cruz) 69′

Rapids: Marlon Hairston (Jared Watts) 78′

Union: Brian Carroll (Conor Casey) 80′

Union: Aaron Wheeler (Cristian Maidana) 82′

Rapids: Gabriel Torres (Dillon Serna) 83′

 

Photo courtesy of Lindsay Sharp July 12th, 2014