mlssoccer.com
The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is always full of surprises. This statement remained true when the Union took on the New York Cosmos yesterday, June 24th at 7:00pm at PPL Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. While the Philadelphia Union are advancing to the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup, the Cosmos are headed home with their dream terminated by the Union.
Calling this match eventful is an understatement. There were 5 yellow cards handed out and 5 ejections by both players and technical staff from both sides. Sebastian Le Toux led the Union offense with two goals, one from the penalty kick spot while the Union went on to win the game in extra time.
The first half of the match was uninspiring by both sides. The Union struggled to create chances while the Cosmos had a few good looks but were broken up by the Philadelphia Union defense. Like last week’s Open Cup match, the defense was a variation from the regular lineup with Andre Blake in goal behind Fabinho, Maurice Edu, Raymon Gaddis, and Sheanon Williams. The first half saw 3 shots on goal shared by both teams which made for a frustrating half by both sides.
The second half of the match is when both teams gained momentum. The Cosmos struck early in the 56th minute giving the visitors the first goal of the game scored by Alessandro Noselli. Not even a minute later, Sebastian Le Toux responded with a goal for the Union assisted by Andrew Wenger. The rest of regulation time went on with back and fourth possession by each side with no goals scored.
Since the US Open Cup is a win or go home tournament, games cannot end in a draw. After regulation time, two 15 minute halves occur and if no goal is scored then the game goes into penalty kicks. There is no golden goal rule.
In extra time, the game was full of ejections and the winning goal for the Union. In the 105th minute Cosmos player Jimmy Occkford was sent off after a tackle in the box on the Union’s Maurice Edu. This resulted in a penalty in which Sebastian Le Toux buried for the game winner. After the winning goal, things got ugly on the pitch. A fight ensued near the corner flag on the south side of the stadium resulting in three red cards, two for the visiting Cosmos and one for Michael Lahoud. Two coaches on the technical staff for the Cosmos also received ejections for sideline arguments with the ref and fourth official. Although it was not the prettiest of soccer played by the Union the team will advance to the quarterfinals.
The Union will take on the winner of the match between the New England Revolution and the Rochester Rhinos on July 8th at 7pm at PPL Park.
Philadelphia Union post game presser – June 24th, 2014
Adriana Lacy
Philly native who has a huge interest in soccer on all levels. Firm believer of giving back and paying it forward. Can be reached on twitter at @adrianabreziana.
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