Philadelphia Union Top Eastern Conference Rival NY Red Bulls, 3-1
July 16, 2014 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Philadelphia Union News Release
Chester, Pa. (July 16, 2014) - The Philadelphia Union snapped a pair of streaks in a riveting 3-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls Wednesday night before a sellout crowd of 18,541 at PPL Park.
Not only did the Union halt a five-match unbeaten streak by the Red Bulls, but they also won for the first time at home since a 1-0 victory over the New England Revolution on March 15.
Philadelphia (5-8-7, 22 points) received goals from Conor Casey, Fred and Sebastien Le Toux and the frenetic response from the fans was inspiring.
"Great performance from our guys from start to finish," Union interim manager Jim Curtin said. "It's a result the fans deserved."
The Union, who played without suspended midfielders Michael Lahoud and Amobi Okugo, struck first in the ninth minute when Casey notched his sixth goal of the season. Goalkeeper Zac MacMath booted the ball about 70 yards and Casey gathered it and passed to Andrew Wenger.
Wenger then sent a crisp pass toward the goal and Casey scored.
There was a scary moment in the 33rd minute when Cristian Maidana left the match with an injury.
Following the match, Curtin didn't believe it was serious but added, "It's too early to speculate."
Fred replaced Maidana and scored in the 51st minute, directly in front of the River End. It was Fred's first goal for the Union since the inaugural season of 2010.
"It feels so blessed today," Fred said. "I didn't expect Chaco to get injured. I feel so sorry for him. Everyone has to be ready to play."
The Red Bulls (5-6-8, 23 points) made things interesting in the 60th minute when Bradley Wright-Phillips scored his league-leading 16th goal on an assist by Thierry Henry. Wright-Phillips has scored at least one goal in four straight games.
In addition, the Elias Sports Bureau noted that Wright-Phillips has set an MLS record for goals over a span of 12 games in one season with 15.
Philadelphia responded when Tim Cahill was whistled for foul in the box in the 68th minute. In the 69th minute, Le Toux converted the penalty kick for a 3-1 advantage. Le Toux improved to 11 for 11 in penalty kicks in his Union career.
The Union held on and celebrated three huge points against their I-95 rival.
"It feels like it's been forever since we won at home," goalkeeper Zac MacMath said. "We've played well for stretches in games but hadn't been able to close it out. We finished it strong fashion tonight and I'm really happy for the fans."
There won't be much time to celebrate with a match looming Saturday night at the Chicago Fire.
Earlier this season on April 5, the Union also traveled to Chicago and battled the Fire to a 2-2 draw.
"We have a short turnaround," defender Sheanon Williams said. "We can't say, 'We're happy to get this' and then go ahead and not play well at Chicago. We know we need to string things together."
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Major League Soccer Stories from July 16, 2014
- Crew Falls 2-1 at Home to Sporting Kansas City - Columbus Crew SC
- New York Red Bulls' Unbeaten Streak Comes to An End with 3-1 Loss at Philadelphia - New York Red Bulls
- Philadelphia Union Top Eastern Conference Rival NY Red Bulls, 3-1 - Philadelphia Union
- Landon Donovan and Omar Gonzalez Named to Fan XI for 2014 AT&T MLS All-Star Game - LA Galaxy
- BMO Field to Host Balotelli, Baggio and Honda Next Week - Toronto FC
- Michael Bradley Voted into MLS Fan Xi for 2014 AT&T MLS All-Star Game - Toronto FC
- Three Sounders FC Players Named to MLS All-Star Fan XI - Seattle Sounders FC
- Real Salt Lake Captain Kyle Beckerman and GK Nick Rimando Named to MLS Fan XI - Real Salt Lake
- Besler and Zusi Named to MLS All-Star Fan XI - Sporting Kansas City
- New York Red Bulls Forward Thierry Henry Named to 2014 MLS All-Star Fan XI - New York Red Bulls
- Sounders FC Signs Bailey - Seattle Sounders FC
- Sporting KC Weekly Update - Sporting Kansas City
- Spend the Day Like a Pro on August 2 with the Montreal Impact Soccer Schools - Club de Foot Montreal
- Revolution Night at Boston's Improv Asylum set for August 20 - New England Revolution
- Sporting KC Signs Midfielders Jorge Claros and Martin Steuble - Sporting Kansas City
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