The Philadelphia Union continue to find new life (and goals) under new manager John Hackworth. A July 4th fixture at the Galaxy saw the Union grab the lead just before halftime on a sublime backheel from Jack McInerney, which was reminiscent of Danny Welbeck’s winner for England against Sweden in the Euros. They were lucky to take the lead into halftime, for Galaxy controlled the first half and had numerous chances. Robbie Keane could have had a hat trick in the first half, but was stopped by good saves from Zac MacMath and a few goal line clearances from the defense.
The second half was more of the same, with the Galaxy equalizing in the 73rd minute on a Chad Barrett goal fed by Landon Donovan. The Union were suppressed for much of the half with the Galaxy wanting the full three points, but in the 95th minute, Michael Farfan curled in a beautiful goal into the side netting of the net to give the Union a spectacular road win against the Galaxy. Oddly enough, that was the second time this year Philly has won at the Home Depot Center, also beating Chivas USA earlier in the year.
Last Sunday’s game at home versus Toronto FC was very different than the game versus the Galaxy, but the end result was the same: a win and an important three points. The Union dominated every facet of the game including the fact that they enjoyed sixty-two percent of possession. With the type of soccer that Union fans are used to seeing, this comes as a bit of a shock. Hackworth’s fingerprints were all over this one. With attacking, free flowing soccer, the Union stifled a lifeless and struggling Toronto side. The scoring started in the 34th minute with a Gabriel Gomez strike, but the Union were unlucky to have not scored earlier.
Just two minutes later, after displaying the skill that made him a boy prodigy, Freddy Adu drilled home another goal for the Union. Adu had an excellent afternoon and was as creative as I’ve ever seen him. After taking a 2-0 lead into halftime, the Union did not let up. Supersub Antoine Hoppenot came on in the 65th minute for Jack McInerney, and was once again a game changer. His positioning was perfect and led to a number of chances, and it wasn’t long until he scored in the 78th minute off a nice through ball from Michael Farfan. A clinical finish from Hoppenot saw the Union go up 3-0, and that’s the way it finished. A gorgeous display from the Union, and it improved their current streak to four wins in their last five games overall.
Tonight, the Union face Sporting Kansas City at PPL Park in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semi-finals. Interestingly, this same matchup occurred a few weeks ago, which saw the Union trounce SKC 4-0 in Chester. However, the Union can count on a much tougher test from SKC this time around. Fans can expect both clubs to trot out full strength teams in this one, and Philly has made it no secret that “We Want The Cup”. That saying is plastered all over the website, and was even chanted by the Sons of Ben at the end of the Toronto game. Heck, they even made t-shirts with the saying.
To progress, they need to continue what they did in the Toronto game: control possession, be creative, get chances, and finish. This game could see some goals, with Philly’s attack rounding into form, and with the SKC attack boasting names like Bunbury, Sapong, and Kamara. The Union will also try to beat SKC goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen, who was named as the MLS All-Star starter, but Philly will have the mental edge, with those four goals looming large as a reminder to Nielsen that they can score against him.
This is probably the most important game in the Union’s fledgling history as a club. A win means a real chance at their first taste of silverware and glory. Never before have they been so close to a trophy. The Union finished third in the bidding process to host the finals, so the only way they will host the final is if Chivas USA beats Seattle and the Union win. Otherwise, the Union will have to enter the fortress of Seattle and try to beat them there, which would be a tall order. Either way, they must win tonight. Here’s hoping they can continue playing well and earn their first shot at a title! DOOP.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
