It was an eastern conference war Saturday night on the banks of the Delaware, where the fourth place Philadelphia Union faced off against second place Toronto FC. Only three points separate the two teams and it had all the makings for a six point game. The Union, coming off a 4-0 thrashing away against the New England Revolution, came into the game looking to retain their form against eastern conference teams.
Giovinco and Toronto FC beats Philadelphia Union at Home
Starting Lineups
Philadelphia Union: Blake/ Rosenberry, Tribbett, Marquez, Fabinho/ Creavalle, Bedoya/ Barnetta, Ilsinho, Pontius/ Sapong
Toronto FC: Bono/ Moor, Zavaleta, Morrow, Beitashour/ Bradley, Delgado, Johnson, Osorio/ Altidore, Giovinco
Toronto is a team full of star power. Most notably, US internationals Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore and arguably the best player in the MLS, Sebastian Giovinco. Giovinco is tied for the league lead in goals with 15, even when he went the whole month of June without a goal. He’s also third in the league with 11 assists. In his last press conference, Union manager Jim Curtin had this to say about Giovinco:
“I’m glad I didn’t play when he was in the league. He’s a handful, as dangerous a guy there is right now. He and (David) Villa are probably 1 and 1a for MVP, you’d probably say.”
This game also is newly acquired Alejandro Bedoya and Charlie Davies‘ home debut. When PA announcer Kevin Casey announced Bedoya’s name, it was quite possibly the loudest cheer for a player in Union history.
The first 15 minutes saw some action for both teams. In the 13th minute, a free kick was called for Toronto. Both teams had great counter attacks that could have led to goals. Giovinco stepped up, hooked it near post and was beautifully saved by Andre Blake.
Lightning struck for Toronto FC in the 18th minute when who else but Sebastian Giovinco put the ball off both posts and into the net for his 16th of the season. Ken Tribbett was caught flat footed and didn’t stand a chance. In the very next minute, the same exact situation arose with Giovinco on a breakaway and Tribbett nowhere to be found. This time though, it led to Giovinco shooting it just wide.
Ken Tribbett promptly made up for his his flat footedness by heading in a free kick from Tranquillo Barnetta. That goal was his second of the season with the first coming away against Orlando City S.C. Game was knotted 1-1.
In the 29th minute, a free kick for Toronto was called. Michael Bradley swung the ball into the box where defender Drew Moor headed the ball in for his third of the season. Prior to the free kick, chants of “over rated!” ravaged through the Sons of Ben directed towards Bradley.
In the 44th minute, Jozy Altidore over powers the Unions defense and bangs in a shot off the post making it 3-1 for Toronto. He then uses Lebron James‘ “silencer” celebration in front of the Sons of Ben. It’s the second game in a row he has scored.
At the half, it was 3-1 in Toronto’s favor. Jim Curtin made a substitution that didn’t surprise anyone, but it should. He subbed off Tribbett and brought on Joshua Yaro. This should be surprising because Curtin very rarely subs of defenders besides if they got hurt.
Throughout the second half, the Union cranked up the pressure to another level. In the 65th minute, C.J Sapong hit a volley that was saved by Alex Bono to keep the score 3-1.
The Union had the majority of the chances in the second half but couldn’t seem to hit the back of the net. Thus ending the game as it was at halftime, 3-1. Referee Mark Geiger‘s name had a negative connotation throughout the game in Talen Energy Stadium. With a plethora of obscenities yelled his way during the game.
The Union travel to Columbus this Wednesday to take on the Columbus Crew. Their previous two meetings this season have ended up in Union wins.
