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Philadelphia Union Trips Into Playoffs With 2-0 Loss to Red Bulls

The Philadelphia Union fell 2-0 to the New York Red Bulls on Sunday and find themselves limping into their MLS Cup knockout round game against Toronto FC.

The Philadelphia Union came into Sunday’s game with the New York Red Bulls having all but earned a 2016 Audi MLS Cup playoffs appearance. The New England Revolution were three points behind and need to make up a 12 goal differential for them to overtake the Union on a tiebreaker. So in other words, the Union locked up a playoff spot. However, one more game needs to be played for both teams. Barring some absurd result in Philadelphia and in Montreal, the Union will have broken a five-year postseason drought.

The season record between the two teams in all competitions has been deadlocked at 1W-1D-1L. Led by golden boot contender Bradley WrightPhillips, the Red Bulls have already locked up a spot in the playoffs and a bye into the Eastern Conference semifinals. Having earned a first round bye, they can afford to put out their starting XI for one last tune up game. The Union, however, do not have that luxury. With a playoff spot, their game would be played either this Wednesday or Thursday away. So coach Jim Curtin has a short leash in which he can play.

Sunday was also supposed to be the day where Maurice Edu would make his long awaited return to the starting squad. During Saturday training, Edu suffered a non-contact fractured tibia. He will be out for the rest of the season, thus again diminishing the Union’s defensive options.

Philadelphia Union Trips Into Playoffs With 2-0 Loss to New York Red Bulls

Starting XI

Philadelphia Union; Blake; Rosenberry, Tribbett, Marquez, Fabinho; Bedoya, Creavalle, Ilsinho, Alberg, Ayuk; Herbers

New York Red Bulls; Robles; Duvall, Perrinelle, Collin, Lawrence; McCarty, Felipe; Grella, Klejstan, Muyl; Wright-Phillips

1st Half

Starting out the gate, the intensity of the rivalry never faded. The Union and Red Bulls supporters sections were right next to each other, adding more fuel to the fire that is this game. Early on, Mike Grella and Ilsinho both received yellow cards on the same play: Grella with retaliation, Ilsinho for flopping. In the 24th minute, Bradley Wright-Phillips extended his goal-scoring lead with his 24th of the season to give the Red Bulls a 1-0 lead. This goal would also seal the race for the Golden Boot. The Union had multiple chances in the first half, including a great chance that Roland Alberg pulled wide. The half would end 1-0.

2nd Half

The Union seemed to have been outplayed the entire second half. Not too many chances for the team emerged. But the Red Bulls had a few more in their pocket. An Alex Muyl goal in the 54th minute sealed the Red Bulls victory by a 2-0 scoreline. The Union have now gone winless in seven games.

The Playoffs

In other news, the New England Revolution beat the Montreal Impact 3-0, pulling them even on points. However, it was not enough to cover the goal differential. As a result, the Philadelphia Union are officially in the playoffs. They travel to Toronto midweek to face a Toronto F.C. team they haven’t beaten since 2014. Last month, the team traveled there and picked up a draw.

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