Philadelphia Union make club history, defeat Colorado 2-1

The Philadelphia Union extended their winning streak to four games after a 2-1 home win over the Colorado Rapids on Saturday evening.

After an impressive home win over the Houston Dynamo on Wednesday evening, the Philadelphia Union used a pair of second half goals to defeat the struggling Rapids at Talen Energy Stadium.

Jim Curtin’s side was also looking to extend their shutout streak to four straight matches, after now allowing a goal in their past three fixtures.

Giliano Wijnaldum made his first start for the Union, filling in at left-back for Fabinho, while Fabian Herbers started for Chris Pontius. However, it was the visiting Rapids who struck first as Caleb Calvert’s right-footed shot from long-range beat Andre Blake for a 1-0 opener.

Ilsinho saw his 23rd-minute effort stopped by Tim Howard, while C.J. Sapong also saw his 45th-minute header saved by the U.S. international.

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Kevin Doyle’s 64th-minute free-kick struck the bar which easily could have put the Rapids up by two. Minutes later, C.J. Sapong drew the Union level, scoring from a penalty kick. Kortne Ford was whistled for handball in the box, which allowed the Union the spot kick opportunity.

It was Sapong’s eighth goal of the season, which leads the team. The Rapids were reduced to 10-men in the 69th-minute as Calvert saw a second yellow card. The 20-year-old entered the field without permission from referee Jose Carlos Rivero which warranted a yellow card.

The Union snatched all three points after Haris Medunjanin’s 75th-minute free kick left Howard flatfooted, and found the right side of the net. It was the Bosnian international’s second goal of the season, which proved to be the game winner.

At the final whistle, the Union earned another important win at home which moves them to 16 points on the season. The hosts led in the shots on goal category, edging Colorado five-to-one.

It truly was a dominant performance by the hosts, who out-possessed the visitors 69%-31%, and completed over 340 more passes.

According to MLS.com, the Union made club history on Saturday earning their first ever four-game winning streak. Curtin definitely has this team playing at their highest potential and it is truly showing in the standings.

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The Union head on the road for their next two matches, starting with a May 27th fixture at Real Salt Lake. Following that, they entertain New York City F.C. at Yankee Stadium on June 3rd.

The Boys in Blue return home on June 18th, as they begin a three-game homestand starting with hated rivals, the New York Red Bulls.

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