Philadelphia Union start off new year on hot note

The Philadelphia Union started the new season on a hot note with a 2-0 win over the New England Revolution.

It was a brutal night for some soccer with some near freezing temperatures and around 20 mph wind to start the Philadelphia Union season. Hosting Eastern Conference foes in the New England Revolution, the Union were kicking off the new season at home. With two homegrown players making their first starts, and David Accam on the field for the first time as a Philadelphia player, it was a big night for many.

The first 20 minutes of play were a rather lackluster affair, as it became obvious early that both teams were not yet in much of any form. The big break for the home side came in the 24th minute, as C.J. Sapong seemed clear of defender, Antonio Mlinar Delamea, and was pulled down. As the last defender, he was shown a straight red by head referee Rubiel Vazquez. It would not be long before the Union capitalized on their man advantage.

It would be one of those young homegrown starters that slotted home the ball as Anthony Fontana made it one goal in one appearance for the Union. After some offensive output by the side, Fontana would put a ball off the feet of Sapong into the net giving the home team a 1-0 lead in the 43rd minute. The Union would close out the half with the lead intact.

The second half continued much like the first, as the Union held the ball and the Revolution played a lot of defense. While the visitors would get a fair amount of shots on Andre Blake throughout the night, they were for the most part, less than a test for the Jamaican international. The Union would make multiple substitutes to put the game on ice with the goal-scorer Fontana, and Fabian Herbers making way for Jay Simpson and Corey Burke.

It would not be long for the one of the substitutes to make an impact on the game. Corey Burke would beat his defender and push the ball on goal for Sapong, who connected from close range for his first goal of the season. It was an interesting night for Sapong with a goal and an assist, but he spent much of the night missing on some clear-cut chances.

After the second goal, it was all but over as the Union passed the ball around, and the Revolution seemed set on not advancing the ball much themselves. The night’s cards were not over with a notable second yellow card coming for Claude Dielna on another last defender tackle. This leaves the Revolution with neither of their opening night center backs for their next match.

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The game would end 2-0 for the Union, who gained their first three points of the season. It was not the prettiest match for the side, and will likely not be remembered long for more than being a solid win. The game was very ugly, and against better sides the Union will need to score more of their chances. The quality of play will also need to progress. That said, for an opening foray into the season, a win is a win.