As tropic storm Ophelia bombarded Subaru Park with high winds and rain the Philadelphia Union and LAFC played to a 0-0 Draw on Saturday night.
The Union having a 14-8-7 mark in the MLS currently ranking fourth in the standings and having secured a spot in the Playoffs, went up against a familiar foe in LAFC. In the rematch of the 2022 MLS Cup Championship LAFC showed why they are currently the West Coast second rank team as they hold a 12-9-9 record and playing a very solid strategy throughout the match.
In terms of Stats the Union had the edge as they held the possessions advantage 61.6%-38.4, were able to out pass LAFC by an incredible 549-336 mark.
As for the on-field action, as the Philadelphia Union celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month, and with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro banging the Giant drum to get the fans fired up for the match.
The spirit and the energy of the Union fans was definitely felt in what was an action-packed game between the two MLS Clubs.
It was the Union getting the first scoring opportunity at the 6′ as Kai Wagner attempted a left footed shot that went just high of the LAFC cage.
After great defensive play by both squads there wasn’t another attempt by Philadelphia till about the 39′ when Mikael Uhre, as he went for a right footed shot from the center of the box.
There was a great quality of soccer shown by both squads, and thanks to their style of play they went into halftime scoreless.
This photojournalist got to walk around Subaru Park for a bit (for those that have never been highly recommended) and was able to see a bit of the traditions and customs and murals that were within the Arena.
To check out my photos of the match Union and LAFC fans are encouraged to check out the gallery below:
Overall, the atmosphere is a fun and friendly one and what is even more incredible for those who want to attend matches as a fan is the fact that they have seats for sale that are right by the pitch, so that you can get close enough to give a high five to Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Andre Blake.
Getting back to the on the field action as the winds and the rain continued to pummel both squads, it had seemed as if the Union were able to get the first goal of the match on what was a beauty of a play to Dániel Gazdag
Upon VAR review though the goal was called back as it was an offside, much to the dismay of the fans in attendance.
The Union kept the momentum going though by a great chance by Nathan Harriel at the 59′.
As for LAFC they were able to get their first shot of the night as Jesus Murillo attempted a header from the left side of the six-yard box that just missed to the left, around the 73′.
From there both squads defense stood tall as the night ended with a 0-0 draw and a well-earned point for each club.
There were some changes in the starting lineup for both squads as for the Union the incredible run by Jakob Glesnes and his 101 games played came to an end, due to a developing groin injury. In addition, Jose Martinez did not get the chance to play either.
As for LAFC they saw Carlos Vela, Denis Bouanga and Ilie Sánchez on the bench and available as subs.
The Philadelphia Union winds up the month of September with two matches as they take on FC Dallas at Subaru Park on Wednesday, September 27 with the kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and then they go on the road to take on Columbus on September 30 with that match scheduled for 7:30 p.m. as well.
The match on Wednesday night is going to be one that is fun filled for those in attendance as the Union celebrate Retro Night.
Philadelphia Union Notes from the Night
Prior to the start of the action at Subaru Park and as a Part of Hispanic Heritage Month x Hunger Action Month the folks at Philadelphia Union held a Food Drive from 5:30 pm-7 pm as those fans in attendance were encouraged to bring in a donation. For all that did got themselves a chance to be entered to win a Game Worn Hispanic Heritage Top that was worn by the squad prior to the start of the game.
For more information on the Philadelphia Union fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here: