Photo Cred: Sons of Ben
The Union grabbed an impressive road win vs Chicago on Saturday, and tonight looked to secure a much needed MLS Home victory. The Revolution came into Chester with 7 points (2nd place), while the Union sat in 10th in the East, but only 3 points behind.
Starting XI
Union
Blake
Wagner, Elliot, Glesnes, Mbaizo
Flach
McGlynn, Bedoya
Monteiro
Santos, Przybylko
New England
Turner
Jones, Bell, Farrell, Bye
McNamara, Maciel Felix
Traustason, Gill, Buchanan
Buksa
First Half Summary
After a slow start for both teams, the first shot came from just outside the box. McNamara hit it right at Blake, who only briefly juggled the ball before securing the save.
Things got testy just moments later, as Kacper was taken down inside the box. Subaru Park yelled for a VAR review, but the ref deemed it to be a clean tackle.
Blake was called into action again in the 11th minute, as a crossing ball was pushed away by Andre. The defense quickly regrouped, and the ball was sent out for a goal kick.
New England was awarded a corner kick in the 13th minute, which was easily sent out for a Revolution throw.
A foul on Santos gave the Union a free kick in the 15th minute, but a foul in the box kept New England out of danger. This eventually led to a free kick for New England just outside the box, but Andre quickly silenced any further attack.
Philadelphia was awarded a corner kick just moments later, but Turner matched his counterpart with an easy save of his own.
The best opportunity the Union had in the first 20 minutes came when the ball trickled toward Turner. Santos and the keeper raced toward the ball, but Turner was able to kick it away from a surging Santos.
The Union had another great opportunity in the 21st minute, when their numbers gave Miro a shot on goal. Turner juggled the shot, but nothing further came from the attack.
Santos was involved again in the 25th minute. He timed his jump behind the defense well, and pushed the ball toward the net. A shot was blocked by Turner, and Monteiro sailed the rebound over the net.
The Revolution's next chance was in the 28th minute, as a chip into the box was flicked out of bounds, with no need for Andre to make a save.
Kacper was taken down in the box again in the 30th minute. The crowd roared as the ref let play continue. New England then quickly countered and put a great shot on net. Blake was forced to make a diving save to keep the match tied 0-0.
The Union continued to press against the Revolution defense. Mbaizo had an excellent cross into the box in the 31st minute, but Santos' touch was sent away by the Revs' keeper.
The first yellow card was given in the 33rd minute, when Kai put a tackle on Buchanan. It was a fairly soft foul from Wagner, who joined the Union faithful in voicing his displeasure for the yellow.
A turnover from Mbaizo led to a corner in the 40th minute. New England had a good cross into the box, but Bedoya sent it away with his head.
Union ended the half with a chance at net. Flach secured the ball outside the box, but his strong shot sailed well over the net. Two minutes of stoppage time were added, but nothing further occurred between the sides.
Second Half Summary
New England started the second half with a free kick from just outside the box, which was pushed away from danger. The Revolution continued their attack just moments later, but sailed their shot well over the net.
Another yellow card was given in the 52nd minute, as Miro halted a New England attack with a foul along the sideline. A free kick was awarded from a few yards outside the box, but Philadelphia regained control of possession.
The Union were awarded a corner kick in the 55th minute, after a cross inside the box was kicked out of bounds toward the river. Miro elected to keep the ball short, and unfortunately the Union were unable to get a shot on net. The Revolution countered, and a clean look from the top of the box just barely sailed over the net.
The Union made their first sub in the 58th minute, as Burke replaced Santos, and McGlynn was replaced by Fontana.
The Revs had a great chance on net in the 61st minute, when Buchanan just barely missed the corner of the net. The Union countered with a chance of their own, but Burke headed the corner well right of the goal.
Traustason was the next New England player to get a shot at goal, but he sent the ball passed the far post, over Burke's shoulder.
The Revs made two subs in the 68th minute, when Bunbury and Bou replaced Buksa and Buchanan.
Another yellow card was awarded to the home team, as Kacper's foul was not taken lightly by the ref. This card came in the 71st minute.
Monteiro had a chance to make it 1-0 in the 73rd minute, as he drove the ball into the box. Miro then lost his footing, and the ball was sent out for a goal kick.
Elliott almost took matters into his own hands, as he stormed toward the top of the box and sent a rocket just wide of the net. This missed chance kept the score 0-0 with only 15 minutes to play.
The Union's next corner came in the 78th minute, but ultimately Turner was able to leap and secure the ball.
Two more subs came in for the Revolution, as Kizza and Polster replaced Traustason and McNamara in the 79th minute.
Both teams continued to make moves toward the opposing net, but the Revolution were the ones who struck first. The ball bounced around the box in the 85th minute, and Bunbury's diving kick was enough to get the ball passed Andre.
Philly finally broke through as well in the 88th minute, as a ball soared in the air just outside the goal. Turner was off his line, and Kacper fought hard to head it into the net.
New England made their final substitution in the 90th minute. Kessler came on for Jones.
No significant chances were had by either squad in stoppage time, and the match came to a close at a 1-1 draw.
The Union now carry their home point into Saturday's rivalry match with the New York Red Bulls. New England continues their campaign on Sunday evening against the Crew.
- Mike Barrera (@mbarrera1323 on Twitter)