The Philadelphia Union had their MLS Regular Season Home Opener yesterday, and despite a strong start to the second half, they ultimately fell to Inter Miami. A summary from the day can be seen below.
Starting XI
Union
Blake
Wagner, Elliott, Glesnes, Mbaizo
Flach, Martinez, Bedoya
Monteiro
Santos, Przybylko
Inter Miami
McCarthy
Jones, Gonzalez Pirez, Figal, Leerdam
Matuidi, Gregore,
Robinson, Pizarro, Morgan,
Higuain
Entering the Match
The Union have been involved with the CONCACAF Champions League, with the first leg of the Quarterfinals on 4/27. That said, the MLS Regular Season just began, with both teams having played one game thus far. The Union grabbed a solid road point vs the Crew, while Miami fell to the LA Galaxy 3-2.
Pre-Game Ceremony
The 2020 Supporters' Shield banner was unveiled, which is alongside Le Toux's name under the Stadium Club. A very cool moment for sure, but it's time to put the 2020 season in the past. Great to see, great memories, and hopefully the Union can add to their trophy case this year.
First Half Chances
The Union changed their lineup from this season's first three games, as Santos was now in his familiar offensive position with Kacper. The Union had their chances from set pieces, as they were awarded 5 corners in the half. 4 of those happened within the first 16 minutes. Inter Miami had limited chances in the first 45 minutes, but their best came off a terrible turnover from Glesnes in the 19th minute. Robbie Robinson had a solid shot on net, which rang off the post. Despite the Union maintaining an edge in possession, they really didn't test McCarthy in net.
Second Half Chances
Inter Miami started the half with a substitution, as Jay Chapman filled in for Robinson. The Union continued to press, which ultimately led to Jamiro Monteiro's first goal of the season at the 54th minute. Kacper had a slow rolling ball into the box, which Miro put passed McCarthy with ease. Found a great video of the goal from Elite Goal Horns - See Below.
The Union soon made their first change at the 62nd minute, with Corey Burke entering the match for Santos. Miami also made a change at this time, as Federico Higuain entered for Pizarro. Some may recall Gonzalo Higuain and Jose Martinez's beef last season, and things picked up where they left off in the 67th minute. A rough challenge took out Flach, and El Brujo and Higuain exchanged a few pleasantries. Glesnes ultimately pulled Jose away before it got out of hand, but bad blood is certainly beginning to form between the two squads.
Miami came in with another substitution in the 69th minute, with Guediri replacing Joevin Jones.
Gonzalo wasn't done yet, as he soon tied the score in the 73rd minute. Flack gave up a foul just outside the box, and Federico Higuain crossed a solid ball into the box, which his brother headed into the corner.
The Union brought in some fresh legs in the 79th minute, with Ilsinho and Fontana relieving Kacper and Flach, respectively. Ilsinho wasn't in for long though, as he was soon seen limping off the field and McGlynn filled in. It's unclear as to what happened to Ilsinho, but we are certainly hoping it's nothing serious. Miami also made additional changes, with Shawcross for Leerdam and Ulloa for Matuidi.
The Higuain brothers continued to attack our Home team, as Federico also headed a ball passed Andre Blake in the 83rd minute. This was right in front of the Inter Miami fan section, who had been loud the entire night. Gonzalo soon made an attempt to make it 3-1, but thankfully Blake had another one of his highlight reel saves to keep the Union within 1.
Ultimately, the Union lost their first regular season game at home since the 2-1 loss to NYCFC in October of 2019. No time to dwell though, as they are back at it on Tuesday for the CONCACAF quarters.
- Mike Barrera