BY BRENDAN BALDWIN
PHILA. —The Philadelphia Union returned to Subaru Park on Saturday night, hosting Orlando City SC at home for an Eastern Conference matchup. Any Union fan will tell you there is nothing like a Saturday night in Subaru Park and that’s the truth. The lights were on, the mist blew through, and fans began their night cheering for the newest boy in blue Cavan Sullivan younger brother of homegrown Quinn Sullivan as he took in his warm welcome by banging the ceremonial drum before the match. Cavan’s new contract includes a clause that will send him to Manchester City once he turns 18 years of age.
Things got started off hot with Mikael Uhre setting the tone early finding the net in the 12th minute of the match after a read hot pass from Nate Harriel past the defender and into the net. The early lead erupted the Sons of Bens with applause as they celebrated in the back right corner of the pitch. 1-0 Union.
However, not soon after things got a little tense for the union after a missed goal opportunity from #16 Jack McGlynn quickly turned into Orlando City having a goal of their own shot by 23-year-old Duncan McGuire in the 21st minute which tied the game 1-1.
The match continued with shots back and forth from the two clubs with the Union almost regaining the lead with a pass from Sullivan connecting with McGlynn on the left side of the pitch however the homegrown barely missed for the goal.
Philadelphia Union vs. Florida City. (Photos/ Brendan Baldwin for PSD)
Orlando City would then have their own chance at taking back the lead after Nico Loderio sent a soaring pass to Luis Muriel which turned into a shot from out 20 yards that gave Orlando the upper hand heading into the 2nd half. 2-1 Orlando.
After the break, Orlando wasted no time getting right back to work as they took the opening kickoff quickly down the left side of the pitch with Muriel connecting with Loderio, leaving the forward 1v1 with current Union Goalkeeper Oliver Semmle as Andre Blake is still out with injury. The scored 20 seconds into the second half. 3-1 Orlando.
The action would continue with the 2nd half with pentalities from both sides and missed shots back and forth until the 61st minute when captain for Orlando Robin Jansson was taken off the field in a stretcher after trying to defend a goal. While the injury was being taken care of on the field a handball was being officially reviewed against Loderio. After a long time helping the star get off the field and checking the replay, it was determined it was a hand ball and the Union was rewarded with a shot to shoot from the Penalty spot. As usual, Daniel Gazdag seized the opportunity lining up his shot and scoring on the penalty shots itching away at Orlando’s 3-2 lead.
With 10 minutes remaining in the match coach Jim Curtain pulled Jose Martinez to put in forward Chris Donovan to play more aggressive and score the game tying goal as the rain started to persist.
Ultimately that plan would fail even after the additional 15 minutes of play as called by the sideline referee leading to the 3-2 Union Loss.
The Union lost a close 2-1 match against divisional rival NYFC last night and will try to rebound the two game loss as they face New England this Saturday in MA.