United They Stand, Divided Union Fall
It’s been a rough season for the Philadelphia Union. Coming off of their first post-season appearance last season, the team has since parted ways with 2011 coach Peter Nowak as well as fan favorites Faryd Mondragon, Sebastian Le Toux, Danny Mwanga, and Danny Califf.
The Union now sit mired in a six game winless streak that extends back to April 21st (when they bested Chivas USA, 1-0).
The latest loss came on a beautiful Saturday afternoon (June 16) at PPL Park as Philadelphia hosted first place DC United. It was the debut of interim manager John Hackworth in the wake of Nowak’s departure.
In front of a sell out crowd at PPL Park, the Union looked dominant in the first half. Jack McInerney, Freddy Adu, and Josué Martinez all put decent shots on net but DC’s GK Bill Hamid stood firm in goal. Although DC didn’t have any shots on goal in the first half, the teams headed into the break with the game knotted in a scoreless tie.
The scoring chances continued for Philadelphia in the second half when Antoine Hoppenot subbed in and put a ball off of the post in the 62nd minute.
In the 78th minute, DC’s Branko Boskovic placed a beautiful free-kick that was capped off by Chris Pontius to give United a 1-0 lead. That lone goal would prove to be the difference as Philadelphia lost the match by the same score.
The Union (2-8-2) play again this Saturday, June 23rd when they host Sporting KC at PPL Park.
[Photo credits: Michael Green]
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