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Philadelphia Union: Three Takeaways From Fourth Consecutive Win

By Daniel Garza

May 20, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union forward C.J. Sapong pushes the ball upfield against the Colorado Rapids during the second half at Talen Energy Stadium. The Union defeated the Rapids 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
May 20, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union forward C.J. Sapong pushes the ball upfield against the Colorado Rapids during the second half at Talen Energy Stadium. The Union defeated the Rapids 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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The fourth consecutive win for the Philadelphia Union set a new club record as they defeated the Colorado Rapids at Talen Energy Stadium.

Another win sees the Union continue their impressive run of form as they have ascended the Eastern Conference table after a less than stellar start to the 2017 season.

Two second half goals led the Union to victory on Saturday as the Rapids ran into some trouble. A penalty kick and a red card would doom their chances of victory and would ultimately prove to be their undoing in the 2-1 win for the home side.

Caleb Calvert had a dream start for the Rapids scoring in the 15th minute and recording his first career goal. However, his day would go from good to bad as he was sent off in the 69th minute for entering the field without the official’s permission.

The Union received goals from C.J. Sapong and Haris Medunjanin. They scored less than 10 minutes apart to guide their club to victory.

Here are three takeaways from Saturday’s match.

1. Unbeaten in six

The Union haven’t lost since April 14th and have only allowed one goal in their last five matches. They are one of the hottest clubs in the league, if they can continue this streak then the slow start to the season will be all but an afterthought.

2. Sapong continues to score

It looks like it’s going to be a record season for Sapong as he is now just two goals away from setting a career best in goal scoring. He’s scored eight in 12 appearances which is already more than he scored in 31 appearances last season. Sapong will be a key player throughout the season for the Union’s continued success.

3. Still work to be done for Philadelphia

This has been a great run but it doesn’t necessarily mean the Union is going to be contenders come the end of the season. They are currently sitting mid-table club and this winning streak has produced their only four wins of the seasons. With a road trip to lowly Real Salt Lake and two consecutive matches against the New York clubs, then the next few weeks will be interesting to see if this is still a phase or the start of a consistent run of form.

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