MLS Multiplex
Fansided

Philadelphia Union Vs Sporting KC: 3 things we learned – Union sweep past SKC

By Nathan Dunn

Philadelphia Union (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Philadelphia Union (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next
REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 30: Players of Philadelphia Union celebrate their first goal scored by Jamiro Monteiro #10 during a quarter final match of MLS Is Back Tournament against Sporting Kansas City at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 30, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 30: Players of Philadelphia Union celebrate their first goal scored by Jamiro Monteiro #10 during a quarter final match of MLS Is Back Tournament against Sporting Kansas City at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 30, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

Three goals in 15 minutes was enough for the Philadelphia Union to defeat Sporting KC and book their spot in the MLS Is Back semi-finals. Here are three things we learned.

Three straight goals for the Philadelphia Union in the opening 40 minutes was all they needed to dispatch Sporting Kansas City on Thursday might. Johnny Russell and Alan Pulido linked up to give Sporting KC a lifeline just before half-time, but the Union defense held strong and protected their well-deserved lead.

Peter Vermes’ side return him with a lot of questions to answer, while the Philadelphia Union must recover before the semi-final matchup on August 5th against the winner of New York City FC and the Portland Timbers.

Here are three things we learned from the Philadelphia Union’s 3-1 quarterfinal victory.

REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 25: Brenden Aaronson #22 of Philadelphia Union controls the ball during their game against New England Revolution in the Knockout Round of the MLS Is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 25, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 25: Brenden Aaronson #22 of Philadelphia Union controls the ball during their game against New England Revolution in the Knockout Round of the MLS Is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 25, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

3. Contrasting nights for young prospects

Brenden Aaronson was superb for the Philadelphia Union. Linked with Scottish powerhouse Celtic along with four German clubs, the young American put in a terrific shift and was among the most impressive on the pitch Thursday evening. The turn to get away from Graham Zusi and the top class service to find Sergio Santos for Philadelphia’s third goal was sublime.

Meanwhile, for Sporting KC, Gianluca Busio started and played just 45 minutes before being subbed off at half-time. He was just one of many dreadful performances in the opening half. For the second goal, he should have remained more conservative in an attempt to contain the counter-attack instead of stepping up to win the ball. It was a poor decision in a night full of them.

Heavily linked with a move to Serie A and getting the opportunity with two starts this tournament, Busio certainly didn’t raise his price tag. Busio will have a lot to prove if and when the regular-season returns in several weeks.

Based on this tournament, then, the stock of Aaronson and Busio is moving in opposite directions. This was a very contrasting night for the young pair, with Aaronson now set to lead the Union to a potential trophy and Busio wondering where his future lies.

Home/Philadelphia Union