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Philadelphia Union get ‘biggest win of the year’ over NYCFC

By Kristian Dyer

Philadelphia Union forward Sergio Santos (17) collides into New York City FC goalkeeper Sean Johnson (1) in the second half at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Mitchell Leff-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia Union forward Sergio Santos (17) collides into New York City FC goalkeeper Sean Johnson (1) in the second half at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Mitchell Leff-USA TODAY Sports /
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For the Philadelphia Union, a 1-0 win on Wednesday night over New York City FC is a big lift for a team facing fixture congestion. Currently in the CONCACAF Champions League, heavy legs and squad rotation as well as multiple international call-ups has affected head coach Jim Curtin’s side.

The Union won the Supporters Shield a season ago, the first bit of hardware in franchise history. Now their focus has been on the Champions League, where they are in the semifinals and the lone remaining MLS team in the tournament.

Philadelphia Union forward Sergio Santos (17) collides into New York City FC goalkeeper Sean Johnson (1) in the second half at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Mitchell Leff-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia Union forward Sergio Santos (17) collides into New York City FC goalkeeper Sean Johnson (1) in the second half at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Mitchell Leff-USA TODAY Sports /

Now on Wednesday night, they got a measuring stick win over New York City FC, a team that hadn’t lost in their last six matches coming into Subaru Park. In those six matches, NYCFC had four wins.

Curtin said that “this is our biggest win of the year’ for his Philadelphia Union.

“I mean look that that team we just played is going to probably separate a bit because they’re that talented. Obviously, you see New England running away with it so there is I guess [there is] separation but the rest, you know, whether it’s [No. 2] through [No.] 11 it’s going be a real scrap or every point. So, again, just the simple fact that you know we’re playing with each other, and a lot of times three times, obviously we’re not going out west and trying to take points from them,” Curtin told reporters after the match.

“Usually, another season where the West takes a ton of points from the East of the East takes a ton of points from the west, that’s gone now. If you only go out there, two times a year. So it’s kind of sad to be honest because you just end up playing each other over and over but at the same time it’s going to be probably pretty good for that ‘Decision Day’ because I bet on the last day of this year, at least in our conference, West is just as tight, it’s going to be –  three points could be the difference between out or fourth or hosting a playoff game it’s going to be that crazy.”

With the win, the Philadelphia Union are now on 31 points with an 8-5-7 record.

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