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Philadelphia Union move on to set up MLS Cup rematch

By Nick Butler

GUADALAJARA, MEXICO - APRIL 12: Julian Carranza of Philadelphia Union celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's second goal during the quarterfinals second leg match between Atlas and Philadelphia Union as part of the Concacaf Champions League at Jalisco Stadium on April 12, 2023 in Guadalajara, Mexico. (Photo by Alfredo Moya/Jam Media/Getty Images)
GUADALAJARA, MEXICO - APRIL 12: Julian Carranza of Philadelphia Union celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's second goal during the quarterfinals second leg match between Atlas and Philadelphia Union as part of the Concacaf Champions League at Jalisco Stadium on April 12, 2023 in Guadalajara, Mexico. (Photo by Alfredo Moya/Jam Media/Getty Images) /
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In what was one of their best performances so far this season, the Philadelphia Union drew with Atlas F.C. 2-2, but thanks to the away goal tie breaker, and their lone goal from the 1st leg at Subaru Park, the Union were able to win the Quarterfinal round 3-2 on aggregate. The game was a nail biter for the duration of play. Atlas opened up the scoring at the 11-minute mark. It only took the Union 16 minutes to answer back. Atlas began to push, and the Union did quite break. When they finally did break, it was on a breakdown that led to an easy tap in goal. As it stood coming out of the half, Atlas only needed one more goal to win. The Union did not back down and fought to the 90th minute scoring at the 77th. Best part of both Union goals was having to be reviewed by VAR to be called good goals. Nonetheless, the MLS Cup rematch is set with the Union hosting the 1st leg.

The Union came out to probably their best start of the season by far. It probably helped that Jim Curtin was able to have all of his starters on the pitch. The only change he made to the starting XI was Jack McGlynn in for Leon Flach, which turned out to be a brilliant move by Curtin. Atlas came out and was able to punch through first. Their counterattack was very good for them, but Kai Wagner honestly wasn’t 100% himself. It will most likely take another game or two for the rust to go away.

Atlas got a break the other way and was able to move the ball forward into a dangerous spot. It was a break down by the Union which allowed Julian Quinones to score. The Union just got too deep in the box and Quinones was able to walk into the 18 and smoke one past Andre Blake. You could feel this one coming for Atlas as they were pushing for a tying goal early (on aggregate). Curtin praised Quinones as a special player and he showed just how special he was on that goal.

It seemed like Atlas had all the energy and were going to go ahead when Julian Carranza was able to break through for the Union on a great pass from Jack McGlynn. McGlynn ended up getting selected for the starting XI for Jim Curtin’s squad and it was a big move as he provided much needed playmaking ability. McGlynn got a pass in the middle of the field outside of the box and was able to see the entire pitch. Carranza timed his run perfect and got a threaded ball from McGlynn to blow it past Jose Hernandez.

The game was back and forth with both teams having a few chances. Atlas broke through in stoppage time when they were able to push the ball down the right side of the field. Kai Wagner got into a one-on-one battle and got beat forcing Jakob Glesnes to step up to help. This allowed Julio Furch to get wide open on the back door of Andre Blake and tapped in the easiest goal of his life.

Curtin did make a change with Nathan Harriel coming in for Kai Wagner. The Union were still winning in aggregate due to the away goal, but if Atlas had scored again, they would have won. Luckily for them, King Julian decided that scoring one goal was so nice he did it twice. Uhre had Leon Flach and Carranza on their runs and was able to cause both defenders to focus on him. Uhre was able to lay a great pass off to a wide-open Carranza and blew another one home. This one was also reviewed for offsides but was confirmed a good goal.

Atlas slowly began to unravel at this point and allowed their frustrations to get the best of the them. Andre Blake was huge as always for the Union and kept them in this game, bailing out the team as he has done so often. The Union are in the Windy City Saturday to take on the Chicago Fire. If you would like to watch the highlights of the match, here they are:

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