The Philadelphia Union extend their unbeaten streak to 9
By Nick Butler
The Philadelphia Union entered into their match with CF Montreal on an 8-game undefeated streak moving it to 9 while also keeping a clean sheet. From the very beginning, it seemed like the Union had the confidence and advantage from the jump. It seems like the Union have found their stride and can hopefully carry this momentum moving forward considering they play on the 10th and then are off until the 21st.
“I thought (we had) another amazing crowd tonight. We have made this a very difficult place to come and play for a number of years now. Thank you to the fans for pushing us. I thought that the players stepped up in a big way and had a pretty solid performance. I made a few changes to keep legs fresh and the guys who came in, I thought they did a really good job and helped the team. Overall, could we have scored a few more goals? Absolutely! Always good to keep a clean sheet and to score 3 goals at home. The fans will go home and happy! The players did a really good job in a busy week even without one of best players and captain, Ale Bedoya. We’ve done it without the three great players currently away with our U20’s right now. It shows the quality of this team and we have gone on a run!” Jim Curtin said opening the press conference.
The game started quick, and the Union immediately started looking to find the opening marker. The fans at Subaru Park did not have to wait long. In the 12′, Julian Carranza continued his hot streak scoring from outside of the box. Carranza made a jab step right to find space and blasted one low past the goalie. You could feel this goal early on with the crispness of the passing and overall confidence from the entire group.
Montreal had a great chance for a tap in at the 15th minute, but Matt Real made a beautiful sliding tackle to stop the tap in and break up the chance. Chances just kept coming for the Union in the first 20 minutes as Montreal seemed to be chasing the game early on. Even with Montreal controlling possession, it was still lopsided on the chances the Union were getting and creating.
At the 29th minute, Montreal had a great chance with a player alone in front of Andre Blake, but Blake showed why he is still the best goalie in the league. In the 35th minute, Uhre puts the Union up 2 nil after scooping the rebound up off a Carranza shot. The Union continued to control most of the chances while Montreal continued to search for answers.
The match started to feel like it was at a stalemate. The crowd’s energy seemed to die off a bit. In the 62nd minute, Carranza decided it was to quiet. Carranza ripped a shot going into the box and got a deflection off of a Montreal defender. Shooters shoot and Carranza’s leg is on fire currently. A few minutes later, another great chance from Uhre sliding the ball across and Carranza picking it up but sailing the ball over the net.
Around the 90th minute, Jose Martinez was moving forward and collided with Montreal’s Miljevic. As he tried to get up, Martinez’s ankle was held by Miljevic. This led to both players getting yellow cards, but also led to so more extra curriculars. Overall, the game ended 3-Nil with the Union extending their unbeaten streak to 9 games in a row.
Discipline Record
31′ George Campbell – MTL, Foul
76′ Róbert Thorkelsson- MTL, Persistent Infringement
88′ Jose Martinez – PHI, Other
88′ Matko Miljevic – MTL, Foul
Goals
PHI
12′ Carranza; Assist: Real
36′ Uhre; Unassisted
61′ Carranza; Assist: Gazdag
MTL
Nil
Stats
Possession
PHI – 44%
MTL – 56%
Shots
PHI – 23
MTL – 9
Shots on Goal
PHI – 8
MTL – 2
Blocked shots
PHI – 6
MTL – 4