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Season Recap Match 1: DC United 1-0 Philadelphia Union


 Since we've now hit the World Cup break, I decided to review every single MLS game that Philadelphia Union have played thus far. I'll be giving a recap and a review of each game.

First Half Review

The opening half never quite found a rhythm, but Milan Iloski created the Union’s most dangerous moments. In the 21st minute, he sent one effort wide before forcing Sean Johnson into a sharp save just moments later.

It was former Union striker Tai Baribo, however, who proved decisive. In the 23rd minute, he finished off a feed from João Peglow to give D.C. a 1-0 lead.

Iloski nearly responded before halftime, bending a 30-yard free kick around the wall that Johnson managed to push aside. The Union went into the break trailing by one.

Second Half Review

The Union came out with renewed urgency, and Iloski again tested Johnson in the 54th minute, driving a powerful effort that was tipped over the bar. Agustín Anello entered soon after, adding fresh energy to the attack.

The match took a decisive turn in the 59th minute when Alladoh was shown a red card in his MLS debut, forcing the Union to continue their push down a man. Anello saw multiple attempts blocked during a sustained spell of pressure, and 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan nearly made an instant impact after entering in the 70th minute. His corner kick found Nathan Harriel at the far post, but the header sailed just wide.

The Union continued to search for a breakthrough late, but the equalizer proved elusive.

Post Match Review

We simply have an incomplete team at the time. No defensive depth, neither did we have offensive depth either. A lack of meaningful subs also doesn't help our case. Long way to go but horrible start to the season. 

This was written by Andy Gerasenko