Philadelphia Union looked to split the season series with Orlando Wednesday night in Florida after dropping their first matchup 2-1 back in late March at Subaru Park. The Union were coming off their first loss in 9 games after losing the last match 2-1 to the San Jose Earthquakes on the road. Jose Martinez steals a point on the road with the Goal of the Year in the 90th minute.
To the Action
The action got off to a fast start with Philly applying pressure to the Orlando back line, but a broken play in the 13th minute led to a Duncan McGuire blast from the top of the box to the bottom left of the net that beat Joe Bednik who’s playing in place of Andre Blake giving Orlando the early 1-0 advantage. Philadelphia’s best chance of the first half came in the 27th minute when a beautiful ball in by Leon Flach found Jake Elliott’s head, who whipped it just over the crossbar. After 45 minutes of play, the Union trailed Orlando 1-0 going into the half.
The boys in blue faced a tough test Wednesday night with 2 key starters, Andre Blake (Jamaica) and Daniel Gazdag (Hungary), out due to International duties. Joaquin Torres was asked to replace Gazdag, and Bednik covered for Blake.
Philadelphia almost tied it up in the 52nd minute. A Mikkel Uhre cross found Julian Carranza wide open right in front of the net for a shot that was saved by Orlando keeper Mason Stajduhar The Union would concede another goal in minute 54 when a shot by Martin Ojeda took a deflection off City striker Duncan McGuire giving him his second of the match and a 2-0 lead. Six minutes later, Philadelphia would finally catch a break. A brilliant cross by Jack Mcglynn snuck past Orlando goaltender to cut the lead in half for the Union 2-1.
Jose Martinez Steals a Point
Philly continued to try to mount the attack, and in the 90th minute, the Goal of the year came for the Union a blast from Jose “Brujo” Martinez off a headed-out ball by Orlando City from way outside the box whizzed past the Orlando goalkeeper tying the game at two. That was Martinez’s 1st career MLS goal, and what a strike it was! The GOLAZO would ultimately give Philadelphia Union a 2-2 tie and a huge stolen point on the road after not a great overall performance.
After back-to-back road games, Philadelphia head home to face last-place Inter Miami on a short week Saturday night in Chester, PA.
My name is Diego Bianchi born and raised in Philadelphia. I’m a sports analyst, writer, and show host covering Philadelphia sports for Edge of Philly Sports. I also am a credentialed media member covering the Philadelphia Union for EOP. My passion for sports started since forever ago. At least, it feels like that. Thanks to my amazing family. I love doing this every day. You can catch me every Monday night on the Sully Squad at 6 PM on Edge of Philly Sports.
