Kellyn Acosta gave LAFC the 1-1 tie after a Philadelphia turnover led to an LAFC goal in the 91st minute conceding the away goal advantage and a huge edge going back to California for the second leg. The Philadelphia Union surrenders the late goal in a 1-1 tie Wednesday night at Subaru Park.
Rematch of the 2022 MLS Finals
In a rematch of last year’s MLS Finals, the Philadelphia Union welcomed LAFC to town in the 1st Leg of the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals. The first 30 minutes of the game saw both teams struggle to gain any momentum offensively, combining for just one shot.
The last 15 minutes of play began to open up, and Philadelphia had 2 spectacular chances. First in the 39th minute, when a beautiful long pass over the top by Julian Carranza led to a great chance for Mikkel Uhre, and again seven minutes later when another deep pass by Brujo Martinez found Mikkel, who passed it over to Carranza for a shot on goal but two good saves by FC goalkeeper John McCarthy kept Philadelphia off the board sending the game to halftime all tied up.
The second half started off the way the first one ended, with Philadelphia pushing the pace looking to get one in the back of the net. In the 66th minute came the best chance of the game for LAFC when a cross into the box found star player Denis Bouanga wide open, who got a shot on the net, but the best goalkeeper in the MLS, Andre Blake, was there to shut the door.
Under Pressure
The pressure paid off for the boys in blue in the 80th minute, a shot from the top of the box by Carranza hit off the top of Acosta’s arm, giving Philadelphia a penalty kick after being confirmed by VAR. That sent none other than Mr. Automatic Daniel Gazdag to the spot who buried it past McCarthy. Gazdag is 6/6 on penalty kicks through all competitions this year. Philadelphia held a 1-0 lead with 5 minutes plus extra time to play.
Acosta would redeem himself in extra time when a pass across net deflected off Bouanga and found his right foot that, bounced a shot just over Andre Blake’s hand for the unfortunate equalizer. Philadelphia surrenders the late goal.
It looked like the Union would take a one goal advantage to BMO stadium. Instead, Philadelphia will now have to push for a victory in Leg two of the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals.
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.
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