The Philadelphia Union advances to the 2nd round of the Concacaf Champions League after a 4-0 route over Alianza FC. On another cold night at Subaru Park with winds reaching up to 30mph, the Philadelphia Union took on Alianza FC. The Union is in their second leg of the round of 16 in the CCL. After a 1st leg that saw a 0-0 draw and a very sloppy performance by both teams on a field in terrible condition. Philly took care of business Tuesday night at home to close the show on a not-so-good El Salvadorian side. Let’s get to the game action.
THE FIRST HALF
Philadelphia started off the game exactly how Jim Curtin drew it up. He inserted Joaquin Torres and Jack McGlynn into the starting lineup for tonight’s matchup. For the first time this year, the Union looked to be clicking on all cylinders creating chances, owning the midfield, and doing what they do best, dominating defensively. The 22nd minute looked like the Union would finally get on the board early in a game for the first time this year when a corner from Wagner was headed toward the net by captain Alejandro Bedoya and deflected in by Daniel Gazdag, who was called for offsides.
Union continued to put pressure on Alianza’s back line, creating opportunities all half. In minute 39, left-back Alexis Renderos had another hard foul right outside the box on Harriel that saw him receive his second yellow of the game and dropped Alianza to 10 men. Immediately after the card, Alianza tried to bunker down, dropping nine men back, and began to play for a tie. That didn’t last long. 7 minutes later, Philly won another corner kick. This time, Wagner put a ball in the box that defender Damion Lowe headed into the back of the net, giving him his first of the year and the boys in blue a 1-0 lead going into the half.
THE SECOND HALF
The Union picked up right where they left off, putting the pressure on a 10-man Alianza team. In the 58th minute, the boys in blue struck again after an FC handball inside the box gave the home team a penalty kick. The wind pushed the ball off the spot as Gazdag ran up to strike it. Philly’s number 10 put it away with ease. Extending the Union’s lead to 2-0 with 30 minutes remaining. In the 65th minute,
Curtin moved to his bench to close out the game subbing out Torres, Bedoya, and Martinez for Uhre, Perea, and Bueno. After that, it was more of the same Philadelphia continued to pour it on with goals from the Colombian Andre Perea in the 80th and 84th minute. Giving him his 1st and 2nd DOOPS of the year and the Philadelphia Union a 4-0 victory over Alianza FC. Philadelphia will now move on to the Round of 8 in the CCL. The Philadelphia Union advances to the 2nd round of the Concacaf Champions League. They will now face Atlas F.C. on April 4th at Subaru Park, with the match’s time to be announced later.
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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