The Union Head Down South to Face Off with Inter Miami

Philadelphia Union (1-0-0 1^st in Eastern Conference) vs. Inter Miami (1-0-0 2^nd in Eastern Conference). Inter Miami started the season off on the right side of things with a 2-0 victory against Montreal. With goals from Serhiy Kryvtsov and Shanyder Borgelin to go along with six saves by Drake Callender. Miami looked great in all facets of the game in week 1. They will face a tough test early in the season Saturday, a measuring stick game for a 4th-year franchise to see where they stand up next to the defending Eastern Conference champions and the most complete team in the MLS, the Philadelphia Union. The Union head down south to face off with Inter Miami

Daniel Gazdag and the Philadelphia Union go on the road for the first time this season. Philadelphia has an all-time record of 3-1-2 vs. Miami and looks to add another one to the win column this weekend. They also have a .833 GAA vs. Inter all time thanks to the 3x MLS goalkeeper of the year Andre Blake.

Looking At Week 1

In week 1 of the 2023 season, Philadelphia started off the first half rusty. The Crew struck early after an OG from Glesnes gave Columbus a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute. The Union got on the board right before the half tying it up at 1. After Philly was awarded a PK for a handball inside the box, Gazdag came up to the spot and smoothly sent the Crew goalkeeper the other way for an easy goal to give him his 1^st of the season.

Daniel was 2 for 2 from the spot 🎯 #DOOP pic.twitter.com/0gIPHQ3Hvd
— PhilaUnion (@PhilaUnion) March 1, 2023

To start the second half, the Union of the 2022 season were back with a pair of goal from Julian Carranza in the 52^nd and 80^th minute and another one from the penalty spot for Gazdag in the 72^nd minute to give the boys in blue a 4-1 victory over Columbus in game 1 of the season and extending Philadelphia’s unbeaten streak at home to 24 straight games. The Union head down south to face off with Inter Miami.

Player to Watch

Jose “El Brujo” Martinez. In the first game, Brujo was all over the field, making great defensive plays and taking control of the mid-field. Great defensive plays by Martinez helped set up the 2nd and 3rd goals of the night for Philadelphia in their home opener. Look for Martinez to put the same pressure on Miami’s mid-field that he did to Columbus last game.

Diego Bianchi

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.