On kid’s night at Subaru Park, the Union took on Orlando City SC, in front of a packed house with a danger of the Union’s 24-Game home unbeaten streak being snapped. The night didn’t start the way the home team wanted it to. Orlando got on the board just 3 minutes into the first half. A goal from Martin Ojeda gave SC the 1-0 lead. For the second game in a row, the Union has conceded a goal in the first 3 minutes of the game. Six minutes later, Orlando struck again with a nice finish by Colombian Ivan Angulo. This put the lions up two, nothing just 8 minutes into the contest. From there, the Union began to put the opposing team on their heels, and in minute seventeen, it paid off.
A cross from Midfielder Joaquin Torres found Andres Perea in the box. Perea rose over the defender and sent a header on goal that went off the post but came right back to Andres. Andres then buried it in the back of the net to cut the City lead in half 2-1. The Union had a great chance to tie the game before the half. A yellow card was assessed to midfielder Ivan Angulo right outside the box. This gave Defender Jake Elliott a free kick in a dangerous spot. Elliott got all of it, bending it top corner, but backup goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar who’s filling in for international call-up Pedro Gallese, was there to make a great save to put the ball out over the crossbar. Philadelphia went into the half losing for the third time this season in just five games.
The Second Half
The second half started with a great chance by Philadelphia. Captain Alejandro Bedoya sent a cross pass in that Torres headed off the left post. That was the best chance Philadelphia would have until the 74th minute. A ball in from Kai Wagner hit Bedoya at the back post, but a save by Orlando goalie kept the boys in blue down 1 with just 16 minutes remaining. Aside from a few chances, the Union couldn’t find their footing. The struggles that have faced Philly all season long continued with miscues all over the field.
After the game, in the press conference, Head Coach Jim Curtin started off by saying, “First and foremost, I apologize to our fans. It’s a feeling we haven’t had in this building in 20-plus games,”. In the end, the Philadelphia Union’s 24-game home unbeaten streak was snapped by Orlando City on Saturday night. Philadelphia’s last home loss came all the way back on September 3, 2021.
Positive Take Aways
In a game where there weren’t many positives to take away, one positive was the defense. After starting the first 10 minutes asleep and conceding two early goals, Orlando would only see two more shots on net the rest of the game. Joe Bednik coming up big on both. When I asked Jim after the game if they could take any positives away from this loss, he said, “I still think we learned about our group, right? Guys played 90 minutes that sometimes don’t get the opportunity to. Some guys had decent performances, but overall just not enough tonight. Again, I give the players credit for the effort and the work rate. You could tell we were missing some pieces tonight.” The Union looks to get back on track this week when they play a Kansas City team that’s tied for last place in the league.
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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