Philadelphia Union has opened its MLS restart with a win against the New York City FC. The final result of the second match after the comeback was 1-0 for Union, and the only scorer was Alejandro Bedoya.
Two teams from the Group A clashed this morning in Orlando at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Bay Lake, Florida. The match began at 9 a.m. ET, entering the history books as the earliest on in the MLS history.
Bedoya’s goal came in the 63rd minute, after an attack in which he had the ball twice on the left flank inside the NYC’s box. The first time once he tired to sent a low cross, it came back to him, which is why the 32-year old decided to try his luck. Even though the angle was problematic, Bedoya’s shot was unstoppable for the New York’s goalie, Sean Johnson.
That was the only goal of the event, despite several more chances on both sides. Andre Blake was the main reason why the spectators who got up early didn’t see more goals.
Union’s goalkeeper was superb, recording seven saves, and preventing NYC’s players from getting away with at least one point. And we need to say that they deserved that.
Blake managed to stop City’s two very good chances for scoring in the finish of this meeting. Four minutes before the end of the regular time, he denied Heber’s excellent shot and Gary Mackay-Steven’s attempt in the injury time. It is no wonder why he received the man of the match award for this event.
When looking at the overall situation on the field, City was the better team, and the statistic is clearly showing that. They had 59% of the ball possession, 7 shots on goal, and eight corner kicks. On the other side, the Union had 4 shots on target and just three corners.
It is safe to say that Union’s lone attack in the second 45 minutes brought them the win, along with superb Blake. If they want to continue winning, Jim Curtin’s boys need to improve.
Philadelphia meets Inter Miami next Tuesday, while on the other side, New York City clashes with Orlando City on the same day.
