April 6, 2025

Chester, PA

It was a different story a mere six weeks ago, when a traveling Philadelphia Union owned Orlando City S.C. on its home turf with a score of 2-4. Then, Orlando allowed Philadelphia’s strikers to penetrate and control the box unmarked, which explained the four Philadelphia goals.   According to Union Coach Bradley Carnell, when Orlando came to Philadelphia Saturday for a second game, it did so “with a bit of vengeance in mind” and “with one game plan – and that was to frustrate us.”  Orlando did so by slowing down Philadelphia’s pressing style of play at every turn.

Philadelphia had many more shot attempts than Orlando (20-6), but its players couldn’t find the back of the net.  The team must have missed the injured Kai Wagner, who is out reportedly with an oblique injury.  Wagner takes virtually all of the corners and free kicks in striking distance of the goal, with his assist record speaking for itself.  With Wagner directing the set pieces, perhaps there could have been some scoring.

The game ended in a 0-0 draw, and by weekend’s end, Philadelphia had dropped to third place in the Eastern Conference Table, two points behind Columbus and one point behind Miami.

Photographs of the game appear below:

 

Philadelphia’s Jovan Lukic watching the ball settle.

Orlando’s Robin Jansson stretching his leg under Philadelphia’s Quinn Sullivan.

Philadelphia’s Tai Baribo passing near the Orlando box.Philadelphia’s Danley Jean Jacques with one of the Union’s 20 missed shots.

Orlando’s Luis Muriel trying to get a call while cushioned by Danley’s hands.Philadelphia’s Ivan Glavinovich, reportedly playing in the game with a torn meniscus.Lukic, Cavan Sullivan and Nathan Harriel teaming up to corral the ball. Orlando’s Duncan McQuire followed by Philadelphia’s Harriel.

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