Philadelphia makes it 13 with win over Real Salt Lake, 2-1

Chester, PA

October 10, 2026

The Philadelphia Union made it thirteen — that is, thirteen unbeaten games following the FIFA break — after beating Real Salt Lake Saturday evening with a score of 2-1.

Philadelphia’s scoring started in the 31st minute. Bruno Damiani, who struggled to score last year and early this year, scored his ninth goal of the season.  The goal began with Cavan Sullivan gathering the ball close to the goal line and passing back to Frankie Westfield.  Westfield passed flat, right through an outstanding dummy by Milan Iloski to land on the feet of Damiani, who chose to shoot to the narrow window to the right of Real Salt Lake’s keeper, Rafael.  The scoring led to an end of the first half with the Union up 1-0.

Philadelphia’s second goal took place late into the second half, in the 81st minute.  The goal and its VAR aftermath was a bit of an ugly mess, but in the final analysis the goal both counted and likely saved Philadelphia from a draw.   It started with a drive toward goal by Cavan Sullivan.  The ball got loose and Quinn Sullivan scooped it up.  Quinn Sullivan passed to Frankie Westfield, who shot from distance to the right side of the goal.  Raphael saved the Westfield shot, but the ball rebounded with an upward loft to the location of Bruno Damiani.  Damiani went up for an awkward header and the ball was directed away from the Salt Lake goal.  Cavan Sullivan tipped the ball into the air and a cutting Milan Iloski muscled the ball off of his chest into the goal.

Miloski’s goal was called off by a hand ball ruling.  Critics of VAR should acknowledge its benefits in this instance.  Miloski was adamant that the ball did not touch his hand.  After review, Referee Elijio Arreguin conceded his error in the call and the goal was allowed.

Philadelphia’s Bruno Damiani slides one past Raphael, Salt Lake’s keeper.The 6’7″ Neil Pierre dwarfs Real Salt Lake’s Sergi Solans.   Philadelphia’s Andre Blake tips the ball away from danger.  Real Salt Lake’s SErgi Solins leaning into the attack.  Philadelphia’s Indiana Vassilev going to ground with Noel Caliskan and Morgan Guilavogui on defense.Guilavogui tight on the heels of Philadelphia’s Quinn Sullivan.Philadelphia’s Milan Iloski willing the ball into the Salt Lake goal to gain his 17th goal for the season.