Union Draws Orlando City, Finishes 2nd in MLS Group Play

Orlando, FL: Sports are slowly making their return as the entire nation attempts to get back to normal from the coronavirus. On Monday night, the Philadelphia Union took on Orlando City SC in the MLS is Back Tournament from ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.

This game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Coming into the tournament, both Philadelphia and Orlando were seeded in “Group A” for the tournament. Orlando City SC had the number one seed, with Philadelphia rounding out the top three. It was a battle when it came to winning the Group.

For the Union to win the group, they would have to win in regulation. Orlando only needed a win or a draw.

Let’s take a look back at the MLS Group Play matchup

Squad's ready to battle for Group A 😤

📝👉https://t.co/NhR8iAuOsn#DOOP | #PHIvORL pic.twitter.com/9JkivYifP1

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) July 20, 2020

The boys taking the pitch for the Group A finale. 😈@orlandohealth | #PHIvORL

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) July 20, 2020

First Half

Both teams had their chances to score, but both goalies were up for the test. It took a lucky bounce to get one past the goalies.

Union goalie Andre Blake held his own and made an amazing diving save in the 28th minute

https://twitter.com/PhilaUnion/status/1285376161640587269

The game was scoreless at halftime and felt like it would end up in a draw, or one of the offenses would wake up knowing what is on the line.

Second Half

The Union had a breakthrough in the 68th minute as IIsinho blasted one past the goalie for the 1-0 lead. Bedoya & Aaronson were credited with the assists.

Skilsinho takes no time to get goin’ 🙌#DOOP | #PHIvORL 1 – 0 pic.twitter.com/jm1XbTqJHF

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) July 21, 2020

Not even two minutes passed before Orlando got on the board to even things at one. This time, it was a goal from Mauricio Pereyra.

The first in purple for Mauricio 😈 #PHIvORL | #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/UBU0gi9Ix7

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) July 21, 2020

The Union had a chance during stoppage time to attempt to take the lead, but a very questionable play and non-call stopped that from happening. The non-call? An Orlando City player committed a handball and the refs did not bother to look at it.

You be the judge. Get off your ass and do your goddamn job @PROreferees #PHIvORL pic.twitter.com/xrGToaDDJV

— Paul Catrino Jr. (@catrino93) July 21, 2020

Final Score

With a 1-1 draw, Orlando City won Group A and are to play in the knockout round on July 25 at 8 PM. The Union finished in second and will head into the knockout round on July 25 at 10:30 PM.

Both Orlando and Philadelphia’s opponents still to be determined.

NYCFC took their first win of the tournament Monday morning, but are still awaiting their fate after the Union and Orlando City SC clinched the first two spots.

Postgame:

Union Coach Jim Curtin on how the team played in Group Stage:

Asked @PhilaUnion Coach Jim Curtin on how team looked in Group Play & now head into Knockout Round#DOOP #MLSisBack #PHIvORL #PHIORL pic.twitter.com/9YbMKhrwHk

— David Malandra Jr (@DaveMReports) July 21, 2020

Alejandro Bedoya on how the team looked in the MLS Group Play matchup

I asked @PhilaUnion Alejandro Bedoya on how the team looked in the Group Stage & now heading into the knockout round #DOOP #MLSisBack #PHIvORL #PHIORL @DoubleGSports pic.twitter.com/WjPN5aDYyg

— David Malandra Jr (@DaveMReports) July 21, 2020