Union’s Struggles Continue in 2-1 Loss to Real Salt Lake

CHESTER , PA

The Union played host to Real Salt Lake Sunday night and were looking to bounce back from a tough 5-1 loss they suffered to Montreal on July 23^rd. The team came into the match with a record of 1-4-1 in their previous six, and has not won a match since July 9^th when they defeated rival D.C. United 3-0.  The Union were also without star mid-fielder Tranquillo Barnetta, who was serving his one game suspension due to yellow card accumulations.

Both teams traded quality scoring opportunities early in the first half. Real Salt Lake nearly struck first in the 15^th minute as Olmes Garcia placed a perfect pass between two Union defenders to teammate Joao Plata. Union all-star goalie Andre Blake came way out of his box losing the foot race to Plata, who would miss by inches as he slammed the ball off the corner of the post.  The Union caught quite a break; however they would not capitalize until the 43^rd minute. Fabinho and Chris Pontius entered the box setting up C.J. Sapong, who was dragged down by Real Salt Lake’s Aaron Maund as he prepared to take his shot on goal. Maund was issued a yellow-card and the Union were granted a penalty kick.  Roland Alberg stutter stepped as he faked right and shot left beating RSL’s goalie Nick Rimando on the penalty kick, giving the Union a 1-0 lead.

It was all Real Salt Lake in the second half as they came out firing on all cylinders. Demar Phillips and Joao Plata teamed up for a highlight-reel goal as the two connected on a quick touch and go pass that ended off the foot of Plata, who buried it in the top right corner of the crossbar in the 48^th minute.  Real Salt Lake rode the momentum of their first goal as they would take a 2-1 lead just six minutes later.  Javier Morales won his 1v1 with Union defender Warren Creavalle, who would accidentally redirect Morale’s shot past goal-keeper Andre Blake.

The Union had golden scoring opportunities off a free kick delivered by veteran forward Sebastian Le Toux in the 89^th minute. Real Salt Lake goalie Nick Rimando made two fantastic saves against Brian Carroll and Roland Alberg, keeping the team’s lead in tact.  The team’s 3rd and final rebound off the free kick was blocked by a wall of Salt Lake players.  As regulation time came to an end, the refs added four minutes of extra time. The Union were unsuccessful in generating the slightest of opportunities and would fall short by a final of 2-1 to Real Salt Lake.

The Union return to action next Saturday, August 6^th at 7pm when they travel to face rival D.C. United. The game will be broadcast on the The Comcast Network.

Disciplinary Summary:

Union:  Fabinho 21’  Brian Carroll 90’

RSL:  Maund 42’  Morales 55’

SUBSTITUTIONS:

Union:  63’ Herbers for Alberg

72’ Fernandes for Creavalle

76’ Le Toux for Ilsinho

RSL:  69’ Holness for Martinez

90’ + 3’ Sandoval for Morales

POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE:

Union Forward Chris Pontius 

httpss://youtu.be/2wvOamiTM-U

Jim Curtin’s Opening Statement on loss

httpss://soundcloud.com/joe-buscemi-979554708/philadelphia-union-head-coach-jim-curtin-press-conference-7-31-16

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Laaz7GrJlFM&feature=youtu.be

Q & A with Jim Curtin

httpss://soundcloud.com/joe-buscemi-979554708/philadelphia-union-head-coach-jim-curtin-qa-73116

Real Salt Lake Head Coach Jeff Cassar

httpss://soundcloud.com/joe-buscemi-979554708/real-salt-lake-head-coah-jeff-cassar-press-conference