Union extend home unbeaten streak to 8 straight: Tie 1-1 vs LAFC despite Fabian’s absence

A headed goal from Philadelphia Union’s leading goal scorer, Kacper Przybylko, in the third minute pleased the largest home crowd since 2011 (attendance: 19,145) early on, but LAFC managed to equalize before half in a match that ended 1-1 at Talen Energy Stadium Saturday night.

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

One major question mark arose from the Philadelphia Union locker room roughly an hour prior to kick-off against MLS’ top team. Union head coach Jim Curtin filed the official lineup card, and to everyone’s surprise, Philadelphia’s highest-paid player Marco Fabian was left out despite not being listed on the official injury report.

Immediately following the match, Curtin began the post-match press conference with the explanation. “Marco Fabian missed a team meeting the day before the game,” Curtin said. “It’s a mistake on his part, he feels bad about it.”

Fabian might be lucky to see his team earn a positive result. If the script flipped, he may be under more fire. And perhaps he may still receive some public criticism. After all, he is a 30-year old veteran.

But, more importantly on the night, Philadelphia managed to hold their own in a toe-to-toe heavyweight clash.

For a neutral fan, tonight’s match was an example of just how high the ceiling is for an MLS match in terms of quality and skill. The tempo, the passing, and the defensive efforts provided one of the more entertaining games to be played in Chester in quite some time. Curtin took note of that as well.

“The speed of the game was as quick as I’ve seen it,” said Curtin. That’s high praise coming from a guy who’s been in and around the league for two decades now.

The match began with a bang. Kacper Przybylko managed to start the fire with a brilliant headed effort that floated up and over LAFC goalkeeper Tyler Miller. Fafa Picault made a run behind LAFC’s backline along the right side of the box before finding Przybylko all alone at the six-yard box with a perfectly weighted cross.

Przybylko, perhaps eager to back-up his remarks from two weeks ago, set the tempo for Philadelphia and in the process ramped up the intensity both on the pitch and in the stands.

“LAFC, I wish you a lot of luck. This is our house. This is our stadium. We have great supporters and we’re waiting for you guys,” said Przybylko two weeks back following a demonstrative 3-1 win vs Atlanta United FC. The 14 goal scorer talked the talk and then walked the walk.

Roughly 40 minutes following Przybylko’s goal, LAFC bounced back with an equalizer.

Carlos Vela, returning to action following a hamstring injury, tallied his 28th goal of the season from point-blank range. The 43rd-minute goal was a backbreaker for Philadelphia. Vela found himself in the right spot at the right time near the far post following a chipped shot attempt from LAFC’s Mark-Anthony Kaye. Kaye’s shot banged off the crossbar and fell to Vela whose shot was deflected by Union center back Jack Elliot but rolled into the net despite the defensive effort.

Moments later the halftime whistle blew and with it, an eerie vibe of nervousness spread throughout the crowd.

The second half would end without any goals but there was plenty of action on both ends of the pitch. Union goalkeeper Andre Blake was called upon several times and came up big each time helping his team stay deadlocked at one. In addition to Blake’s goalkeeping, left-back Kai Wagner showcased his defensive skills once again.

Wagner shut down his half of the field flawlessly, racking up two tackles, one blocked shot, two interceptions, while making countless recovery runs to cancel multiple LAFC attempts to move forward.

“I thought Kai [Wagner] was incredible tonight. For my money, he’s the top left-back in this league,” said Curtin of the 22-year old MLS rookie.

A pair of LAFC chances in the 55th and 56th minute almost turned the match upside down. Blake parried away a well-hit effort from LAFC’s Adama Diomande which was followed moments later by a close miss from a short distance off of Vela’s foot.

The hour mark approached and Ilsinho entered off the bench for Philadelphia. The Brazilian trickster replaced the 19-year old Medford, New Jersey native Brenden Aaronson in the 58th minute. Ilsinho’s presence along the right-wing helped Philadelphia gain some more possession while pushing LAFC back on their heels a bit.

Sergio Santos entered the match 15 minutes later, replacing Przybylko who was down with a leg cramp before his number appeared on the substitution board. Santos filled in up top while helping in the midfield in the defensive half. He managed to break away offensively on a few occasions, including a chance at a goal but his shot went wide in the 85th minute.

Blake made one final save on a shot from distance off the foot of Diego Rossi in the 86th minute and moments later the final whistle blew. Union fans were generally pleased with the result, but disappointed in the way the match ended overall considering the poor officiating from head referee Nima Saghafi.

Saghafi decided to hold on to his yellow card until the 65th minute of play. By then, heavy challenges were the norm which caused tempers to flare on more than one occasion. The inconsistency from Saghafi was the only negative on the night in what was otherwise a high-quality match.

Curtin and the Union have now earned four points in two consecutive matches against MLS elites (8/31 W v ATL + draw tonight) during a crucial final stretch of their season. With just four games remaining, Philadelphia sits five points below first-place NYCFC.

“Overall a 1-1 result is fair,” said Curtin. “I think we answered a lot of questions tonight. We’re now happy as we go down to the final four games of the season.”

Those questions Curtin mentioned mainly revolve around whether or not the rest of MLS views Philadelphia as a legitimate contender. A few quick looks at the game film from tonight will show you: Yes, Philadelphia is for real.