The Philadelphia Union entered Saturday’s game sat in the ninth and final spot of the playoffs, meaning that every game is a must-win from now on. Three points against Atlanta United (depending on other results), and there was a chance that the Union would move up in the table, improving their playoff chances a little. But things would not go the way that Jim Curtin’s side wanted, as a 1-1 draw would be the final result.
A goal from Nate Harriel would be canceled out by a Saba Lobjanidze equalizer meant that both sides went home with a point. This is a disappointing point to take, as some tough tests await in the remaining matches.
Starting XI
In their last match against DC United, the Union dominated, putting four past their rivals as they looked to continue a late season push for the playoffs. Mikael Uhre and both Tai Baribo scored, along with Daniel Gazdag who netted a brace on the night.
Jim Curtin stated in last week’s post match press conference that his side is building confidence that will help them beat anyone in the league. Knowing this, it makes complete sense that the Union manager did not make any changes for his Starting XI against Atlanta United.
4-2-2 Diamond Formation
GK: Andre Blake
RB: Nate Harriel, CB: Jack Elliott, CB: Jakob Glesnes, LB: Kai Wagner
CDM: Leon Flach
CM: Quinn Sullivan, CM: Jack McGlynn
CAM: Daniel Gazdag
ST: Mikael Uhre, ST: Tai Baribo
Goalless First Half
The first half saw little to no chances from both sides, with the best chance coming from Mikael Uhre in the 32nd minute. Uhre received a pass from Tai Baribo, and proceeded to shoot it just wide. In addition to the Uhre chance, the Union had another opportunity, which was scored, but offsides as well. Nate Harriel put the ball in the back of the net on this chance, but Daniel Gazdag was ruled offside. The first half would end with a score of Atlanta United 0, Philadelphia Union 0.
Harriel Scores the Opener
The Union opened the second half similar to how they started the game, which was on the attack. They developed a few chances to take the lead, even scoring another goal that was eventually called offsides once more. But in the 61st minute, Jim Curtin’s side would get exactly what they were looking for.
Kai Wagner would send a pass to Nate Harriel who was waiting at the top of the box, and the rest was history. Harriel’s shot would go past Atlanta keeper Brad Guzan, and give the Union a 1-0 lead.
With the assist on the goal, Union left back Kai Wagner secured his 51st with the Union, which makes him the all-time assist leader in MLS play for the Union. Congratulations to Kai on the achievement!
Atlanta United Equalize
Shortly after taking the lead, manager Jim Curtin made two substitutions, which saw Alejandro Bedoya and Danley Jean Jacques come on for Jack McGlynn and Mikael Uhre. It was clear that Curtin wanted his Union side to play more defensive and grind out a tough three points at home. But things did not go that way as Atlanta United scored an equalizer less than a minute after the subs were made. Defender Brooks Lennon would connect with Saba Lobjanidze on a cross, and the forward would head it home.
The Boys in Blue would make their third change of the night, as Sam Adeniran came on for Leon Flach in hopes to get the game winning goal. While the Union would develop a few chances in the closing parts of the match, they were not able to find the winner. The final whistle blew. with the match ending 1-1.
Who’s up next for the Union?
After last night’s match against Atlanta United, the Union only have three games remaining in the 2024 MLS regular season. For their next match, they will be traveling to Florida for a midweek matchup against Orlando City. Orlando currently sit in 5th place in the Eastern Conference, so a tough test awaits for a Union side looking to make their way in the 2024 MLS playoffs.
Scoring Summary
Philadelphia Union Goals:
61st minute: Nate Harriel
Atlanta United Goals:
72nd minute: Saba Lobjanidze
Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
