The Union lose MLS position to Messi and Miami in top of the table clash

Just three games ago, the Union was unbeaten in Major League Soccer, with three wins in three and ten goals scored. Their perfect start to the season was the best in their history. However, over the next three games, Philadelphia have lost twice, with their latest defeat being a 2-1 loss to Inter Miami at the Chase Stadium.

Union, MLS — Image Credit: Philadelphia Union

Philly fall to Messi and Miami

MLS game week six featured one of the most important games so far. The fixture between Philadelphia and Miami was a top-of-the-table clash, and the result was decisive in determining the league leaders entering game week seven.

While Philly had many of its stars return from the international window, Miami was in doubt over Lionel Messi’s fitness. In the long run, Miami came out on top, showing the Union why they were the winners of the Supporters’ Shield last season. They made good use of their home advantage, stuck to the game plan, and waited for Messi’s introduction to seal their victory.

A first half deficit, then a Messi stunner

Miami took the lead halfway into the first half as Robert Taylor tapped in a pass from Benjamin Cremaschi into the empty net. For the remainder of the half, the Union tried but couldn’t respond to Taylor’s goal, giving the hosts the lead heading into the break.

Early in the second half, Lionel Messi made his mark within two minutes of his introduction after a pass from former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez found him on the right side of the box. He then finished with a right-footed shot that skidded past Andre Blake’s reach to give Miami a 2-goal lead. The goal was Messi’s second in three games league games played.

There’s no quit in this Union team

Philadelphia kept questioning the Miami defense until they found their breakthrough in the 80th minute, thanks to a nice finish from Daniel Gazdag.

Philly had an impressive game against last season’s league leaders but was unable to find an equalizer before the full-time whistle. It wasn’t the result the Union wanted, but they gave Miami their biggest test of the season so far.

Philadelphia’s 1.7 expected goals were the most created against Inter Miami this season, despite Miami playing large parts of their last two games with 10 men. Not minding the stadium they were playing at, the boys in blue dominated the game and had more shots than Miami, 19 to the Heron’s seven.

The loss sends the Union down to second place, and they will be looking to bounce back from their second defeat, as they did after their home defeat to Nashville. Next, they host Orlando City at Subaru Park and will take many positives from their performance against a Miami side that is looking to continue its reign at the summit of the Eastern Conference.