With the performance of the Philadelphia Union last night, one of the most successful coaches in football history will be remembered for his famous statement: “attack wins you games, defense wins you titles”. The MLS league leaders led by exemplifying Alex Ferguson’s words in a 1-0 victory over Chicago Fire at Soldier Field. The win extended their total points this season to 40 points out of a possible 57 this season.
Philadelphia Union maintain unbeaten streak
With the absence of MLS top goalscorer Tai Baribo, and Union forward Mikael Uhre, there were little expectations regarding the goalscoring possibilities of Bradley Carnell’s attack. In the place of the injured forwards, the Uruguayan Bruno Damiani, who joined the Union for a club-record transfer fee from Nacional, was there to bail out his team with a goal from the penalty spot at the 10th minute.
The penalty came as a result of an eighth minute handball from Chicago Fire’s Andrew Gutman, after a shot in the box from Chris Donovan struck his arm. Damiani took the spot kick and netted his third goal for the Union. It was his third goal in 18 matches for the Union—though he has come in as a substitute in many of his appearances.
While the attack was needed to give Union the lead and win the game in the long run, the defense secured the win and pushed the team further in their race for the Supporters’ Shield.
An early goal isn’t always a blessing, especially on a ground, like Soldier Field, where the hosts, in provocation, become more aggressive than they would ordinarily be. Damiani’s 10th minute goal was a rough play with Fire, as they attacked relentlessly with the aim of equalizing and possibly, ending the Union’s 11-game unbeaten streak.
Chicago Fire had 15 shots, with 55% possession and 473 passes–-90 more passes than the Union. Nonetheless, Andrew Rick and his defense secured the clean sheet. It was the fourth clean sheet for the teenage goalkeeper, who stepped up in Andre Blake’s place after the Jamaican got injured.
Aside from preserving the club-record unbeaten streak of 11 games (eight wins and 3 draws), the Union also preserved their record as the league’s second-best defense, with 19 goals conceded in the same number of games.
With the hopes of extending their streak, the Union travel to Lower.com Field to face Columbus Crew SC in their second consecutive away fixture. They sit four points ahead of second-placed Cincinnati with four points. The Union also boasts the highest goal differential in the league, with a +16 goal differential.
Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
