The Vancouver Whitecaps ended the Philadelphia Union’s 10-game home unbeaten streak, riding goals from Andrew Jacobson, Kekuta Manneh and Christian Bolaños to a 3-2 victory at Talen Energy Stadium on Saturday night.
Roland Alberg scored his fifth goal on the season – all in the last three games – and Chris Pontius netted his sixth for the Union, who keep their hold on first place in the East despite seeing their 6-0-2 home undefeated run come to an end.
Box Score
- 14’ – PHI – Roland Alberg (Sebastien Le Toux)
- 19’ – VAN – Andrew Jacobson
- 41’ – VAN – Kekuta Manneh (Pedro Morales)
- 84' – VAN – Christian Bolaños (Erik Hurtado)
- 90'+4' – PHI – Chris Pontius
- Full box score
- Stats
- Watch highlights
Three Things
- 1. NO RIVERO, NO PROBLEM: Before Saturday’s game against the Union, the Whitecaps tweeted that Octavio Rivero was with the team but did not dress, solidifying the rumors that the Designated Player will soon be on the move. But Vancouver’s offense looked more than fine in the Uruguayan striker’s absence, leaving Philly with their third three-goal game of the season. Even better: three different players found the back of the net, including Bolaños, who will likely be asked to carry more of the offensive load should Rivero depart.
- ALBERG STAYS RED HOT: Earlier this month, Alberg was riding the bench for the Union. How long ago that seems. Since being inserted into the lineup, Alberg has been on an absolute tear, scoring five goals in his last three games and seven in his last four, if you include the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.
The combination play he’s shown with Ilsinho and Tranquillo Barnetta continues to be impressive as well, especially on Philly’s first goal Saturday, when Ilsinho and Barnetta both made nifty moves during the buildup. While the offense has flourished with those players, the Union have given up three goals in each of their last three games during that same stretch, leading to some natural defensive concerns moving forward. - HAPPY HOMECOMING: While it’s been a long time since Jacobson and Jordan Harvey suited up for the Union, both were important members of the club as franchise originals in 2010. So it was surely nice for Jacobson to score his first goal of the season in his old stadium and for Harvey to play a full 90 and help slow down the Union attack from his left back position.
They Said It
“Today we wanted to show a little bit of character. I think we showed a lot of character.”
—Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson
Next Up
- PHI: Wednesday, June 29 vs. New York Red Bulls, US Open Cup (7 pm ET, YouTube) + Saturday, July 2 @ Houston Dynamo (9 pm ET, MLS LIVE)
- VAN: Wednesday, June 29 vs. Toronto FC, Amway Canadian Championship (10 pm ET, TSN) + Monday, July 4 @ LA Galaxy (10:30 pm ET, TSN1 and MLS LIVE)
