Philadelphia Union 1 Orlando City SC 0 | 2018 US Open Cup Recap

Dave Zeitlin

CHESTER, Pa.—The Philadelphia Union are two wins away from the franchise’s first trophy.

On Wednesday night at Talen Energy Stadium, Alejandro Bedoya scored the game’s only goal to lead Philly to a 1-0 win over Orlando City SC in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal round.

The goal came just four minutes into the game as Bedoya roofed a rebound after Orlando goalie Earl Edwards Jr. saved a Fafa Picault header.

This marks the deepest run the Union have made in the Open Cup since they advanced to consecutive finals in 2014 and 2015. Orlando have still never advanced to the semifinals.

Goals

4' — PHI — Alejandro Bedoya WATCH

Three Things

THE BIG PICTURE: For whatever reason, the Union seem to do better in the Open Cup than in MLS play. Wednesday’s result marked their 13th straight game in the tourney without an official loss, with their last three exits coming on PKs (which technically doesn’t count as a defeat). But they’re still looking for that elusive first Open Cup title. Orlando, meanwhile, will turn their full attention to MLS play after snapping a nine-game losing streak this past weekend.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH: The Union had other chances throughout the night but were only able to beat Edwards on their first opportunity. And they did so thanks to a well-executed short corner with Borek Dockal tapping it to Haris Medunjanin, who sent a cross to the far post where Picault could leap and get it, setting up Bedoya’s rebound.
MAN OF THE MATCH: In addition to helping to create the game’s only goal, Picault showcased his speed by turning the corner on multiple occasions and playing good balls across the middle. And he nearly put the game away with a late goal.