The Philadelphia Union made it four wins out of five against Inter Miami, picking up a 3-0 win on Sunday at Subaru Park.
Things started off well for the hosts, though the match was not full of shooting opportunities in the first 20 minutes. That changed when Miami's newest Designated Player Gonzalo Higuain tried to score his first MLS goal via bicycle kick at the 20 minute mark, though the shot just clipped the post as it went wide of goal.
The Union's early dominance paid off in the 25th minute when Anthony Fontana scored the game's opening goal, and his fourth goal in three games. Kacper Przybylko received the ball near the penalty area and saw Fontana make the run. From there, Fontana made a run to the right side of the box and scored.
Miami responded well to going down and dominated the remainder of the match in both possession and shots. The offense was fairly active during the second half, but of their eight first half shots, only one was on target.
The visitors continued that dominance in the second half, including the inability to score. Though both Andre Blake and Luis Robles were called upon to make saves early in the second half, Miami's inability to finish eventually resulted in opportunity for the Union, who scored a second in the 70th minute. Jamiro Monteiro found Przybylko, who then sent the ball across the goal line, and substitute Ilsinho finished from close range.
Miami's best chance to score came just seven minutes later, when Przybylko's handball meant the visitors got a penalty. Higuain, looking for his first MLS goal, took it and sent it well over the bar, and right after the two teams got into a scuffle.
Miami continued to press for a goal, but Philadelphia picked up a third in stoppage time courtesy of Brenden Aaronson. The homegrown player won the ball yards from the penalty area and headed straight for goal, scoring from close range to seal a hard-fought victory for the Union. It puts Philadelphia second in the East and two points behind leaders Columbus Crew.
The match was also marked by injuries for Miami, with Juan Agudelo coming off at halftime with a muscle injury and Andres Reyes coming off in the 68th minute after a clash of heads with the Union's Jakob Glesnes.
Goals
- 25' - PHI - Anthony Fontana | WATCH
- 69' - PHI - Ilsinho | WATCH
- 90'+7 - PHI - Brenden Aaronson | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: In many ways, the Union did not control Sunday's match but were able to grind out the result anyway, continuing a strong run of form in the process. Miami will rue the scoring chances they missed, and not just Higuain's penalty that went well over the bar — they ended the match with only three of their 15 shots on goal.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: The Union's run of four wins out of five has been attached to Fontana's form, and on Sunday, he scored his fourth goal in three games to open the scoresheet.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Kacper Przybylko was instrumental in his team's win, demonstrating his support for his teammates in attack by assisting two of the Union's three goals.
Next Up
- PHI: Saturday, October 3 at Toronto FC (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+; TSN in Canada)
- MIA: Saturday, October 3 vs. New York City FC (8 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
