Fabian’s Chip Completes Philadelphia’s Comeback against Red Bulls
The Philadelphia Union cleansed themselves of their playoffs demons today by defeating the New York Red Bulls 4-3. The Philadelphia Union achieved its first playoff win in franchise history after being unable to win a playoff game in its first 10 years in the league. This was a big win for a Union team that was down 3-1 at halftime against a resilient New York squad.
Things were not looking good for the Union with the New York Red Bulls going up 2-0 in the first 24 minutes of the game. The pace of the game was chaotic and frantic from the start and it hurt the Union in the early going. Philadelphia’s captain, Alejandro Bedoya, would breathe some life back into the Union back by scoring in the 30th minute. New York Red Bull’s Tom Barlow would score before half time making the score 3-1, seemingly ending all hope for Philly.
Philadelphia was not done yet and would rally back in the second half. Jack Elliot would score in the 54th minute, making the game 3-2. Fabrice-Jean Picault sent the crowd into a frenzy in the 78th minute after a powerful header tied the game at 3. The game would go into overtime after an incredible second period of play.
Marco Fabian would have his chance to make his mark in overtime after entering at the 103rd minute for Sergio Santos. After having a disappointing season due to injuries and other factors, Fabian proved his value immediately for the Union.
In the 106th minute, after controlling the ball off a bad cross from Picault, Fabian attempted to cross it back into the goal area. The cross was deflected by a New York defender catching New York Red Bull’s keeper Luis Robles off guard for the goal. The goal made it a 4-3 score in favor of the Union. Fabian’s goal would be the deciding factor as Philadelphia would go on to win 4-3.
The Philadelphia Union will have no time to celebrate as they will face the current MLS champions, Atlanta United, on Thursday, October 24th. Fitness will be a big question for Philly when they face Josef Martinez and company. Alejandro Bedoya (quad) went out injured in the second period of overtime. Also, the Union’s top scorer Kacper Przybylko has been with an injury since Decision Day and will be a big question coming into Union’s next game. Jim Curtin and the Union will look to continue making history in Atlanta this Thursday.
