Don’t look now, but the Philadelphia Union are in second place in the Eastern Conference with 19 points, as the boys in blue earned their second consecutive clean sheet with a 3-0 victory against D.C. United. Let’s wrap:
King of the Clean Sheet
The Union have compiled five clean sheets in their last 10 matches, and keeper Andre Blake has much to do with that.
According to MLS PR, Blake becomes the second fastest player to reach 80 career regular season shutouts in MLS history with his five save performance Saturday. The Jamaican international did so in just 253 games, while Atlanta United’s Brad Guzan reached the plateau at 251 games.
“It was great to give that to Dre,” Jakob Glesnes said. “Also for the team to build confidence out of them. To show this back to back, it’s huge.”
Undoubtedly, Blake will go down as one of the best goalkeepers in history of the MLS. I don’t believe enough Philadelphian sports fans know this. Congratulations are certainly in order for the keeper on this incredible milestone. He remains the backbone of everything this club does.
Frankie Volley
In the 15th minute, the Union got on he board, as Jakob Glesnes scored with right footed shot from the centre of the box. It was a terrific hit by Glesnes, but perhaps a better assist off the foot of Frankie Westfield, who launched a perfect cross to the Norwegian defender. The marker is Glesnes’ second of the year, while Westfield picked up his fourth assist of the season. Indiana Vassilev picked a secondary assist on the play as well.
The tally really helped Philly settle into the match; the beginning of the game was choppy for the Union, as the club allowed far too much space between the lines. Additionally, it did appear the weather somewhat played a factor in that too.
“It’s by no means a polished, final product,” Bradley Carnell said. “We’ve always remained competitive against each of the opponents that we faced. Everybody at the end is functioning as a group.”
Later in the 52nd minute, midfielder Danley Jean Jacques danced a United defender and finished off the individual effort with a shot off the post and in. It was the second tally for Danley in as many games. Quinn Sullivan picked up his sixth assist of the season on Danley’s goal, continuing a torrid pace of goal contributions for Sullivan this season.
They Said It
Bradley Carnell on the Union’s second half: “I think we showed in the second half the type of quality we can create and the type of the movements and the type of depth that we have. Everyone that comes in can create an impact. It was fun to watch.”
Jakob Glesnes on his first half goal: “Indy was asking me before training, ‘how many bangers do you have here in Philly?’ Because here in Philly, everyone is screaming shoot! So, no, it was fun to get a goal.”
Bruno Damiani on the competition among the strikers: “Back in my country, we always say competition in a good way is something positive for the team. We all push each other up.”
Did You Know?
Per the club, the Union have scored more goals (78) against D.C. than any other opposing club in team history. They are also a perfect 11-0-1 against United at Subaru Park.
On Deck
The Union return to the pitch next Saturday, May 3rd, when they head North to Stade Saputo to play CF Montréal. Matchday 11 is set for a 7:30 kickoff and will broadcast on Apple TV+, MLS Season Pass.
