The Union picked up its fifth win of the season with a 3-0 victory against Atlanta United FC at Subaru Park on Saturday night. Let’s wrap on all the sights and sounds of the match:
Sullivan Snipe
In the 27th minute, the Union got on the board after some early pressure. After a mad scramble in front of Atlanta’ keeper Brad Guzan, a ball landed right at the feet of Quinn Sullivan. He made no mistake either, rifling the ball off his right foot into the bottom right corner of the cage past Guzman. The marker is Sullivan’s first of the season.
“I think it was just like, right place, right time,” Sullivan said. “Kai played a ball in and the defender cleared it right to my chest and I took a nice touch and finish. I didn’t try to hit it too hard and just put it in the back of the net. It’s awesome to get one.”
Sullivan later added an assist on Tai Baribo’s league-leading 7th goal of the season. The young midfielder is now ranked third among all players in MLS this season with five assists as well.
“I’m really happy for Quinny,” Bradley Carnell said. “There’s been a lot of pressure on him, trying to perform in terms of stepping up to the standard and he’s done that. I told him all week, ‘just do you, continue to be you.”
Danley’s First
In the second half, midfielder Danley Jean Jacques scored his first career goal in the 50th minute to give Philly a 2-0 lead. After Kai Wagner won a ball back with an aggressive tackle, Mikael Uhre found a streaking Danley with th pass. The Haitian midfielder then showed off some deft skill on the finish, beating Guzman between the legs on the tally.
“The ability to connect in transition is massive,” Carnell said. “The way we scored Danley’ goal as well, connecting in transition; two, three passes and now we make a big, big play and score the second goal.”
The Union were pretty much in cruise control after that.
Blake the Brick Wall
Andre Blake racked up three saves in the clean sheet, but his best of the game in the 77th minute of the match. Atlanta’s Alexey Miranchuk hit a header from the centre of the box after a cross from Pedro Amador. Despite the terrific look, Blake sprawled out and made as athletic of a save as he’ll see this season. It’s for this reason that Blake is still among the best in MLS in the cage.
They Said It
Bradley Carnell on not starting Tai Baribo tonight: “We have three very good strikers and two positions usually to compete for with the way we play. I’m happy with how the game flow went and happy with the decision.”
Mikael Uhre on what he felt was working versus the last three games: “It’s tough. Maybe we were better playing a little bit more directly, getting in behind them. I think that’s one of the reasons, but also everyone being on the same page, stepping at the same time and being connected. That really helps a team.”
Quinn Sullivan on the clean sheet: “Clean sheet is massive obviously. If it gets to 2-1, it gets a little shaky. If you keep a clean sheet, you can’t lose the game so that’s always great”
Did You Know?
Per the Union, goalkeeper Andre Blake reaches 100 career shutouts across all competitions for the boys in blue.
On Deck
The Union return to the pitch next Saturday, April 26th, and will take on D.C. United at Subaru Park. The match will begin at 4:30 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on Apple TV.
