With three games to go and a playoff berth on the line, the Union picked up a critical standings point against Atlanta. Let’s wrap on all the sights and sounds of the match:
Harriel’s Blast
To begin the match, the Union’s first half performance was strong. The boys in blue managed to limit chances for Atlanta and outshot them seven to three.
Then, in the 61′ minute, Nate Harriel blasts a shot past keeper Brad Guzan just outside the box to give the Union the 1-0 lead. It was a heads up play by Kai Wagner to spot the wide-open Harriel on the play, as the Philly strikers diverted Atlanta’s attention to the center of the box and away from the 23-year-old defender.
“I have to say, when I saw Nate at the top of the box I was thinking twice about passing back to him,” Wagner joked post game. “It was a perfect goal. I’m proud of him and how he’s performed this season.”
The tally was Harriel’s first of the 2024 campaign and couldn’t have come at better time for the Union.
In the 72nd minute, however, Atlanta midfielder Saba Lobjanidze scored the equalizer to level the match at 1-1. As a result, that’s where the match stayed for the rest of the way.
History Maker
With the assist on the Harriel finish, defender Kai Wagner became the club’s all-time assist leader in MLS play, surpassing club legend Sébastien Le Toux. Wagner, 27, has been a key cog in the club for awhile now and one of their best offensive creators.
“It means a lot,” Wagner said. “Of course, I am still disappointed about today’s result, but I am happy that I finally have the record.”
In addition, the German-born leftback is one of the more candid players the Union have. Wagner has time and time again been vocal about the club’s struggles this season. His blunt honesty is refreshing, especially for a club that’s had as many ups and downs as the Union have had this year.
It’s clear he cares about winning and is a solid pro that many younger players in the club can learn from. Now with this honor, Wagner can add “club legend” to his resume.
Pole Position
Because of Saturday night’s draw, the Union left some meat on the bone so to speak in the Eastern Conference playoff race. They continue to jockey for playoff positioning with Toronto and Montreal and to a lesser extent, they also have Atlanta and D.C. United hanging around as well. Furthermore, the Union are set to run the gauntlet against some of the Eastern Conference elite in the coming weeks. It won’t be easy when contending with the likes of Orlando, Columbus and Cincinnati.
“It’s going to go down to the last day,” Jim Curtin said. “We’ve put ourselves in this situation where are still in control of our own destiny, but our margin of error is very small. Not taking those extra two points tonight makes it little more challenging, there’s no question about that.”
They Said It
Kai Wagner on Atlanta’s Defense: “They made it really hard on us because their backline dropped really fast. We couldn’t get the ball behind them.”
Jim Curtin on Atlanta’s Game Tying Goal after making two substitutions: “It’s not the guys who came into the game fault. We can do a better job as a team there and get the ball cleared. A lot of little mistakes on their goal.”
Nate Harriel on his mindset during the playoff push: “Taking it one game at a time. We are more than confident that this time can get into the playoffs.”
On Deck
The Union head out onto the road to take on Orlando City this Wednesday in Florida. The match will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on Apple TV with MLS Season Pass.
