D.C. United defeat Philadelphia Union 3-1 in impressive victory
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A loud, proud, and well-packed crowd was able to cheer D.C. United to victory as the team defeated the Philadelphia Union 3-1 in a comeback win.
United鈥檚 victory came at home as the team held 鈥淣ight Out鈥�, a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in D.C. which brought out supporters en masse.
D.C. has now broken a three-game losing streak in the MLS and a ten-game winless streak in MLS matches against the Philadelphia Union.
United coach Hern谩n Losada discussed the positive impact of the streak-breaking win postgame.
鈥淚t鈥檚 happiness,鈥� an ecstatic Losada said. 鈥淎nd joy. And it gives me energy for everything that鈥檚 coming.鈥�
Despite falling behind to an early own goal from defender Steven Birnbaum, United kept their composure and fought back against an imposing Philly team that they had not defeated in an MLS match since April 2017.
United was able to strike even before the end of the first half when Philadelphia defender Alvas Powell fouled United winger Yordy Reyna in the box.
The resulting penalty taken by star forward Ola Kamara drew the game level in the 36th minute.
The tie held into the halftime break, but despite the 1-1 score line after 45 minutes, coach Losada heralded the D.C. play in the first half.
鈥淚 don鈥檛 think there鈥檚 any team in the league who play at the level that we did in the first half; in the first 20 minutes especially,鈥� Losada said. 鈥淲e were in another league.鈥�
D.C. out shot Philadelphia 8-4 in the first half and held almost 60% of the possession.
In the 49th minute, Philadelphia goalkeeper Andre Blake saved a header from Kamara which rebounded to Yordy Reyna for a beautifully taken off-balance shot to give United the 2-1 lead.
Finally, a stoppage time goal following some tight ball control from substitute Ram贸n 脕bila was the dagger in an inspiring 3-1 victory.
D.C. United now holds a three-point lead for the seventh and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference as they head into the international break, while Philadelphia falls into fifth.
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