It was not the easiest or prettiest win, but a win is a win and comes with three points. After the game was postponed a day due to a March blizzard, the two teams finally faced off on a clear pitch. There were many firsts as well in the Philadelphia Union’s win against the Colorado Rapids on March 10.
About an hour or so before the kickoff, it was announced via Rapids News on twitter that Connor Casey didn’t travel with the Union. That spoiled any chance of a homecoming for Casey and a chance to score in front of his former squad.
The Union did not come out dominating in the first half like they did last week against Sporting Kansas City, but they were able to defend the Rapids’ constant attack. The defense was solid and many of the normally offensive players played a key part in the defensive success.
It looked like the Union would strike first on a direct kick right outside the box. Keon Daniel took the kick and curled it past the wall and caught the keeper off guard. Fortunately for the Rapids, the ball careened off the right post and bounced out of danger.
However it didn’t take long though before the Union found the net. Moments before the goal though, Amobi Okugo blocked the ball preventing a Rapids chance on the net. Six minutes later off of a corner kick, Okugo got a good high jump and headed the ball into the net. Sebastien Le Toux crossed the ball beautifully off of the corner.
After being with the Union for four years, Okugo netted his first career goal. The Union would lead 1-0 at the halfway point.
Colorado would find an equalizer in the 69th minute. Jamie Smith curled the ball past Zac MacMath into the top part of the net. In that moment, it looked like Brian Carroll slipped after being deked out of his shoes and no one else put pressure on Smith.
Moments later, Antoine “SuperSub” Hoppenot would come on for a limping Le Toux. After some back and forth play, Hoppenot slotted a nice pass to Jack McInerney. McInerney ran into the right side of the box and then beat the keeper with a right-footed strike into the left side of the net.
There would be some chances for Colorado to find a late equalizer, but Zac MacMath was in the zone and gobbled up everything that game his way. This was the first time the Union has beat Colorado. Also McInerney now has three goals in the last two games at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. The Union next takes on the New England Revolution on March 16.
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