Chester PA: The Philadelphia Union played host to the Harrisburg City Islanders in the 4th round of the US Open Cup, under the bright lights of beautiful Talen Energy Stadium. The Union were 6-1-1 all-time (3-0-0 in Open Cups and 3-1-1 in friendlies) against the City Islanders coming into last night’s match and looked to improve their record to 7-1-1 and move on to the 5th round of the Open Cup.
It would not take long for the Union to find the back of the net, as the team really moved the ball around well in the third minute of play. Ilsinho passed to Vincent Nogueira who worked around his defender, Doyle, and tried to pass it to Fabian Herbers but it was deflected by Harrisburg’s goalie Nick Noble, right in front of Walter Restrepo, who slammed in his first goal in a Union uniform, to give Philadelphia a 1-0 lead. Restrpo’s early goal proved pivotal as it helped alleviate some of the team’s stress coming off a long two week lay-off due to Copa play.
For the remainder of the first half, both teams exchanged multiple scoring opportunities and would not find the back of the net until the 45th and final minute of the half. As time was expiring and the officials announced they had added four minutes of extra time, Ilsinho picked Shawn McLaws pocket just outside the box and passed it to an open Herbers, who then sent a gorgeous pass to Roland Alberg, in which he slammed into the back of the net after a swift move around the charging Noble.
The Union seemed to have the game in their hands as they entered the second half with a nice two goal cushion, however Harrisburg had other ideas as they made things quite interesting late in the game. In the 79th minute of play, City Islanders Craig Foster fought off multiple Union defenders at the top of the box, and teed up a difficult shot as he spun off his bag leg, and to the surprise of the Union, found the back of the net and cut the lead to one.
Foster’s goal seemed to change the flow of the match as the Union found themselves fighting to keep their 2-1 lead alive in the final ten minutes of play. During the 89th minute, Harrisburg’s Jose Barrill was red carded and tossed from the game as he slid spike first in the back of Leo Fernands’ legs, sending him to the pitch. Despite being down a man, the City Islanders found the back of the net in dramatic fashion for the second time, as captain Bobby Warshaw slammed it home to tie the game at two. Four minutes of extra time was then granted following the game-tying goal.
With just a minute into overtime, Shane Johnson pushed the Union’s veteran Sebastian Le Toux to the pitch and was called for a foul that led to the Union’s free kick. Leo Fernandes and Roland Alberg set up for the kick, Alberg pursued and drilled a beauty of a goal (his 2nd of the night) in the top left portion of the net, which would hold off to be the game winning goal.
Alberg’s goal sent the Union into the round of 16, where they will take on the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday, June 29th at 7pm.
Live Shot of Alberg’s Game-Winning-Goal (Apologies for the grainy quality, video was shot via Periscope)
Post Game Interviews
Union Head Coach Jim Curtin on his teams performance:
Philadelphia Union Winger Walter Restrepo Discusses his goal & Team’s Victory:
Philadelphia Union Forward Fabian Herbers Discusses 3-2 Victory & Preparation for NY Red Bulls:
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