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| (Photo: philadelphiaunion.com) |
The Philadelphia Union pulled off the upset and eliminated DC United in an overtime thriller. The Union struck first off a Brian Carroll goal in the 45th minute. DC answered back just before halftime. The game was all tied up at the end of 90 sending it into extra time. Antoine Hoppenot scored what would ultimately be the game winning goal in the 93 minute.
The extra time winner could be dubbed the most important goal in the Union’s short history. Hoppenot could not ask for a better time to score his first goal for the Union. The young speedster has been producing for the reserves but has yet to click with the first team. His performance last night could lead to more minutes for the first team and hopefully more goals.
The Union advance but lose defender Carlos Valdez after he received a red card. The Colombian defender could be out for three matches after being involved in a confrontation that lead to all 22 players on the pitch pushing and shoving.
This victory can be seen as the most important victory in Union history but the importance of the win is somewhat tarnished being that it was not streamed and only a handful of Union supports were able to watch the match.
Open Cup Round Up
Less upset this time around in the Open cup play. SKC remained hot as they beat the Colorado Rapids two to nil. Teal Bunbury tries to make his bid for the national team by scoring a goal in the 79th minute. MLS villain, Steven Lenhart notched a late winner to put San Jose past Minnesota. Champions Seattle put the beat down on amateur side Cal FC winning 5-0. Chivas beats the Carolina Railhawks in heart breaking fashion. The goats scored a stoppage time PK.
Harrisburg City Islanders (3)- NYRB (1): It is fitting that the Union’s affiliate club the Harrisburg City Islanders slayed NYRB for the second year in a row. The heavily favored Red Bulls found themselves in a hole early giving up a goal in the 13th minute. NYRB equalized and sent the game into extra time. Harrisburg went up 2-1 in the 94th minute. With masterful defending the Islanders held off NYRB and got a goal in the 117th minute to put the game out of reach.
It will be an interesting matchup in the next round as Union will face their partner club in the quarterfinals on the 26th. The Union get a tune up match against Harrisburg as they will play a friendly at Hershey Park stadium.
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