Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union

The Philadelphia Union suffered a disappointing home defeat to rivals NYCFC during Sunday Night Soccer. Philadelphia conceded a stoppage time goal – after Olwethu Makhanya received a second yellow – which proved to be the decisive tally. The Union have now opened an MLS season with back-to-back losses for the first time since 2019. Let’s get into the ratings.

Player Ratings:

Andre Blake – 9

The Jamaican net-minder kept the Union in this one. He made 8 saves, continually bailing out defensive miscues and poor turnovers. 

Nathan Harriel – 6

Defensively sound – even playing out of position for the first 60 minutes. Involved going forward, but his left foot let him down too many times on the attack. The Union’s best chances kept falling to him, and unfortunately he was unable to convert.

Olwethu Makhanya – 3

Was playing fine, but a poor reaction to an obvious refereeing decision put him in a position to be sent off, setting up the Union’s eventual loss. Needs to keep his head on going forward, since he’s one of the team’s best players when he’s focused.

Japhet Sery – 5

Not bad, but not great either. Some solid defensive plays, and some shaky moments. Willing to get forward. Still need to see more of what he can offer on the ball.

Frankie Westfield – 4

Unable to positively affect the game the way he usually does in attack. Seemingly picked up a knock and was taken off to avoid another injury.

Danley Jean-Jacuqes – 7

Remains a key player for the Union. His ground covered, both defensively and on the counter-press is impressive. Played a number of important passes, particularly in City’s third. Should have done better with his shot in the 16th minute. 

Jovan Lukić – 7

The Serbian’s return to the midfield gave the Union a needed boost. Lukić was involved in some of the Union’s best attacking chances, and probably should have won a penalty in the 66th minute.

Agustin Anello – 3

Mixed bag from one of the Union’s newer signings. Some good involvements, but also several turnovers. His lone shot was one of the few on target for the Union, but it didn’t trouble Matt Freese in the NYCFC net. What was the point of starting him at the 10 and Iloski at forward, just to switch after 30 minutes?

Indiana Vassilev – 7

On the one hand, Vassilev was one of the Union’s best players on the night. On the other, he has severe shortcomings as one of the team’s primary creative outlets – a role Carnell seems determined to play him in. His decision making, and tendency to dawdle on the ball, killed a lot of the Union’s best attacks.

Bruno Damiani – 2

Woof. That was a near anonymous performance from Philly’s Young DP. Yes, he still wins fouls. Yes, his defensive work-rate is still high. But, he struggled to remain involved without service, and his play on the ball left a lot to be desired.

Milan Iloski – 5

After an uncharacteristically sloppy start to the game, he became more involved as the match wore on, especially with the first wave of subs. Seems like he still works best in the Union’s system as one of the attacking midfielders.

Substitutes:

Ben Bender – 6

Playing out of position at left back, Bender helped give the Union an attacking boost, combining well with Iloski and Korzeniowski. Unfortunately beaten at the back post by Tayvon Gray for the City winner.

Stas Korzeniowski– 7

His introduction changed the flow of the game. Held up play well, came inches away from a goal, and won a penalty. The Union’s best forward on the night.

Cavan Sullivan – 5

Had a handful of good attacking moves and combinations, especially with the other Union II graduates. Carnell needs to start him.

Sal Olivas – 5

Showed some flashes in limited minutes.

Geiner Martinez – N/a

Late defensive change necessitated by the red card.

Geiger Counter:

Chris Penso – 4

Think he got both of the Union’s potential penalties wrong: the first one should have been given, the second one should not have. Those were the two biggest decisions in the game, but other than that there wasn’t much to complain about. Unfortunately, Makhanya’s second yellow was a clear moment of dissent.

Player of the Match: Tayvon Gray

Cleared Nathan Harriel’s shot off the line and scored a 90 + 9’ winner in a rivalry match. That’ll do it. 

What’s Next

The Union will look to regroup next Saturday, March 7th against a San Jose side boasting Timo Werner and a 2-0-0 record. Kick-off is slated for 7:30 PM at Subaru Park.