Just a few days after the chaotic 2-2 draw with Inter Miami at Subaru Park, Philadelphia Union turned their attention out West with a quick turnaround in Austin, Texas.
Cavan Sullivan (middle) celebrates his tying goal vs Austin FC.
Image Provided / Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia Union at Austin FC Recap
Despite three matches in a week for Ryan Richter’s side, Union’s interim Head Coach elected to keep the same starting XI that took the field Wednesday night against Miami, including Cavan Sullivan, whose red card for his scuffle with Yannick Bright was rescinded after an appeal and review by an independent panel.
And as fate would have it, young Cavan Sullivan would be the one to put Union ahead early in the game from a set piece opportunity in the 18th minute. Milan Iloski sent a ball towards the back post for right back Nate Harriel, who headed it back across goal where Cavan Sullivan was waiting to put the ball in the net for a 1-0 lead on the road.
The goal was Cavan Sullivan’s 2nd of the MLS season, and Nate Harriel’s fourth assist.
Despite Cavan Sullivan’s goal giving the Union early momentum, Philadelphia’s road lead was short-lived as Austin FC’s Brendan Hines-Ike would draw the game level just 4 minutes later.
Joseph Rosales’ corner into the box drew Andre Blake off his line with hesitation, which allowed Hines-Ike, who had broken free from Jesus Bueno’s coverage, to find the ball at the back post and head it home to level the game in the 22nd minute.
In the 70th minute, Austin’s Ervin Torres received a ball sent over the top at the back post in a dangerous position, but his left-footed shot towards the near corner was palmed out for a corner by Andre Blake.
In the 83rd minute, Neil Pierre rescued Andre Blake from a howler as a dribbler squeaked between Blake’s legs and sat inside the six-yard box with the net wide open, but Pierre was first to the loose ball and huffed it to safety
Then, in the 94th minute, Andre Blake was called upon once again as Myrto Uzuni was sent on a breakaway with a chance to win the game, but Andre Blake made a diving save on Uzuni’s shot to seal the 1-1 draw on the road for the Union.
That’s 4 wins and 2 draws in MLS play for the Blue and Gold since Interim Head Coach Ryan Richter took charge following Bradley Carnell’s departure. Union currently sit just 3 points off the final playoff spot after going into the World Cup break 11 points back.
DOOP will head to New Jersey on Saturday to take on the Red Bulls in an Eastern Conference clash.
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