Philly Sports Jabronis
Report From Philadelphia Union
Brian Carroll’s heroics in stoppage time halts Rapids’ home winning streak
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – The Eastern Conference’s best club Philadelphia Union went toe-to-toe with the best team in the Western Conference in a rare first place matchup in MLS Regular Season play. But after falling behind late, it was the captain Brian Carroll, who recorded the game-tying goal in stoppage time to give the Union the 1-1 draw in front of a sold out crowd of 18,015 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park..
Both clubs were playing at an extremely high level as the Union entered the match unbeaten in their last six matches and Colorado unbeaten in their last eight. Both teams have built a reputation of having a great defensive team in all of MLS and it showed on Saturday night.
Neither club could generate much offense in the first half. Colorado’s best opportunity came in the 33rd minute when Luis Solignac found a bouncing ball in the box. He was able to get his foot on it, but the ball sailed over the crossbar.
A quick sequence of events gave the Union their best chance through the first 45. After Keegan Rosenberry sent a cross into the box, the ball was quickly sent the other way. Ken Tribbett and Richie Marquez were keeping containment, but it was Brian Carroll who came over the top and took the ball away putting a halt to the Colorado attack. The Union earned a free-kick moments later, where Tranquillo Barnetta drilled his shot through the wall on target, but was cleared away at the goal line.
After several close calls in the second half the Rapids finally broke through with a goal in the 87th minute of play. Colorado hit the crossbar three times before Sam Cronin found the back of the net. The play was set up beautiful by a Marlon Hairtson cross into the box.
Minutes later, though, in the 91st minute, Carroll made his presence felt again. Ray Gaddis was able to feed Fabian Herbers in the box. Herbers, who came on as a sub for Chris Pontius, headed the ball towards Carroll. The captain used his left foot to connect for the goal. The ball just snuck inside the post, and the final whistle blew moments later securing the road point.
It was a valiant effort by the Union to earn a tough road point. This was the first time this season that Colorado did not leave their home turf with a victory. They entered the match a perfect 6-0-0 at home in 2016. The draw keeps Philadelphia at the top of the table for another week with 20 points.
The Union will return to action on Wednesday, June 1, at 7 p.m. at Talen Energy Stadium when they host Columbus Crew SC in their final match before the Copa America break. The game will be televised on The Comcast Network.
MATCH RECAP
Philadelphia Union 1, Colorado Rapids 1
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Commerce City, Colo.
FINAL MATCH STATS
Shots: 13-9 Colorado
Shots on Target: 2-1 Colorado
Possession: 61-39 Colorado
Passing Accuracy: 80-68 Colorado
Fouls: 8-6 Colorado
Corners: 4-2 Colorado
Duels won: 56-44 Union
Tackles won: 16-11 Union
POST MATCH AUDIO
Defender Ray Gaddis
SCORING SUMMARY
COL – Sam Cronin 87’
PHI – Brian Carroll 91’
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY
None
PHILADELPHIA UNION STARTING XI
Andre Blake; Ray Gaddis, Richie Marquez, Ken Tribbett, Keegan Rosenberry; Brian Carroll ©, Warren Creavalle; Chris Pontius (Fabian Herbers 71’), Tranquillo Barnetta (Roland Alberg 85’), Sebastien Le Toux (Ilsinho 61’); C.J. Sapong.
Substitutes not used: John McCarthy, Leo Fernandes, Fabinho, Josh Yaro
COLORADO RAPIDS STARTING XI
Zac MacMath; Marc Burch, Axel Sjoberg, Bobby Burling (Jared Watts 65’), Mekeil Williams; Michael Azira, Sam Cronin ©; Luis Solignac, Dillon Powers, Dillon Serna (Marlon Hairston 61’); Kevin Doyle
Substitutes not used: Caleb Calvert, Dennis Castillo, Conor Doyle, Chris Froschauer, Eric Miller
OFFICIALS
Hilario Grajeda (referee), James Conlee (assistant), Cameron Blanchard (assistant), Younes Marrakchi (fourth).
ATTENDANCE
18,015
TEAM NOTES
- The Union extended their point streak to seven matches, a streak that dates back to April 23.
- The team is one away from tying a franchise record for consecutive matches unbeaten.
- The Club owns a 2-0-5 record in that stretch, and remains at the top of the Eastern Conference table with 20 points.
- Philadelphia is the first team in the Eastern Conference to reach the 20 point plateau in 2016.
- The Union have now recorded a point in four consecutive matches against Colorado. Their last loss came on March 18, 2012.
- Union goalkeeper Andre Blake will leave the club tonight for Florida to join Jamaica in preparation for Copa America.
- Brian Carroll scored his first goal since July 12, 2013 against Chivas USA.
