Union Drops 2016 Season Opener to FC Dallas, 1-0

Report From Philadelphia Union

FRISCO, Texas – Philadelphia Union lost their 2016 MLS Regular Season opener 2-0 to FC Dallas on Sunday afternoon. Fabian Castillo put the home team ahead in the 22nd minute after getting in behind the Union defense for 1-on-1 opportunity with Andre Blake. Castillo was played through from Mauro Diaz, who picked up the assist. Diaz assisted again later on Maximiliano Urruti’s 79th minute goal.

Blake kept the Union in the game, making eight saves – the second-most in his young career. For the Union, seven different players made their club debut, including starters Ken Tribbett, Anderson, Keegan Rosenberry, Chris Pontius and Ilsinho. Roland Alberg came on as a substitute in the 60th minute and Fabian Herbers came on in the 83rd minute.

The Union will return to action Saturday, March 12 at Columbus Crew SC. Kick is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and will broadcast on the Live Well Network.

MATCH RECAP
FC Dallas 2, Philadelphia Union 0
Toyota Stadium
Frisco, Texas

POST MATCH VIDEO
Highlights: http://we.tl/SyQVMaawv1

POST MATCH AUDIO
Head coach Jim Curtin
Goalkeeper Andre Blake
Midfielder Chris Pontius
Defender Keegan Rosenberry

SCORING SUMMARY
FCD – Fabian Castillo 22’ (Mauro Diaz)
FCD – Maximiliano Urruti 79’ (Mauro Diaz)

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY
PHI – Brian Carroll 34’ (yellow)
FCD – Matt Hedges 71’ (yellow)

PHILADELPHIA UNION STARTING XI
Andre Blake; Fabinho, Anderson, Ken Tribbett, Keegan Rosenberry; Vincent Nogueira, Brian Carroll ©; Chris Pontius (Sebastien Le Toux 72’), Ilsinho (Roland Alberg 60’), Leo Fernandes; C.J. Sapong (Fabian Herbers 83’).

Substitutes not used: John McCarthy, Warren Creavalle, Ray Gaddis and Richie Marquez.

FC DALLAS STARTING XI
Jesse Gonzalez; Atiba Harris, Matt Hedges, Walker Zimmerman, Maynor Figueroa; Kellyn Acosta (Victor Ulloa 80’), Carlos Gruezo; Michael Barrios (Tesho Akindele 74’), Mauro Diaz, Fabian Castillo; Max Urruti (Mauro Rosales 86’).

Substitutes not used: Chris Seitz, Zach Loyd, Ryan Hollingshead, Juan Esteban Ortiz.

OFFICIALS
Matt Geiger (referee), Craig Lowry (assistant), Eric Boria (assistant), Fotis Bazakos (fourth).

ATTENDANCE
14,248

TEAM NOTES
Seven Union players made their club debut: starters Ken Tribbett, Anderson, Keegan Rosenberry, Chris Pontius and Ilsinho, and substitutes Roland Alberg and Fabian Herbers.
Blake’s eight saves were the second most in his career. He made a franchise-record 10 saves against New England Revolution on Sept. 26, 2015.
The Union won possession, 51-49, thanks to mostly dominating the second half.
Anderson and Sebastien Le Toux were credited with shots on target.
The Union were fouled 20 times, four each to Leo Fernandes and C.J. Sapong. The Union committed just 10 fouls themselves.
The Union also finished with a better passing percentage, completing 69 percent to Dallas’ 68 percent.