PHILADELPHIA, PA – The New York Red Bulls concluded their U.S. Open Cup run on Wednesday, falling to the Philadelphia Union 3-2. The Red Bulls were once again unable to beat Philadelphia, having not won against them since September 2019.
It was Groundhog Day or rather night for the Red Bulls and Union. After having their quarterfinal match postponed due to weather on July 9, it appeared to be the same story on Wednesday night. Inclement weather delayed the start of the match to 9:35 p.m., but it was able to be played in full unlike last time.
What has become accustomed to New York the past few matches is Red Bulls manager Sandro Schwarz rotating the starting lineup once again. Notably, it was a lineup filled with youth as players such as Julian Hall got the start. The starting eleven did not feature captain Emil Forsberg or forward Eric Choupo-Moting which surprised many when the lineup was announced.
Midfielder Mohammed Sofo, who had been productive in U.S. Open Cup play this season was absent as he was dealing with an illness.
From the start, New York wanted to make a statement vs MLS’ best squad at the moment in terms of overall points. In the eighth minute, midfielder Wiki Carmona blasted an incredible shot from outside the 18-yard box to give New York an early 1-0 lead.
The lead for New York evaporated quickly as five minutes later, the Union’s leading goal scorer Tai Baribo made it one all.
Only two words could describe the first half that was played by both squads. Fast and physical.
The fast tempo and aggressive play displayed in the first 45 minutes led to some mishaps, not helped by a wet pitch. Within the first 32 minutes of action, both sides combined for 14 total fouls.
This was evident when defender Kyle Duncan pushed Union midfielder Danley Jean Jacques harshly at the 32nd minute. Duncan would then be subbed off moments later, exchanging words with Schwarz coming off the pitch.
Entering the second half, Philadelphia appeared to find their footing and showed more intensity than New York. Yet, even with great opportunities from the home side, the Union were unable to take the lead vs their rivals.
Progressing through the second frame, New York eventually subbed on Choupo-Moting and Forsberg, which proceeded to show amazing results. Off a beautiful pass from defender Dylan Nealis, Choupo-Moting buried his shot and helped New York retake the lead in the 71st minute.
The Union would tie the match three minutes later when Milan Iloski sent a shot past Red Bulls goalkeeper AJ Marcucci to make it 2-2.
The comeback would then be completed in the 89th minute when Union defender Olwethu Makhanya, off a Marcucci save, netted the shot and made it 3-2. Following the goal, Marcucci was replaced by Carlos Coronel as he appeared to suffer a low-body injury.
By falling to the Union, the focus for the Red Bulls now is to push for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. New York will return home Saturday to once again face the Union in a match they need points in. Kickoff for that match is set for 7:30 p.m. on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+.
