The Union win a late night game at Portland and a home day game versus Minnesota
The Union Fell the Timbers
After a late night match in Portland versus the Timbers and a home day game that barely rained (for once) versus Minnesota United FC, the Union produced two wins and possibly a momentum shift. With eight players away on international duty, the outlook was not very optimistic in the minds of many Union faithful. However, the Union were able to adjust and get three hard-fought points in Portland with a much different lineup, winning 3-1. Coach Jim Curtin went with a flat 4-4-2, featuring several players who were not the usual starters, but it was a next-man-up mentality. Alejandro Bedoya provided leadership that was key for players like Jeremy Rafanello, who was excellent on the night. Oliver Semmle was strong in goal, Kai Wagner was solid as always, and Julian Carranza and Mikael Uhre connected well up top. Carranza had a brace, while Quinn Sullivan had himself another strong showing, notching a goal as well.
Photos from the match in Portland, courtesy of the Philadelphia Union
Carranza, Semmle, and Curtin were given team of the matchday honors for their efforts at Portland. The Union may have possessed the ball very little, but they made the most of any possession they had. In his postgame press conference, Curtin noted that “possession without penetration is useless.” It was a scrappy win and a much needed boost to the team.
Battle of the Unbeatens on Kids’ Day: Union beat Loons 2-0
On a rare day game, the Union took on Minnesota United FC in front of a packed house on “Kids’ Day” and the team did not disappoint. The Union dominated the game, scoring in the first half off a Kai Wagner corner that bounced from Jack Elliott to Daniel Gazdag, who knocked it in. Later in the second half, Julian Carranza put the Union up 2-0 off a beautifully placed header by Alejandro Bedoya. While MNUFC had a few chances, the Union had great control in the game with arguably the strongest performance this season by Elliott and another quality start from Quinn Sullivan. After some injury scares with Andre Blake, who would leave the game late with some lightheadedness, Oliver Semmle finished out the game and preserved the clean sheet. The defense was compact and did not allow Minnesota to break through, and it was a positive showing for the boys in blue.
Quinn Sullivan, Jack McGlynn, Andre Blake, Oliver Semmle photos courtesy of the Philadelphia Union. Other photos by Jillian Almoney.
The game featured special events with kids in mind. The drum striker for the game, Charlotte, is one of the “Fearless 43” and just finished chemo. Her special friend, Kai Wagner, helped her bang the drum before the game. It was a truly heartwarming moment and the Union’s support of the “Kick Childhood Cancer” cause is admirable.
The Sons of Ben hosted a sold out tailgate prior to the game that featured kid-friendly foods along with the usual fare, and the energy was palpable. Just having a tailgate in the sun, in late morning/early afternoon, coming off a win… the fans were primed and ready for what would be a great game. The SOB’s new mascot, BR, made appearances, and if you would like to know more about the feline, stay tuned for more this week! All in all, the momentum two weeks in a row of winning for the Union will hopefully keep them playing confidently and clinically as they head toward an away match in Nashville next weekend. The Union return to Subaru Park on 4/27 vs. Real Salt Lake.
Sons of Ben Tailgate bringing Union fans together. Photos by Jillian Almoney
Bonus Philadelphia Union vs. Minnesota Content:
Random Notes/Thoughts
Merch report: New items in the Union Shop, and while nice, many are quite pricey. The sweatshirt, as seen on Jeremy Rafanello in the latest “The Doop” podcast with Sage Hurley, is nice but $150. I did not make any purchases this time.
Swapping roles: This was my first time going to the press box and covering the postgame presser in-person, while Kyle was in 136. He was supposed to go with his dad, who unfortunately wasn’t feeling well and couldn’t make it. As one of few females in the media covering this team, I was proud to be a part of it. I had a great experience and look forward to continued coverage.
Damion Lowe ties his dad, Onandi, on caps for Jamaica at 62: I asked Jim Curtin about this accomplishment for Damion in Friday’s presser. Jim had a great response:
Kit comments: The Minnesota United FC kits are some of my favorites in MLS. They wore the one unveiled last year, with the “Northern Lights” look of teal/purple/black on white and it looked fantastic. The Union kits also looked amazing, and I like them more each time they are worn. Well done, both teams!
The One Team We Agree On 
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