The Philadelphia Union and LAFC played out Wednesday in a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League semi-finals at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. Here’s what you should know:
- Kellyn Acosta’s equalizer in injury time gave LAFC more momentum heading into Leg 2.
- Daniel Gazdag scored Philly’s only goal from the penalty spot in the 86th minute.
- Leg 2 in Los Angeles is Tuesday, May 2nd. Both teams say goodbye to his MLS games this weekend and are fresh. Note: Away goals are CCL tiebreakers.
athleticInstant analysis of:
Philadelphia can’t put capital in, LAFC takes the lead
The Union overwhelmed LAFC from the first half, controlling the flow of the match and creating many big chances, but they failed to convert and the match went to halftime with a score of 0-0. Although the second half was more balanced, it was Union who took the lead in the second half.
Philly got what they believed was the winning goal in the 86th minute, but LAFC rallied for a big equalizing goal by Acosta in the 91st minute. It was Acosta’s handball that gave Philly the penalty.
LAFC must win at home or tie the game in a scoreless draw to advance to the 2023 CCL Finals.
Featured Performance
Jose Martinez: The eccentric Union defensive midfielder scored a hit Wednesday night. Defensive He was a good player in transition, capable of possession, always stuck and, of course, pushing someone when the two teams were arguing. However, he came off in the 79th minute with an apparent injury. One for Leg 2 monitoring.
Kellyn Acosta: Acosta made up for the handball with an opportunistic goal in injury time.
John McCarthy: Longtime MLS backup and Philadelphia native John McCarthy once again excelled against the Union. He made a number of big saves, including a big stop on the breakaway for Mikael Ule, only to be beaten from the penalty spot. McCarthy came off the bench in his MLS Cup 2022 at LAFC to win the MLS Cup MVP. His Twitter his banner is still in the union his supporters section.
Daniel Gazdag: Gazdag recorded all 14 penalty attempts during Union play. He has scored 19 of his 20 career penalty attempts.
These two teams are the peak of MLS
We can’t pay tribute to the impressive start of this season to the Seattle Sounders, St. Louis City, FC Cincinnati and the New England Revolution, but for now MLS has a clear top tier and the club has two There is only one team. These two teams are LAFC and Union.
LAFC are better at playing MLS heading into 2023 and have seamlessly evolved their 2022 team with numerous changes. Philadelphia maintained its overwhelming team majority from last year and had the second-largest goal difference in MLS history (plus 46).
The Philadelphia Union have been the most consistent team in MLS over the past five years, and LAFC are MLS Cup/Supporters Shield winners.
This budding rivalry lives up to expectations in every match. The last five times these teams have met have all ended in a draw (regulation), with LAFC winning his MLS Cup 2022 after penalties. These two teams ended in a tie on regular season points, with LAFC winning the Supporters’ Shield in the tiebreaker.
Given the pedigree and talent of both teams, LAFC and Philly are revered MLS heavyweights.
to the second leg.
match highlights
Daniel Goldsdag fills it in 🤑pic.twitter.com/bDhvGmG1Vt
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) April 27, 2023
#LAFC response. 😤@KellynAcosta In the 91st minute, the equalizer goal was scored. #SCCL23pic.twitter.com/IizuCGrYuP
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 27, 2023
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(Kellin Acosta Photo: Sean Clarke/Getty Images)
