PHILADELPHIA union x orlando city

The Philadelphia Union were defeated by the Orlando City SC, 2-1, at Subaru Park on Saturday night, thanks to two first-half goals. Mauricio Pereyra's long ball over the Union's high defensive line gave Orlando City the lead just two minutes after the starting kickoff. The through ball put Martin Ojeda one-on-one with Joe Bendik, and the attacker went for a low sliding shot inside the far post rather than going for strength.

The Union were about to score when Orlando forced a low through ball to Ivan Angulo, who raced in alone on goal to give the Lions a 2-0 advantage. Andres Perea, a former defender for Orlando City, scored for the Union in the 17th minute. Alejandro Bedoya used Mbaizo as a feint, passing softly inside to a wide-open Joaquin Torres. Perea headed a perfectly weighted cross from Torres off the post, but he touched the ricochet straight into the back of the net to make it 1-2.

The Union didn't let up until the final whistle, and in the final minute of regulation, Torres set up Matt Real for a header. Donovan jumped twice in the air to win a header in the 95th minute, setting up a goal opportunity for Elliott. Elliott fought off a collection of Orlando defenders who were pressing in on his shoulders before turning and firing a shot from inside the six-yard box. Unfortunately, the tight confines sapped the shot's strength, and Orlando ultimately won 1-2.

[Photography by Trey Madara]