Union edges Revolution to clinch berth in Eastern Conference semifinals

09/11/2023 15:16

The Philadelphia Union claimed their second-consecutive victory of the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs on Wednesday night, advancing them into the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Chris Donovan’s second-half goal paired with a strong defensive performance by the Union helped Jim Curtin’s side blank the New England Revolution 1-0 at Gillette Stadium. Andre Blake registered three saves to preserve his 66th career clean sheet for the Union.

Philadelphia will next travel to face No. 1 seed FC Cincinnati in the final four of the Eastern Conference.

Donovan’s flicked on finish in the 79th minute proved to be the difference as the Union made the Revs pay on a set piece for a 1-0 lead. Jack McGlynn’s low cross from the right wing was finished off by Donovan, who netted only his second league goal of the campaign.

https://x.com/PhilaUnion/status/1722438780773081314?s=20

The Revs chances of forcing a Game 3 took a major blow before halftime as midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye was sent off. After a jostle with Union midfielder Daniel Gazdag, Kaye stepped down on Gazdag’s chest, forcing referee Drew Fischer to ask for a VAR check.

VAR ruled in favor of the straight red card, ejecting the Canadian midfielder ahead of first-half stoppage time.

https://x.com/SethMan31/status/1722421607430250686?s=20

Blake made a trio of key saves in the second half to help keep the Union from falling behind. The Jamaican international denied Gustavo Bou, as well as Tomas Chancalay and Andrew Farrell to keep the 10-men hosts at bay.

The Union would hang onto their lead over the final 10+ minutes, sealing a return to the semifinals for the third-straight season.

FC Cincinnati and the Union met in last season’s semifinals, where Philadelphia claimed a 1-0 result at Subaru Park. However, TQL Stadium will be the host venue for the latest head-to-head showdown, where Pat Noonan’s side defeated the Union 1-0 earlier this year.