What seemed like a guaranteed three points for the New England Revolution changed into one Wednesday night, as a late Philadelphia Union goal paved the way for a 1-1 draw at Gillette Stadium.
A physical, contested first half led to a Brandon Bye opener in the 31st minute, as he made it 1-0 for the home side on a quick corner kick from Carles Gil. Bye darted to the near post unmarked, then flicked home past rookie goalkeeper Matt Freese.
Searching for a jolt in the second half, Ilsinho was substituted in at the interval, the Brazilian super-sub hoping to tilt the Union’s fortunes as he so often has in 2019.
But Philadelphia found an equalizer via Kacper Przybylko instead in the 84th minute. Fafa Picault drove out of midfield, crossing for the Polish striker at the near post, only for New England center back Andrew Farrell to get the first touch. There was Przybylko, who cleaned up the scraps inches from goal.
Goals
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: New England and Philadelphia both extended their undefeated streaks, as the former made it five on the romp and the latter made it four. In Bruce Arena’s first match at home, the Revs showed they have come a long way since a 6-1 loss May 4 at the Union. But Philadelphia showed their first-place credentials and wouldn't give up without a fight.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Bye’s first career goal came via a corner kick, and that was again the case for the right back’s third. During his halftime interview, Arena said the play was improvised and not a training-ground move. Either way, some quick thinking from Bye and Gil did the trick.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: After going three matches without a goal, Przybylko gets the nod here for clawing back a result for Philadelphia. He was active all night, nabbing a poacher’s strike late for his fifth of the year.
Next Up
- NE: Saturday, June 29 vs. Houston Dynamo (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, on DAZN in Canada)
- PHI: Saturday, June 29 at New York City FC (7 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, on DAZN in Canada)
