Philadelphia Union 2, New York City FC 0 | 2018 MLS Match Recap

Dylan Butler

Cory Burke and Ilsinho scored second half goals to lift the Philadelphia Union to a 2-0 win over New York City FC Saturday night at Talen Energy Stadium.

Capitalizing on an NYCFC turnover in midfield, the Union (10-11-3) broke the stalemate in the 56th minute with Borek Dockal finding Burke, who had inside position on Anton Tinnerholm before slotting inside the far post.

In his first game back after missing four straight due to injury, Ilsinho doubled the lead in the 76th minute, dancing between a pair of defenders and cutting inside of a third before finishing inside the far post

The best chance of a scoreless first half came for NYCFC (14-6-5) 90 seconds after kickoff when a dummy run by Jo Inge Berget freed David Villa toward goal. The NYCFC captain took a touch inside Auston Trusty and then slipped a pass to the right where Maxi Moralez fired first time, but Andre Blake dived to his right to parry the attempt away.

NYCFC finished with nine men after Ronald Matarrita was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Ilsinho in stoppage time following an apparent hamstring injury by Jesus Medina.

Goals

57’ — PHI — Cory Burke | WATCH
76’ — PHI — Ilsinho | WATCH

Three Things

THE BIG PICTURE: A Union team that has found their wins lately away from Talen Energy Stadium, picked up three huge points at home against one of the league’s elite with a dominating second half. For NYCFC, it was a missed opportunity to move ahead of the Supporters’ Shield standings.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH
: The fans at Talen Energy Stadium were happy to see Ilsinho make his return from injury. They were ecstatic when he salsaed through the NYCFC defense for the insurance goal.

No words necessary, Ilsinho. #PHIvNYC pic.twitter.com/1ZlvO3h2hn
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 19, 2018

MAN OF THE MATCH: Auston Trusty was spectacular in keeping one of the highest scoring teams in MLS off the scoreboard and Borek Dockal bossed the midfield — especially after halftime — assisting on both Union goals. They share the glory.