Philadelphia Union 3, DC United 2 | 2018 MLS Match Recap

The Philadelphia Union finally broke out of their scoring slump en route to a 3-2 win over D.C. United Saturday afternoon at Talen Energy Stadium.

D.C. took the early lead behind Zoltan Stieber's first of the year, but Philadelphia got back on track when Ilsinho's shot deflected in 30 minutes later. 

The Union kept their foot on the pedal to start the second half and took their first lead when Alejandro Bedoya set up CJ Sapong to head in his second of the season. D.C. got right back in it with a nice first-time volley by second half sub Darren Mattocks, but Philadelphia wasted no time in re-taking the lead when Borek Dockal roofed his first MLS goal to seal the win and snap the club's five-game winless streak. 

Goals

• 7' – DC – Zoltan Stieber WATCH
• 37' – PHI – Ilsinho WATCH
• 60' – PHI – CJ Sapong WATCH
• 70' – DC – Darron Mattocks WATCH
• 72' – PHI – Borek Dockal WATCH

Three Things

THE BIG PICTURE: Philadelphia was winless in its last five games, and had scored just one goal during the stretch. Today not only snapped the streak, but it was also the first time they've scored multiple goals since the season opener on March 3. Importantly, not only did Sapong get back on the board, but playmaker Dockal also finally opened his MLS account.  

MOMENT OF THE MATCH:
 Earlier in the week when addressing the team's offensive slump, Union coach Jim Curtin said “
Maybe it takes a fluke play where all of a sudden we get a break
..." Perhaps he was right, as this Ilsinho goal was the first of three on the day:

MAN OF THE MATCH: Making his first start of the year, Brazilian midfielder Ilsinho was a difference maker. Active on the right side and willing to take players on, Ilsinho was rewarded when he sent in a hard ball into a crowd that deflected in and helped open the flood gates.

Up Next

• Philadelphia Union: Friday, May 4 at Toronto FC (8 pm ET | TSN - Full TV & streaming info)
• D.C. United: Saturday, May 12 at Real Salt Lake (9 pm ET |  TV & streaming info)