Philadelphia Union 1, New England Revolution 0 | 2018 MLS Match Recap

Last week, the Philadelphia Union turned heads in the east by beating NYCFC, 2-0. On Saturday night, they solidified their hold on an Eastern Conference playoff spot with another home win, this time a 1-0 result over the New England Revolution.

In the 53rd minute Union forward Cory Burke broke a offside trap near midfield, coasted in alone on goal, and soundly rounded Revs keeper Matt Turner. However, the linesman's offside flag was up, and it appeared Revs players stopped playing - waiting for the inevitable offside whistle. Referee Drew Fischer used Video Review to confirm the striker's position relative to the Revs' line, ultimately deciding to award the goal due to there being no offside offense.

Two late sprawling saves by Union 'keeper Andre Blake secured the result, making it five wins in seven for the home side, securing their hold on fifth place in the Eastern Conference. To make the win more special, defender Raymon Gaddis became the Union's all-time leader in minutes played, surpassing the mark set by Brian Carroll.

Conversely, the loss heaps more misery on Brad Friedel's Revs, who have lost six of their last seven games, and have slid to seventh in the Eastern Conference. 

Goals

• 53' – PHI –  Cory Burke | WATCH

Three Things

THE BIG PICTURE: Entering the match, the Union sat fifth in the East after a hot streak, four points above the Revs, who had lost five of six in a dismal month-and-a-half. Now that the dust has settled, the gap is seven points, and New England is in crisis mode, while the Union seem to feel they can beat anyone. A home game in the first round of the playoffs is suddenly within reach for Philadelphia.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH: 
No-brainer here: Burke's goal was a truly polarizing moment. The Revs play a high line, and Burke was played through all alone. The linesman's flag went up right away, but referee Fischer never blew the play dead as Burke rounded Turner, slotted the ball home, and took off his jersey in celebration (earning a yellow card in the process). After a Video Review, Fischer awarded the goal. And Union midfielder 
Haris Medunjanin
 got into a jawing/taunting match with Revs head coach Brad Friedel. Lots. Of. Action.

MAN OF THE MATCH: 
Andre Blake. After the Union took the lead, the Jamaican international made two world-class saves to deny the Revs an equalizer. Here is the first:

  And the second:

Nuff said. 

Next Up

• PHI: Wednesday, August 30 at DC United (8 pm ET | TV & streaming info)
• NE: Saturday, September 1 vs Portland Timbers (7:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info)