Despite a performance that Interim Manager Jim Curtain stated his displeasure with, the Philadelphia Union survived a nervy final ten minutes to beat a Montreal Impact side that continues to struggle defensively 2-1 at PPL Park on Saturday evening.
Montreal had their share of chances in the first half which came primarily through set pieces, such as Justin Mapp's delivery to Mateo Ferrari in the 10th minute which was headed just wide of goal. The Impact would be punished for yet another defensive mistake in the 12th minute of play when Union top scorer Sebastian Le Toux capitalized on a poor header by Montreal defender Krzysztof Krol hit towards goalkeeper Troy Perkins. Le Toux latched on to the back pass, rounded the keeper and scored his team leading 9th goal of the season.
Montreal would continue to have the better of the opportunities including in the 24th minute when Mapp went on a mazy run on the right, but his cross was played into the feet of Ethan White. Montreal had several more chances through set pieces hit by Justin Mapp but nothing that troubled in-form Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath and the first half ended 1-0 to the Union.
The second half began with a flurry of Montreal possession but they could not create any solid chances on goal until a header in the 49th minute by Jack McInerney went wide of goal as the former Union striker was promptly booed by the Sons of Ben. However, the Union would have their very own spell of possession starting with a 51st minute shot from Connor Casey which was saved by Troy Perkins, the ensuing corner was hit low by Le Toux and cleared.
The Union would attack several times on the fast break including when Carlos Valdes headed away a Mapp's cross in the 55th and a slip by Patrice Bernier let Le Toux's pass reach Vincent Nogueira who dribbled too much and lost possession. Philadelphia would however find a second goal as Andrew Wenger's pass skated past Nogueira to the feet of Le Toux in the 63rd. Le Toux faked out a defender in the box, hit a shot through the defender's legs and scored to make it 2-0 to Philadelphia.
The final 20 minutes were all Montreal as they pulled within one in the 79th minute through Maxim Tissot who knocked in a shot after receiving a pass over the top of the defenders. The remaining minutes were nervy for Philadelphia as Montreal continued to get forward but a series of clearances and tackles from Valdes and White which amounted to defensive heroics, and a chance to make it three in the 94th minute meant that the Union would escape with a victory despite a late injury to Sebastian Le Toux, and a seemingly uncalled for four additional minutes of added time on top of the original three.
Despite not keeping a clean sheet the Union can take solace in a dominating defensive performance from returning center-back Carlos Valdes, Valdes returned to the line-up for the first time all season but the transition looked seamless and he brought with the communication and leadership Philly have missed at the back. Valdes return also allowed for Maurice Edu to return to midfield a move which saw Edu sit well in front of the defense, he broke up play several times and more importantly got forward, something which he was very restricted to during his stint at center back.
For the Philadelphia, three points at home helps them extend their unbeaten streak to 6 as they now occupy the fifth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot thanks to the Columbus Crew's loss to Toronto FC. However they may not remain there very long with the New England Revolution set to play the Portland Timbers a week from today.
As for Montreal, the only hope to salvage something from their less than stellar season lies in their recently started CONCACAF Champions League campaign with little left to play for besides pride in MLS this season.