It was an ugly and at times frustrating first half at PPL Park on Saturday afternoon as the two Eastern Conference rivals squared off, after an hour delay due to drenched conditions. Philadelphia fielded a weakened side ahead of their US Open Cup Final clash with the Seattle Sounders but still managed to cause New York problems in stretches throughout the match. Both teams struggled offensively early on but the game would light up toward the end of the first half as players became more comfortable with the conditions.

It would take just 30 seconds for Philadelphia to get their first chance, as Andrew Wenger got on the end of Danny Cruz's cross, only to put it wide of goal. 

Peguy Luyindula then got forward well for New York in the 3rd minute, running at the Philadelphia defense, only to be crowded out and pushed off the ball.

New York struggled for possession early on as the better of the chances fell to Philadelphia. However, the conditions played a part in the game, with misplaced passes skidding all over the field in the first half, including when Wenger found Pedro Ribeiro in the 19th minute, only for Ribeiro to slip and lose possession when running at the New York defense, and it wouldn't be the last time that occurred.

A combination between Wenger and Ribeiro in the 21st minute found Amobi Okugo in space in front of goal, however, Okugo's shot from distance was miles off target.

The first card of the match would come to the home side Danny Cruz slid in and fouled Armando, in the 30th minute, receiving a yellow for a challenge made worse by the wet surface.

New York would have their first real chance of the half when Luyindula found space on the wing in the 34th minute and made a run down the flank, but he couldn't best Raymon Gaddis for pace as the right back's recovery speed got the best of the former France international. Luyindula would pop up again, as just a minute later in the 35th, Ethan White gifted New York with a penalty as he pushed Luyindula down in the box.

In the absence of Bradley Wright-Phillips, Luyindula would step up and convert hitting it low and to the left as Zac MacMath guessed the wrong way. Soon after, New York would double their lead as Thierry Henry shot from outside of the box in the 39th minute, only to have the deflection bounce off MacMath and in for a goal.

Philadelphia would however show some character and fighting spirit as they responded just minutes later when in the 41st minute, Ribeiro scored as he sided foot it home after getting on the end of Wenger's cross from the left side of the box to cut the deficit in half.

Early on in the second half Philadelphia had chances, but could not get very many shots off as a result of poor passing in the final third.

Sebastien Le Toux would come on for Cruz in the 48th minute as Interim Head Coach Jim Curtin looked to salvage the match, and the former New York Red Bulls forward would come back to haunt his old team.

Then, in the 61st minute, Okugo was fouled, and another regular started, Cristian Maidana was brought on for Fred. The ensuing Le Toux costless kick was curled in, only to be punched out well by Luis Robles, the first of several vital saves on the night.

Tim Cahill would get on the end of a cross from Luyindula as he beat Fabinho on the dribble in the 63rd minute, but could not convert. Following that opportunity, Philadelphia would press New York for the final half an hour of play and would eventually get their just rewards for their efforts.

The barrage began in the 66th minute as Le Toux's lifted ball found Maidana, who in turn  found Ribeiro in the box, but a piece of excellent defending from Jamison Olave kept Ribeiro from getting a shot off.

Then, in the 71st minute Wenger threatened, running at Chris Duvall to earn a corner, but the corner was cleared by Ruben Bover Izquierdo. Philadelphia would have found their equalizer in the 76th when Le Toux's throw in found Nogueira who passed to Edu in the box, if it weren't for Robles who with the most important save of the game got to Edu's shot and the follow up.

New York managed to relieve some of the pressure in the 79th minute as Bover looked to be one on one after beating White for pace, but White recovered to steal the ball away with a well-timed tackle.

Robles would come to the rescue once again in the 81st as Gaddis got at Armando on the right but was fouled as he was pulled down by his shirt and Armando received a yellow, the ensuing costless kick was headed out for a corner, which was punched away expertly by Robles to keep New York's lead for the time being. 

But it wasn't mean to be. 

In truly dramatic fashion, the Union would earn a penalty in the 90th minute plus one minute of added time as Ribeiro was taken down in the box as Ibrahim Sekagya hacked at his feet. Then, just as Luyindula had done earlier in the match for New York, Le Toux converted to tie the game for Philadelphia, going left as Robles guessed to the opposite side, only for the final whistle to blow shortly after as Philadelphia stole the three points from right under New York's nose.

The draw leaves Philadelphia right below the final playoff spot going into the final six games of the season, but they can take heart going into the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final on Tuesday knowing their tenacity earned them a draw.

For New York, the draw leaves Columbus, Philadelphia, and Toronto breathing dangerously down their neck as the race for the Eastern Conference playoff spots looks like it will be down to the wire. Whether or not New York keep their playoff spot will likely be affected by how far in they find themselves in this year's CONCACAF Champions League, however, what we know for certain is that it will be an exciting end of the season all around.

PLAYER RATINGS:

Philadelphia Union

MacMath: 5, was did not make many saves and was seemingly at fault for New York's second goal.

Fabinho: 5, poor as usual, only played because Williams was rested. Plays better as a midfielder. 

Edu: 8, made several important tackles, but his biggest contribution was his shot that Robles saved brilliantly. 

White: 6, made several good tackles but was at fault for the penalty. 

Gaddis: 7, ran tirelessly, kept New York's wingers relatively quiet and limited the damage Luyindula caused.  

Wenger: 7, he continues he run of good play, affected the game with his dribbling and crosses, would have been nice to grab a goal though.

Carroll: 6

Okugo: 6

Cruz: 6, never really got going, his game was severely affected by the wet pitch. 

Fred: 6

Ribeiro: 8, the rookie continues to improve, he held the ball up, took his goal well, and earned Philadelphia their game tying penalty. 

Subs:

Le Toux: 7, he remains perfect from the spot and came up big when they need him. 

Maidana: 7

Nogueira: 7

New York Red Bulls

Robles: 9, man of the match, despite conceding two goals, including a penalty which he could have stopped, he kept New York in the match with key saving during that final 30 minutes of Philadelphia Pressure. 

Duvall: 7, got forward well at times.

Olave: 8, several key tackles and didn't get sent off, you can't ask much more. 

Sekagya: 5, was at fault for Philadelphia, looked poor much of the game. 

Armando: 6, taken apart at times by Philadelphia's wingers. Always awkward for a center back playing in a wide position. 

McCarty: 7, his usual energetic self.

Alexander: 6 

Sam: 5, made one good run but otherwise a bit anonymous. 

Luyindula: 8.5, really tormented Philadelphia throughout the game, earned and took the penalty well in BWP's absence. 

Henry: 6.5, did well to score, didn't do much else. 

Cahill: 4, practically nonexistent for 75 minutes.