With one week left before the Philadelphia Union take the field in their regular season opener, they played their last preseason game. On Wednesday, they defeated the Columbus Crew on penalty kicks to move into the championship game on Saturday night against I-95 rivals, the New York Red Bulls. They beat the Red Bulls 3-1 to take home their first trophy, albeit just a preseason one.
The Philadelphia Union wasted no time getting on the board, with Andrew Wenger scoring off a deflected cross in just the 2nd minute. The Red Bulls controlled much of the possession in the first half, but were not able to find the back of the net while the Union used their counterattacks wisely leading to another goal. This one came from a powerful header from new loan signing, Fernando Aristeguieta, with the help of Luis Robles fumbling the ball into the net.
Shortly before the half, Andrew Wenger bagged his 2nd goal of the game with a slow roller into the back of the net. In the second half, the Philadelphia Union locked down defensively and held the Red Bulls off until Bradley Wright-Phillips got one back in the 79th minute. It was too little too late though for MLS's reigning top goal scorer. The Philadelphia Union won the match and ended their preseason on a high note.
The team has come together nicely for head coach, Jim Curtin, as he is preparing them for a successful MLS campaign. Andrew Wenger has continued to impress since taking of the left winger role full time. He is poised for a breakout season for the Union, if this preseason and the end of last season is any indication.
Maurice Edu looks like a different, much more determined player this preseason. He has been controlling the center of the pitch, putting a stop to opponents' attacks all throughout this preseason. That may also be a product of Edu finally playing in his natural and favored position once again. Either way, this Edu is one that Curtin and the Union need if they want to have a successful run in 2015.
Rais M'Bolhi played lights out against the Red Bulls, stopping numerous shots with a good number of them requiring good reflexes. M'Bolhi, widely criticized last year for being the "big" summer signing yet only playing in 4 games, is surely looking to find some stability this season. With an offseason with the team under his belt, he looked much more commanding on his line and really controlled the box. He was a big a reason why the Union only allowed 1 goal.
Barring a players' strike, the Philadelphia Union open their season in less than a week on March 7th when they take on the Colorado Rapids at PPL Park.