The Philadelphia Union welcomed Real Salt Lake to Talen Energy Stadium on Sunday night in the first and only inter-conference clash between the two sides this season.
Salt Lake get going early
Real Salt Lake got things going early on in the match, forcing a corner in just the first minute of play but Aaron Maund's ensuing header would go wide of goal, much to the relief of goalkeeper, Andre Blake.
It wouldn't take long for Philadelphia to respond, with Fabinho swinging in a tantalizing cross in front of Nick Rimando, but striker C.J. Sapong couldn't get a foot to it as it remained scoreless in the 8th minute of play.
Blows exchanged
The Union would again threaten in the 10th minute when Ronald Alberg's free kick found the head of Chris Pontius, but his header would be deflected out for a Philadelphia corner.
As the search for the opening goal continued, Olmes Garcia threaded a pass in between Ken Tribbett and Richie Marquez to the feet to Joao Plata whose shot hit the bottom post and went out, much to the chagrin of Salt Lake fans.
Kyle Beckerman would try his luck from distance in the 25th minute but the shot proved no trouble for All-Star Andre Blake, who collected the shot with ease.
Philadelphia would be the recipients of a piece of good fortune late in the first half when Aaron Maund manhandled Sapong in the box resulting in a penalty in the 42nd minute which was subsequently converted by Ronald Alberg.
Image Courtesy of the Associated Press
Philadelphia pays the price
In similar fashion to Real Salt Lake in the first half, the Union came out of the gates quickly in the second half. However, it wasn't to be. Real Salt Lake would find the equalizer moments later following a one-two pass between Olmes Garcia and Joao Plata, who curled his shot into the back of the net in spectacular fashion for the game-tying goal in the 48th minute.
Lightning would strike twice in quick succession when Javier Morales' shot from the edge of the box chipped goalkeeper Andre Blake and floated into the net to give Real Salt Lake the lead in the 54th minute.
Joao Plata would nearly add a third goal in the 63rd minute, when he beat Keegan Rosenberry on the outside, cut in and took a shot that was parried away by Andre Blake much to the relief of the Sons of Ben.
Philadelphia grasping at straws
Philadelphia substitute Leo Fernandes would have an immediate impact, receiving the ball in the box from Fabian Herbers but his shot was a weak effort, well saved by Nick Rimando in the 75th minute.
Nick Rimando looked like he just couldn't be beaten late on as Brian Carroll, Ken Tribbett, and Richie Marquez all had their shots blocked by the American international in the 89th minute.
Philadelphia nearly found the equalizer in the fourth minute of stoppage time when Fabian Herbers found Leo Fernandes in the box in space but the Brazilian's shot was blocked for a corner shortly before the final whistle blew, confirming a second straight defeat for the Union.