CHESTER, PA - In a match that had a little of everything including a horendous weather pattern complete with wind and driving rain, the Philadelphia Union made the best of the conditions and settled for a 2-2 draw against the Montreal Impact at PPL Park. GIven that they were a man up at one point in the game, Montreal made it tough for the blue and gold to get the win and try to gain ground in the Eastern Conference.

"A wild game, [it was] end to end. I thought we started the game well in the first 20-25 minutes. I thought we were good," said head coach Jim Curtin following the game. "We hit the goal, they came at us a little bit, [Ignacio] Piatti started to find space between our midfield and back line, obviously he’s a special player. To see him now in our first game against them, he’s very good. He gets the goal for them kind of from nothing. He was the first shot they had on goal. You get a little bit of momentum and push the game a little bit at the end of the half. Talk about pressing the game in a smart way, and continuing to push. Disappointing to give up the second goal, it was a mistake and Jack [McInerney] pushed us for it. In moments when that happens you’re hoping that maybe Richie [Marquez] can bail you out or Brian [Sylvestre] can make his big save for you but credit to our guys, they fought hard."

In the first half, the Union made quick work to start the scoring. With an assist from C.J. Sapong, Erik Ayuk drove one into the net to make it 1-0 in the 7th minute mark. The weather would definitly play a factor as both teams would seem to struggle at making chances. But in the 28th minute, Montreal tied it up with a goal from Piatti to make it 1-1. Field conditions would continue to deterorate, which made for tough passes and touches and the score would remain tied at the half.

The game would take a dramatic change in the second half as the bookings would start and continue for the rest of the game. Montreal captain Patrice Bernier would be sent off after his second yellow in the 67th minute following a hard challenge on Vincent Nogueira. The Union would have the advantage of being a man up but just a few minutes after the Bernier red card, Impact forward Jack McInerney would send one to goal to make it 2-1.

"It feels good. I just wanted to go out there and work hard for the team and got an opportunity and made the most of it. We got the point so I’m happy," added McInerney on scoring against his former team.

Union capatain Maurice Edu would get the equalizer just six minutes later for his first goal of the season to knot it up 2-2. 

Moments later Ayuk would be shown his second yellow card and was sent off making it an even 10 on 10 but as the Union tried to find a winner there was nothing doing and both teams would settle for the draw.

Philadelphia will return on Tuesday to face D.C. United in the round of 16 in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.