The Philadelphia Union took advantage of a banged-up Seattle Sounders side, with a single goal from C.J. Sapong sealing the deal in front of 18,000 at PPL Park for the mid-week matchup.

"An important bounce back for what was an awful performance in L.A.," said head coach Jim Curtin following the win. "I think the guys put alot into the game."

In the first half, the Union and Sounders spent the opening minutes in the center of the field dispossessing one another. It wasn't until the 13th-minute that the Union started to get more agressive with the attack, making the Sounders send the long ball down the field. In the 18th-minute, C.J. Sapong would nearly scored the game's first, but his shot was just wide. 

In the 28th-minute, Maurice Edu would put one in goal from a Sheanon Williams throw, but the goal was called off for a Wenger foul. 

In the 30th-minute, Andrew Wenger would get fouled inside the penalty area by Dylan Remick, who was issued a yellow card, leading to a penalty kick that was taken by Edu; it was saved by keeper Stefan Frei to continue the score line 0-0.

By the end of the half, the Union controlled 80% of the possession with five shots - only two being on goal. 

In the second half the aggressive attack would continue for the Union as they would start to string together some nice runs from up the middle and down the flanks. The Sounders, however, continued to stop the attacks. In the 56th-minute, Christien Maidana would launch one from outside the 18-yard box, but the shot was just wide and hit the side netting. Philadelphia would bring in Eric Ayuk for Andrew Wenger in the 61st-minute to add some fresh legs and hopefully a spark for the Union offense. Ayuk would nearly make quick work via a pass from Sapong but the shot went wide.

The Union would finally put one in by a C.J. Sapong header in the 69th-minute via a well-placed ball by Sheanon Williams. This would be the match's only goal. 

Head coach Jim Curtin would sub out Maidana for Fred in the 79th-minute. Maidana had done well throughout the match, working the flanks and providing great service for the Union attack. Defender Ray Gaddis would be the final sub, replacing Zach Pfeffer in the first minute of extra time.

The match would pretty much end as it started, with the Union trying for more chances but settling for the 1-0 scoreline.

"I thought we closed the game out poorly," added head coach Curtin. "but happy for the guys to bounce back." 

The Union will face the Montreal Impact at PPL Park this Saturday.

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About the author
John Whitesall
Born and raised in New Jersey, John is a freelance writer and Editor covering everything in the world of International Football. John has covered the LaMar Hunt US Open Cup, the MLS SuperDraft, the FIFA World Cup, and spent some time as a radio personality for a soccer radio show. John lives with his wife Wendy and has three grown children.