Union ride dominant first half in playoff win over Revolution

The Philadelphia Union took one major step towards booking their place into the Eastern Conference semifinals of the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Jim Curtin’s squad claimed a 3-1 victory over the New England Revolution on Saturday at Subaru Park, riding a dominant first-half along the way. Daniel Gazdag, Mikael Uhre, and Nathan Harriel all scored goals as the Union also received some key saves from goalkeeper Andre Blake.

“It’s a good reminder we’re still a good team,” Curtin said postmatch to media. “We can beat anybody. Don’t forget about us. Overall, we’re a tough out. When this group plays in elimination games, whether it’s [Concacaf] Champions League, whether it’s Leagues Cup, whether it’s playoffs, we don’t fold and just lose. We’re a team that’s tough to play against. So this format, it suits us.”

The Revs came close to taking an early lead after Noel Buck’s shot was punched onto the crossbar. Mark Anthony-Kaye’s original effort was blocked in the box before Buck’s follow-up missed sneaking into the back of the net.

Gazdag’s 19th minute penalty kick opened the scoring after Julian Carranza was hauled down in the Revs box. Revs goalkeeper Jacob Jackson bundled over the Argentine forward in the box and VAR ruled in favor of the penalty-kick decision.

Gazdag stepped up and slotted home his 15th league goal of the year, boosting the Union in front 1-0.

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The Revs chances took a major blow as Carles Gil left the match with an apparent injury. Gil, who lead the Revs in goals and assists during the regular season, exited the field in the 23rd minute.

Uhre made it 2-0 to the Union in the 26th minute, bundling home a Jackson save from close range. Kai Wagner’s dangerous cross from the left wing was deflected by Revs defender Dave Romney into Jackson’s path, but the young goalkeeper couldn’t keep out Uhre’s finish.

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Harriel’s close-range header in the 37th minute made it 3-0 heading into halftime. Wagner’s deadly left-footed cross from a free kick on the right wing was finished off by the homegrown right back.

The Revs cut the deficit to 3-1 in the 68th minute with Gustavo Bou scoring off a sensational solo effort. Bou danced his way past both Jack Elliott and Harriel before unleashing a left-footed shot into the top of Andre Blake’s net.

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Veteran forward Bobby Wood was denied by Blake later in the half as the Jamaican pushed Wood’s redirection onto the crossbar.

Blake finished the match with five saves, showing his importance once again in the Union squad.

“Overall a big playoff win,” Curtin said. “Proud of the players. Again, thank you to the fans, I think they were they were amazing and pushed us through the night. It’s one more win now over the next two games against a strong New England team.

“At halftime, we just talked about more of the same, play like it’s 0-0, play with the same intensity of the playoffs,” he added. “It was a good reminder that we’re still a good team. We can beat anybody. Don’t forget about us. We’re a tough out when this group plays in elimination games.”

Philadelphia would hang on to move just one victory away from advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The Union will travel to Gillette Stadium on November 8 for the second head-to-head showdown.