CHESTER, Pa. — With their offense in hibernation, the Union needed one goal to set off the alarm. On Saturday at Talen Energy Stadium, they got three.
Ilsinho, C.J. Sapong and Borek Dockal scored to push the Union past D.C. United, 3-2.
It was a much-needed result for the Union, who move their record to 2-3-2. United fall to 1-4-2.
• Although it wasn’t the most convincing victory, the win over United was a gasp of fresh air for the desperate Union. It snapped a five-game winless run and provided some life as they head into a difficult three-game road trip.
• With three goals, the Union, who outshot United, 23-4, doubled their output for the entire season entering Saturday’s match. They scored twice in the opener against the New England Revolution and once in a home draw against the San Jose Earthquakes.
• But before it became a victory, the Union suffered the worst possible start. In the seventh minute, Jack Elliott’s outlet pass from inside the box was picked off by Luciano Acosta, who beat an overly aggressive press from Auston Trusty to find Zoltan Stieber down the right side for the easy 1-0 United lead.
Philadelphia Union
• But the Union were able to capitalize on some luck. In the 37th, the frustration spell was broken when Ilsinho laced a pass toward Sapong in the crease that deflected off the foot of Frederic Brillant and in, locking the game at one.
• The goal was just the club’s second in six games and first in their last three. They went scoreless for 243 minutes before Ilsinho snapped the streak.
• Because of that scoreless run, Ilsinho made the start for Fafa Picault on the right attacking side. Union manager Jim Curtin’s decision paid off as Ilsinho was able to interchange into the center with right-floating No. 10 Dockal. At some points in the second half, Dockal played strictly on the right. The move activated both players, who combined for two goals and eight shots.
• As the second half ticked down, the Union pressed on. Without allowing United to breathe, Haris Medunjanin capitalized on the pressure by lofting a perfect in-box ball to Alejandro Bedoya, who headed a cross to Sapong for his second of the season and 2-1 Union lead in the 60th minute.
• Despite lack of chances in the second half, the visitors locked the match at two in the 70th minute, when Darren Mattocks rocketed home a pass from Stieber. Two minutes later, the Union struck back. Gaining the right side of the box, Dockal opened his Union scoring account by roofing a right-footed rocket over Steve Clark, regaining the one-goal Union advantage.
• With a win under their belt, the Union now travel to BMO Field on Friday to challenge the defending MLS champions, Toronto FC. The Union have one win in their last 20 road matches.