Union receive spark but can't find enough offense in draw

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BOX SCORE

CHESTER, Pa. — While the Union fumbled to unlock their offense, the Earthquakes stole the lead. It wasn’t until Ilsinho joined the fray midway through the second half that the hosts found their rhythm, as they came back to draw the visitors, 1-1, on a quiet and cold Saturday night at Talen Energy Stadium. 

The Union fall to a paltry 1-1-2, while San Jose moves to 1-2-1.

• Although the Union claimed 61 percent possession lead and 22-9 shot advantage, they left the field to boos from the limited home crowd. The Union have just three goals in four matches this season.

• It was a sleepy first half from both sides until rookie center back Auston Trusty made an aggressive run into the midfield to break up the Earthquakes' possession. The move ended in a turnover, which allowed the visitors on an odd-man rush. That’s where Danny Hoesen found Magnus Eriksson for the 1-0 Earthquakes lead.

• Chasing the match midway through the second half, Union manager Jim Curtin pulled ineffective David Accam for Ilsinho, which flipped Fafa Picault to the left side. The decision, which may have been overdue, instantly paid off. Accam ended with two shots. 

• Ilsinho’s possession on the right side sent the Earthquakes defense scrambling. In the 64th minute, the ball was pushed to Picault who absorbed defensive pressure on the left side of the crease before lifting a cross-box ball to Alejandro Bedoya for the header goal, tying the match at one.

• Despite the Union’s offensive impotency, it was an impressive season debut for Picault. The second-year Union winger made his return following a three-game suspension. Picault, who was the most active player on the field, finished with an assist and two shots.

• The goal broke a two-game scoreless streak for the frustrated Union. The club hadn’t buried a goal since C.J. Sapong did it March 3 in the season opener against the Revolution.

• Defensively, the Union were stout. Left back Matt Real made his second consecutive start for the Union, who once again tapped the youngest back line in MLS. Real was replaced by Ray Gaddis in the 71st. 

• Looking for the go-ahead goal, Curtin got creative with his lineup in the 86th minute, when he pulled Borek Dockal for forward Cory Burke. Dockal was more active than in his previous two starts but wasn’t able to put much together. He finished with two shots on goal and five corners that went nowhere. 

• The Union will have another shot to break through offensively Friday when they host Orlando City at Talen Energy Stadium. Orlando has allowed eight goals in four games this season.

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