First Half: Union Set the Tone Early

Philadelphia wasted no time asserting control. The visitors from Pittsburgh seemed intent on sitting deep and absorbing pressure, but that strategy unraveled quickly. A reckless challenge from Luke Biasi in the 12th minute set up a dangerous free kick, which led to a handball in the box. Bruno Damiani calmly converted the ensuing penalty to make it 1-0 in the 14th minute.

The Sullivan brothers, Quinn and 14-year-old prodigy Cavan, dominated midfield play, with Quinn threading passes and Cavan breaking lines with confident dribbles. Despite some moments of danger on the counter from the Riverhounds, Union keeper Andrew Rick stood tall, making a crucial double save late in the half.

Philadelphia doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time with a dazzling sequence. Quinn Sullivan slid a perfect ball through a defender’s legs to Indiana Vassilev, who finished cleanly to put the Union ahead 2-0 at the break.

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Second Half: Union Finish the Job

Heavy rain didn’t slow the Union after the restart. Their third goal came in the 54th minute, courtesy of an assist from Damiani and a tidy finish from Danley Jean-Jacques. While Pittsburgh pulled one back in the 63rd minute through Jorge Garcia—his first touch producing a stunning curling effort—it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.

Substitute Jovan Lukic put the game to bed in the 86th minute with a slick solo goal, weaving past defenders before calmly slotting it home.

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Key Moments and Player Highlights

• Bruno Damiani opened the scoring and later assisted Jean-Jacques, showing sharp instincts and leadership.

• Andrew Rick, the 19-year-old goalkeeper, continues to impress in net, filling in confidently for Andre Blake.

• Cavan and Quinn Sullivan made history as the first siblings to start together for the Union, with Quinn assisting Vassilev’s goal.

• Ben Bender made his Union debut, while Jean-Jacques, Lukic, Damiani, and Vassilev all netted their first-ever U.S. Open Cup goals.

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Tactical Notes

1. Squad Rotation Pays Off

Head coach Bradley Carnell managed the congested fixture list expertly. Veterans like Kai Wagner were rested, while younger players gained valuable minutes. Jovan Lukic, Nathan Harriel, and Ben Bender all contributed positively.

2. Midfield Brilliance

Quinn and Cavan Sullivan, along with Jean-Jacques, provided flair and structure. Their movement and distribution opened passing lanes and kept Pittsburgh chasing shadows.

3. Reliable Goalkeeping

Rick’s calmness and shot-stopping reassured the backline. Despite a near-mishap, he rebounded instantly and kept focus throughout.

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Match Stats & Lineups

🔵 Philadelphia Union

Starting XI: Rick; Mbaizo, Makhanya, Glesnes, Westfield (Harriel 72’); Bueno, Jean Jacques (Lukic 65’), C. Sullivan, Q. Sullivan (Rafanello 84’), Vassilev (Bender 66’); Damiani (Uhre 66’)

Unused Subs: Semmle, Wagner

Goals:

• Damiani (PK) 14’

• Vassilev (Q. Sullivan) 45+1’

• Jean Jacques (Damiani) 54’

• Lukic (unassisted) 86’

Yellow Cards: Glesnes (22’), Jean Jacques (65’)

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⚫ Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC

Starting XI: Dick; Biasi (Barnes 46’), Vacter (Ahl 73’), Suber (Broughton 84’), Ydrach; Etou, Mertz (O’Toole 63’), Griffin, Wälti; Jacquesson (Garcia 63’), Williams

Unused Subs: Randolph, Sample

Goal:

• Garcia (Williams) 63’

Yellow Cards: Biasi (12’)

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Final Thoughts

Philadelphia Union delivered a commanding performance, showcasing their depth and rising talent. With the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals now on the horizon, Union fans have plenty to be excited about. The blend of youth and experience is clicking—and on this form, they’re a serious threat in any competition.