USOC Match Report: Philadelphia Union 1 (5) – (4) 1 Indy Eleven
First Half
A heavily rotated Philadelphia Union squad took the field with confidence, dominating the first half. Captain Alejandro Bedoya, making his first start of 2025, wasted no time getting on the scoresheet. In the 6th minute, he headed home a beautifully placed cross from Olivier Mbaizo, putting the Union up 1-0. Philadelphia maintained control throughout the half, relentlessly pushing forward and firing off multiple shots, yet unable to find a crucial second goal.
Indy Eleven’s first real chance came just before halftime when Jack Blake launched a shot-cum-cross that seemed destined for the top corner, forcing goalkeeper Andrew Rick to make a fingertip save, deflecting it onto the crossbar.
Second Half
Indy Eleven came out with renewed vigor in the second half and quickly found the equalizer. In the 48th minute, Maalique Foster sprinted onto a through-ball and squared it into the box, where Elvis Amoh coolly finished, leveling the match at 1-1.
Philadelphia head coach Bradley Carnell responded with a series of substitutions, bringing on regular starters Jovan Lukic, Kai Wagner, and Tai Baribo in the 58th minute, replacing Jesus Bueno, David Vazquez, and Bruno Damiani. Indiana Vassilev also entered the match in the 81st minute for an injured Olivier Mbaizo.
The changes gradually swung the momentum back to the Union, but neither side could find the back of the net before the final whistle, sending the match to extra time.
Extra Time
Frankie Westfield replaced Mikael Uhre at the beginning of extra time. Philadelphia continued to press for a winner, generating several promising chances. In the 102nd minute, Homegrown talent Cavan Sullivan found space on the left edge of the six-yard box but fired his shot high and wide. Tai Baribo followed suit in the 118th minute, sending his shot over the bar after a well-delivered Kai Wagner free kick.
Penalty Shootout
With no winner after 120 minutes, the match headed to penalties. Rick made a crucial save, while his teammates were perfect from the spot, converting all five penalties. Philadelphia secured the victory 5-4 in the shootout, advancing to the next round of the U.S. Open Cup.
Ryan Sedwick’s Three Points:
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Finishing Woes: The Union registered 33 shots with 11 on target but managed only one goal. Despite dominating possession, the team’s finishing was lackluster. Fortunately, this did not carry over to the shootout.
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Asleep Out of Halftime: Philadelphia appeared too comfortable after a dominant first half, allowing Indy Eleven to capitalize on a simple ball down the line, catching the Union defense off guard.
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Quality Off the Bench: The introduction of Union regulars in the second half shifted the balance back in favor of Philadelphia. However, it came at the cost of rest for key players ahead of a challenging schedule in May.
Next Match:
The Union will return to Subaru Park to host Columbus Crew on Saturday, May 10 (7:30 p.m. ET/Apple TV).
Match Information:
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Location: Subaru Park (Chester, PA)
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Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025
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Referee: Matthew Corrigan
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Assistant Referees: Justen Lopez, Andrew Charron
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Fourth Official: Stephen Foster
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Weather: 70°F, Cloudy
Goals/Assists:
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PHI – Alejandro Bedoya (Mbaizo) 6’
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IND – Elvis Amoh 48’
Disciplinary Summary:
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PHI – David Vazquez (Yellow Card) 55’
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IND – James Murphy (Yellow Card) 69’
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PHI – Olwethu Makhanya (Yellow Card) 88’
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IND – Benjamin Ofeimu (Yellow Card) 90+1’
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IND – Aedan Stanley (Yellow Card) 90+2’
Lineups:
Philadelphia Union:
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Starting XI: Andrew Rick; Olivier Mbaizo (Indiana Vassilev 81’), Olwethu Makhanya, Jakob Glesnes (Nate Harriel 46’), David Vazquez (Kai Wagner 57’); Jeremy Rafanello, Jesus Bueno (Jovan Lukic 57’), Cavan Sullivan, Alejandro Bedoya; Bruno Damiani (Tai Baribo 57’), Mikael Uhre (Frankie Westfield 91’).
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Substitutes not used: Oliver Semmle.
Indy Eleven:
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Starting XI: Reice Charles-Cook; James Musa, Benjamin Ofeimu, Hayden White, Aedan Stanley; Aodhan Quinn, James Murphy (Cameron Lindley 91’), Maalique Foster (Elliot Collier 73’); Elvis Amoh (Romario Williams 73’), Jack Blake, Bruno Rendon (Joshua O’Brien 91’).
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Substitutes not used: Patrick Hogan, Edward Kizza, Hunter Sulte.
