The Philadelphia Union remained at the top of the Eastern Conference following their 1-0 win over the Columbus Crew. Eloy Room's own goal in the second minute proved to be the difference as a stubborn Union defensive display ensured that they managed to get over the line with all three points. The win also meant that Jim Curtin's side remained the only unbeaten team left in the MLS and are now at the top of the MLS Supporters Shield rankings.
Andre Blake- 8 (Star Player)
Blake was the man of the match for the Union due to his gutsy display and being able to continue after suffering a shoulder injury. During the early stages of the first half, he did not have to do too much bar to make a comfortable save, but he commanded his box and claimed every cross. Near half-time, he produced a fantastic save to deny Lucas Zelarayan's free-kick. It looked as if it was going to find the top corner before Blake got over to push it over. He then landed shoulder-first into the post, and despite being in agony at first, he carried on the rest of the game.
His contributions did not end there as he made a couple of saves at the start of the second half as The Crew tried their best for a quick start to the half. It was a typical Andre Blake game, but powering through the shoulder injury and still commanding his penalty area is what made him the star man.
Nathan Harriel- 7
Harriel's stock continues to rise during the early parts of this MLS season. He put in another solid display at right-back despite Columbus trying their best to double up down his side. There were a couple of moments where they came close to scoring, but the chances were not down to Harriel. They had outflanked the right-hand side causing Harriel into making a decision where he was not going to win. Fortunately, Blake was untested as the Crew failed to hit the target.
The 20-year-old should have had a goal to his name during the first half. He did brilliantly moving off of his man to get a header towards the goal, but he could not hit the target.
Jakob Glesnes- 7
Glesnes had a solid game in which he limited Columbus to not many clear cut chances. He and Elliott's unbreakable partnership is a big reason for the Union's run of four successive clean sheets. Glesnes did well to put Miguel Berry off when he had turned towards the six-yard box during the first half. His pressure was enough to force him to shoot into the side netting.
Jack Elliott- 7
Elliott's performance earned him a spot in the MLS Team of the Week. The Union backline had to absorb plenty of pressure, and he and Glesnes were a vital part of them not cracking at the heart of the defence. He was left untroubled for the most part, bar the one time Yeboah managed to turn him and get a shot off at goal. Apart from that, another strong outing for the Brit.
Kai Wagner- 7.5
It was another good display from the German, who did not allow much to be created down the left-hand side. The partnership that he and Flach have built is a great one. It gives Wagner the freedom to push on down the left-wing while they provide a staunch wall defensively. Wagner produced multiple key tackles down the left to slow down the advances of Columbus. He also produced what could have been a goal-saving block as he bravely slid in to deny a shot from just inside the area following a cutback.
Jose Martinez- 8
Martinez continued his fine start to the season with another great performance. The enforcer in front of the Union back five was the creator of the only goal of the game as his high and testing cross towards the back post was dropped by Room into the back of his own net. Martinez sat in front of the defence as the holding midfielder and had plenty of running to do with Columbus dominating. However, he did his job getting stuck in and doing his best to shut down their advances. He was barely mentioned by the commentary team throughout the game, and from a holding midfielder's perspective, that is what you want from them.
Ale Bedoya- 7
Bedoya was creating chances for the Union throughout the game. He had a couple of early good attacking runs into space down the right. As always with Bedoya, he works hard and gives 110%, and his work rate was never to be questioned in the game. He could have had a couple of assists to his name during the second half as well. He played a nice ball across the box, but no one could apply the finishing touch. His ball over the top for Uhre was a nice one, which allowed the forward to get in behind the defender.
The only frustrating thing from Ale in the game was the weak shot he had during the second half. He ran towards the area in a three on two situation, and instead of trying to find Gazdag in space, he shot. It was a tame effort and a wasted opportunity to make it 2-0.
Leon Flach- 7
Flach was not heavily involved in the attacking action of the game, but his work rate on the defensive end was massive, especially in the second half. He had a couple of positive moments in the second half, which took the pressure off of the Union and allowed them to get up the field. That is the standard that he has set during his first year in Philadelphia.
Daniel Gazdag- 7
Gazdag had another solid game as he continues to grow and improve in the Union system. He was heavily involved in the Philadelphia attack throughout, where he had multiple key chances. Gazdag was looking for his fifth goal in five games, and somehow did not find the back of the net. The biggest chance he had was the one in the first half, where he had to do better to score. He received the ball off a deflected shot from six yards out with acres of space and time. Instead of taking a touch, he took the shot first time, which was straight at Room. He had another great opportunity in the second half, but was again denied by Room, who did well to close down the angle and pull off the save.
It was frustrating to not see the Hungarian hit the back of the net, but he is continuing to be a constant threat on the attacking end. An area of his game that significantly improved from last season.
Mikael Uhre- 7
Uhre was unlucky to not score his first Union goal in the game as he continues to carve out chances. He was lively and more involved with the game in the second half. He had a couple of good chances. The first one came when he picked up the ball 25 yards from goal and played a one-two allowing him to run in behind. However, he rushed the shot and sliced it high and wide of the target. If he had taken a touch, he would have certainly tested Room. With his second big chance, he did excellent work to get behind the defender and bring the ball under control. However, he was quickly closed down by Room, who made the save.
Julian Carranza- 6
Carranza looked bright in the opening 20 minutes as he tried to create something in the game. However, as Columbus took hold of the first half, he struggled to get back involved with the game. He was not too much of an influence after the opening 20 minutes with the Union attack going through Uhre, Gazdag and Bedoya when they did venture on the counter. He was brought off after an hour for Cory Burke as the Union tried to make the ball stick up front with a target man.
Cory Burke- 6
Burke was given a solid 30 minutes and had a couple of bright moments. The most notable one came when he outmuscled a Columbus defender before driving towards the penalty area. He played a nice pass to Gazdag in space, who was unable to find the back of the net.
Quinn Sullivan- 6
Sullivan replaced Uhre and was on the pitch for the final 15 minutes. He was full of energy and tried to create opportunities for his teammates. However, he was unable to make a direct contribution. Sullivan came on during a period when the Union were having to defend against heavy pressure. A difficult position for a young player to come on and make an impact.
Paxten Aaronson- N/A
He came on during the dying embers of the game and did not have enough time to get into the action.
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