Daniel Gazdag scored the only goal of the game as the Philadelphia Union took a crucial three points away from Orlando.
Jim Curtin made three changes after the win against the New England Revolution. Jack Elliott replaced Stuart Findlay, who left Philadelphia during the week as he signed for Oxford United. Olivier Mbaizo replaced Nathan Harriel, who dropped to the bench, and it was the same case for Paxten Aaronson as Mikael Uhre started in his place.
Ale Bedoya missed the fixture due to suspension after being yellow-carded against the Revs.
In the 27th minute, Julian Carranza had a great chance to score. He managed to peel away at the back post from a cross and had a free header inside the penalty area. Despite that, he failed to hit the target with his effort as it went wide of the post.
Moments later, Facundo Torres had a golden opportunity. Orlando managed to cut the Union open on the counter-attack, and the final pass into the penalty area was played to Torres. The winger cut inside onto his left foot and tried to curl his shot towards the far corner. It seemed destined to hit the back of the net, but he somehow missed the target.
Daniel Gazdag gave Philadelphia the lead in the 39th minute. Kai Wagner's corner was headed goalward by Jakob Glesnes. It fell perfectly to Gazdag, who was able to hook it over Pedro Gallese and into the back of the net. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but afterwards, VAR instructed the referee to rewatch the footage. On the second look, it appeared the Orlando defender did not move up till after Glesnes made contact with the ball.
HALF-TIME: Orlando City 0-1 Philadelphia Union
The Union were forced into a substitution in the 68th minute. Jose Martinez took a hit to the stomach and initially received treatment. Despite trying to play through the pain, the Venezuelan could not continue as he was replaced by Aaronson.
Quinn Sullivan made his way into the action in the 84th minute. He replaced Burke, who seemed to be suffering from a head injury after a clash earlier in the match.
In stoppage time, Orlando thought they were going to be awarded a penalty. Antonio Carlos and Gazdag were tussling inside the penalty area, and the Hungarian appeared to be holding onto Carlos' shirt. After the referee failed to initially spot the tussle, VAR called the referee over to check the monitor. After a lengthy discussion and check, the official came away and awarded the Union a free kick.
Orlando kept huffing and puffing throughout the rest of stoppage time but were unable to break down the strong defensive wall of the Union as Jim Curtin's team hung on for all three points.
FULL-TIME: Orlando City 0-1 Philadelphia Union
Orlando City: Gallese, Ruan (Akindele 75'), Schlegel, Jansson, Moutinho (Carlos 81'), Torres, Perea (Pato 61'), Araujo, Mulraney (Michel 46'), Pereyra (Urso 75'), Kara (Lynn 89')
Unused Substitutes: Grinwis, Smith, Halliday
Philadelphia Union: Blake, Mbaizo, Glesnes, Elliott, Wagner, Martinez (Aaronson 68'), McGlynn, Flach, Gazdag, Uhre (Burke 59'(Sullivan 84')), Carranza (Donovan 90')
Unused Substitutes: Bendik, Harriel, Real, Craig, Bueno
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