Reserve League: D.C. United 4, Philadelphia Union 1

Ngwenya notches double as United Reserves topple Union

July 3, 2011

Cody Sharrett

WASHINGTON-- On Sunday, July 3 D.C. United's Reserves (4-0-1) extended their unbeaten run in Reserve League play to five games with a 4-1 victory over Philadelphia Union.

Central midfielder Stephen King put United on the board in the 22nd minute, driving a missed Union clearance past goalkeeper Zac MacMath from 10 yards in front of goal.

Just a minute later, United doubled its lead when Joseph Ngwenya slotted a pass to Blake Brettschneider. The forward found Kurt Morsink to score United's second goal in as many minutes.

"Once we got going and figured out how we needed to manage the game [King and Morsink] did a good job of turning possession into a big advantage for us. That's when we took over the game," United Assistant Coach Chad Ashton said after the game. "We had two good goals from both guys. It's good to see them rewarded for hard work."

Joseph Ngwenya

In the 36th minute, it appeared the Black-and-Red took a 3-0 lead, however Joseph Ngwenya's goal was waived off as the linesman called him offside.

Philadelphia nearly made its way onto the scoresheet just before halftime, but Kyle Nakazawa's shot was deflected by D.C. United Academy player Mikias Eticha and into the hands of goalkeeper Steve Cronin.

After the break, Union U-17 forward Darius Madison wasted no time after coming on as a substitute to notch Philadelphia's first goal on a through ball from Roger Torres in the 48th minute.

However, the morning belonged to Joseph Ngwenya. In the 69th minute, the forward drew a penalty after being taken down in the area by Juan Diego Gonzalez Alzate. Ngwenya then converted from the spot to make it 3-1 United.

Ten minutes later, Ngwenya drove home Academy midfielder Cody Albrecht's cross to give United a 4-1 advantage.

The victory gives the D.C. United Reserves a four point edge on the Columbus Crew to lead the East Division of the MLS Reserve League, while Philadelphia stays in fourth place.

SCORING SUMMARY

D.C. United - Stephen King 22’
D.C. United - Kurt Morsink (Blake Brettschneider) 23’
Philadelphia Union - Darius Madison (Roger Torres) 48'
D.C. United - Joseph Ngwenya PK 69'
D.C. United - Joseph Ngwenya (Cody Albrecht) 79’

LINEUPS

D.C. United: Steve Cronin, Chris Korb, Conor Shanosky, Adrian Reid**, Marc Burch (Brad Vorv* 45’), Brandon Barklage (Mikias Eticha* 14’), Stephen King, Kurt Morsink, Fred (Cody Albrecht* 62’), Joseph Ngwenya, Blake Brettschneider (Colin Martin* 58’)

Unused Substitutes: Willis

Philadelphia Union: Zac MacMath, Ryan Richter, Juan Gonzalez, Stefam Miglioranzi, Michael Farfan, Zach Pfeffer (Keon Daniel 45’), Amobi Okugo, Kyle Nakazawa, Roger Torres, Brian Ackley* (Nelson Becerra* 70’), Jack McInerney (Darius Madison* 45’)

Unused Substitutes: Thorne Holder, Gabriel Farfan

NOTES: *Academy Player, ** Trialist

MISCONDUCT REPORT