The Black-and-Red played to a thrilling 2-2 draw against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night in front of 16,392 fans. The result moves United to within two points of a playoff position.
United came out buzzing with energy in the first half, and had the majority of possession in the opening stages. D.C. took the lead in the 16th minute on a tremendous goal by left back Taylor Kemp, his first of the season. After a giveaway by the Union, Kemp picked up the ball near midfield and made a fantastic slaloming run through the Philadelphia defense before firing in an accurate low shot from a tight angle left of the goal.
D.C. controlled the rest of the first half, but the mood was soured just before halftime when the Union’s Tranquillo Barnetta scored a bending free kick from about 30 yards out. The goal came from Philadelphia’s first shot on target.
The second half was tightly contested as both sides had a multitude of chances. The Union went up 2-1 in the 57th minute on a goal by former United midfielder Chris Pontius, his ninth of the season. As the match wound down, D.C. threw men forward in search of a tying goal, and they finally broke through deep into stoppage time. Steve Birnbaum headed home the equalizer in the 94th minute off a pass from Patrick Nyarko, delighting the supporters at RFK.
“I thought we did a good job making intelligent plays and getting the ball to dangerous spots,” said United assistant coach Chad Ashton. “We were starting to feel like it was one of those days where it just wouldn’t go in, but I thought we continued to create a lot of chances there right at the end, and it felt like we deserved to win, so it was good to see it finally go in.”
In a highly entertaining match, United showed great heart and an increasing proficiency in attack. Though both goals came from defenders, the team generated 8 shots on goal and constantly troubled the Union backline throughout the match. The budding chemistry and ability to grind out a result are both promising signs for the Black-and-Red as the season enters the home stretch.
“Just keep plugging away,” said United midfielder Rob Vincent of the team’s mentality in the final minutes of the game. “We made the attacking changes, so you’re hoping that those guys can offer that lift, and offer that little extra bit of energy when the guys who’ve played 90 are kind of starting to slow down… that’s a characteristic of this team. We just keep going right until the end, we just keep putting balls in there, and ultimately, I think we deserved that goal, if not another.”
The draw was the second straight for United, who remain in the hunt in an Eastern Conference playoff race that is heating up more with each week. Despite not picking up a win, United will be pleased with the improved offensive performances in recent weeks. Next up for United is a clash with the Portland Timbers next Saturday.
