United earned their first win of the season on Saturday night, a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union at RFK Stadium.
Both sides traded possession in the midfield to open the match, but the Black-and-Red had the first opportunity to open the score. Luciano Acosta and Patrick Nyarko combined for a clever give-and-go on the left side of the box, allowing Acosta to break into space behind the Union's back line. Acosta attempted to cut around a sliding Union defender and unleash a shot, but was quickly stifled by Philadelphia goalkeeper Andre Blake.
United were able to break through in the 18th minute, though, as José Ortiz scored his first Major League Soccer goal, and United's first goal of the season, to give the Black-and-Red a 1-0 lead. Ortiz, who also made his first start against the Union, connected with winger Lloyd Sam, quickly turned and shot, with the ball deflecting off of a Philadelphia defender to beat Blake.
Seven minutes later, United grew their lead to 2-0 following a Union handball in the box. Acosta stepped up to take the penalty and confidently buried it, sending the shot just past the outstretched fingers of a diving Blake.
The Black-and-Red had to focus on defensive composure in the second half, as the Union relentlessly pressed for goals of their own. Philadelphia forward CJ Sapong netted a brace to pull the Union within a goal, but United keeper Bill Hamid had a standout performance and effectively ruined any chances of a Union equalizer. Hamid saved a season-high seven shots, earning him United's Man of the Match honors.
United's three points put the team back on track as they prepare to host New York City FC this weekend. The victory also sustained United's unbeaten home streak against the Union, which dates back to 2013. The Black-and-Red host the Union again in May before traveling to Philadelphia for the sides' final meeting in June.
