Philadelphia Union earn shutout for Minnesota United's first loss

Updated: Mar 30, 2024, 08:41 pm

Daniel Gazdag scored in the 16th minute to fuel the Philadelphia Union to a 2-0 victory over Minnesota United on Saturday afternoon in Chester, Pennsylvania. 

Kai Wagner and defender Jack Elliott each notched an assist on Gazdag's third goal of the season and second in as many matches played. Gazdag (international duty) was one of six starters missing in Philadelphia's 3-1 victory over the Portland Timbers on March 23.

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Julian Carranza, who tallied twice versus the Timbers, provided insurance by scoring in the 84th minute on Saturday.

Andre Blake finished with four saves during a physical match before he took a seat on the field in the 73rd minute. Oliver Semmle came on in relief and turned aside one shot for the Union (2-0-3, 9 points), who handed Minnesota United (3-1-1, 10 points) their first setback of the season.

Dayne St. Clair made two saves in a losing cause for Minnesota United.

Philadelphia took advantage of one of its eight corner kicks to open the scoring.

Wagner's service off the set piece was redirected by Elliott through traffic toward the back post. Gazdag had gained inside position on Minnesota defender DJ Taylor and provided the proper finish.

Minnesota threatened to forge a tie in the 40th minute, only to be denied by Blake. Robin Lod deftly played the ball ahead of Teemu Pukki, but Blake extended his right foot to make a sliding kick save.

Philadelphia's Quinn Sullivan nearly extended his team's lead in the 54th minute, however his scissor kick caromed off the crossbar.

The Union doubled their advantage in the 84th minute. A Minnesota turnover deep in its own end led to Alejandro Bedoya heading the ball up to Carranza, who swiftly unleashed a shot that sailed inside the far post.