Philadelphia Passes Atlas in CCL Quarterfinal Match, 1-0

April 4, 2023

Chester, PA

The stands were filled at Subaru Park for the Concacaf Champions League quarter final match against Atlas F.C. to witness the Philadelphia Union squeak by Atlas by a score of 1-0.  The game was better called than some of the CCL games which saw referees reluctant to issue red cards, even for flagrant fouls.  This time, Atlas’s Anderson Santamaría was shown red in first half stoppage time for pulling down an open Dániel Gazdag just outside Atlas’s box.

The second half reflected Philadelphia’s man advantage, with Atlas’s four saves coming during that period.  Even with the man down, it looked as if Atlas would pull off a no-score draw until late in the second half.  At the 86th minute, Julián Carranza was settling a ball off his chest in the penalty area when Atlas’s keeper, Camilo Vargas, pushed him down.  Once again, Philadelphia called on Dániel Gazdag to take the penalty shot.  While Vargas went to the correct side, Gazdag’s shot bounced under his feet, resulting in the lone goal scored during the match.

Photographs of the game appear below:

Atlas’s Julián Quiñones’s mid-air bicycle kick shot.

A foot race between Quiñones and Philadelphia’s Damion Lowe.

Jonathan Herrera bringing the ball down on the right side.

Herrera with Jack McGlynn behind.

McGlynn reaching the ball from his knees.

Damion Lowe trying to connect in the offensive end with Mikael Uhre.

  Philadelphia’s José Martínez protecting Dániel Gazdag before the penalty shot.