Cavan Sullivan’s brace opened the floodgates as Philadelphia turned a one-goal halftime lead into a
five-goal statement victory.
San Diego controlled much of the early possession and earned three corners inside the first 11 minutes, but Philadelphia created the more dangerous transitions. A late San Diego challenge initially drew a red card before the decision was reduced to yellow. Moments later, Sullivan finished a quick counter attack after a defensive mistake to give the Union a 1-0 halftime lead.
San Diego introduced Cedric Bakambu, Anibal Godoy and David Vazquez at the hour, but Philadelphia struck again immediately. Sullivan scored his second goal in the 61st minute, his second finish from an Indiana Vassilev assist, before Bruno Damiani extended the advantage to 3-0 six minutes later.
The scoreline became more severe late. Godoy’s own goal in the 87th minute made it 4-0, and substitute Malik Jakupovic added the fifth in second-half stoppage time. Andre Blake completed Philadelphia’s clean sheet with five saves.
San Diego finished with 58 percent possession, completed 467 passes and held an 11-4 advantage in corner kicks. Philadelphia was far more effective, creating four big chances and producing 2.58 expected goals compared with San Diego’s 1.22.
The defeat left San Diego FC at 8-6-11 with 30 points. Philadelphia improved to 9-6-10 with 33 points and extends its unbeaten run to 10 matches, while San Diego FC is left to regroup after its most difficult performance of the season.
Their next match is on Sunday September 20 at 4pm at Inter Miami.
Article and photos by Adrian Perez @tnl_fotos
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