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Rivals Philadelphia Union and D.C. United draw 1-1

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Washington, DC – The rivalry between the Philadelphia Unionand D.C. United just got a lot more interesting. The two teams drew 1-1 in match that was full of drama until the end. The final minutes of the match featured three red cards, a penalty kick and lots of post whistle exchanges. The sports history between Philadelphia and D.C. added another chapter Sunday. The two teams met for the third time this season, each team with a road win.Philadelphia’s start was ideal, as the road team found the back of the net in the 8th minute. The play started when Freddy Adu sent in a long free kick into the box. The ball bounced around and fell to Carlos Valdes. The Union captain then blasted a shot on goal that Perry Kitchen headed wide. The ball fell to lower right corner of the net and Brain Carroll tipped the ball in making it 1-0. This was the first goal of the season for former United man Carroll.As the game worn on D.C. dominated the the attack and possession but Union keeper Zac MacMatchcame up huge through out the match to keep D.C. off the board. The Union also seemed to get some help in the 64th minute, as it looked like United had scored. But referee Mark Geiger said D.C.’s Hamdi Salihi interfered with the Union keeper, blowing the play dead. Seven minutes later the Union’s luck ran out when Union defender Amobi Okugo deflected a Branko Boskovic free kick into his own net, making it 1-1.

In the 86th minute Chris Pontius was fouled in the box by Union sub Roger Torres and D.C. was awarded a penalty kick. Dwayne De Rosario stepped up to take the PK.  De Rosario blasted his shot to left past a full laid out Zac MacMath and thought he scored the winner for D.C. on‘Dwayne De Rosario Bobblehead Night’‘.  But just seconds later the goal was taken off the board as referee Mark Geiger called encroachment on DC.  Players on both sides continued pushing and shoving each other after the whistle. Geiger put a stop this by showing a straight red (card) to United’s Branko Boskovic and yellow card to Gabe Farfan for argument.

De Rosario lined back up 3 minutes after the initial foul took place and blasted a shot that skimmed over the crossbar. De Rosario stood in disbelief as a goal here would have surely given his team the victory.  A few seconds later the fourth official showed there to be 5 minutes stoppage time. The Union with man advantage pushed up strong looking for a late game winner. The attack was halted outside the D.C. box as United defender Emiliano Dudar tackled Antonie Hoppenot from behind. Geiger showed Dudar a straight too, putting D.C. down to 9 men. The drama wasn’t over as Philadelphia’s Sheanon Williams chased down Chris Pontius a few mintues. Williams made a play on the ball but caught Pontius’ legs in follow through, Gieger whistled the play dead and showed Williams a yellow card. Since it was Williams’ second yellow of the match it’s an automatic red. The players from both sides continued to argue and Untied keeper Bill Hamid was shown a yellow card in the 90+6 minute. A few seconds later referee Mark Geiger blew the whistle ending game at 1-1.

The heat of the match carried on after the final whistle as United teammates Brandon McDonald and Chris Korb yelled at each other. Several players and coaches left the pitch angered and confused. The Union picked up its first point on the road since July 4th at L.A. Philadelphia also ended a two-game losing streak as they will lace up the boots this Friday night when they host Real Salt Lake.

The Union and D.C. will face each other once more Thursday September 20th at PPL Park.