Philadelphia Union’s 19 shots secure a 2-0 win over CF Montreal

Philadelphia Union defeated CF Montreal 2-0 at Subaru Park on Saturday, with Danley Jean Jacques and Cavan Sullivan scoring in the second half to secure the home side’s victory in MLS Regular Season Round 23.

Union take control after the break

The match remained goalless until the 57th minute, when Jean Jacques put Philadelphia ahead with a normal goal. Montreal had a chance to respond in the 68th minute, but Prince-Osei Owusu missed a penalty, leaving the visitors without an equaliser despite still being within one goal of the Union.

Philadelphia then added a second in the 75th minute through Sullivan. The goal gave the Union a two-goal cushion and completed a decisive period in the match, with Montreal unable to turn its penalty opportunity into momentum.

Philadelphia created the clearer chances

The statistics showed a Philadelphia side that carried the greater attacking threat. The Union recorded 19 total shots to Montreal’s five, including 16 shots inside the box compared with four for the visitors. They also led shots on goal 8-2 and corners 6-1, while Montreal goalkeeper S. Breza made six saves. Philadelphia goalkeeper A. Blake made two saves.

Possession was relatively even, with Philadelphia holding 52% and Montreal 48%. Montreal completed more accurate passes, 324 to 313, despite attempting fewer total passes, 419 to 433. The figures therefore point to a Union victory built more on chance creation and pressure in dangerous areas than on overwhelming control of the ball.

Discipline and changes

Both teams finished with four yellow cards and neither received a red card. Philadelphia’s bookings went to Jovan Lukic, Bruno Damiani, Kai Wagner and Jesus Bueno, while Gennadiy Synchuk, Samuel Piette, Dawid Bugaj and Victor Loturi were cautioned for Montreal. Six substitutions were recorded, including three changes by Montreal in the 69th minute and the introduction of Bueno and Quinn Sullivan for Philadelphia in the same minute.

Table impact and form

Philadelphia entered the round 12th in the Eastern Conference with 24 points from 22 matches. The win moves the Union to 27 points after 23 games, improving their record to seven wins, six draws and 10 defeats. Montreal, who began 14th with 21 points, remain on that total after falling to five wins, six draws and 12 losses.

Sullivan was the standout performer, earning an 8.2 rating after playing 82 minutes and scoring once. He also registered three shots on target. Jean Jacques matched that rating, completing 90 minutes with a goal, a key pass and a tackle.