Still Winless in Philly

DC United, without their two top goal scorers, lost 3-0 to the Philadelphia Union Saturday night (April 26).

Bus trip to Philly; yes, they are fun

Pregame: my Audi Field seat neighbors on the banks of the Delaware River

Another bus trip (2 in 2 weeks) was nonetheless enjoyable. Some pictures are posted above. The Screaming Eagles have a good relationship with the Sons of Ben (a Union supporters group) and we were invited to their tailgate. It's nice to have a friendly rivalry where outside the game we get along.

Sons of Ben hospitality: Thanks!

The game itself: Christian Benteke, who left last week's game against the Red Bulls with a quadriceps strain, did not play. Last week's two-goal hero, Joao Peglow, strained a hamstring in practice on Friday and also was out.

The starting lineup (apparently a 3-4-3 that could easily be mistaken for a 5-4-1):

Barraza in goal

Rowles, McNaughton, Bartlett on defense

Schnegg, Kijima, Servania, Herrera in midfield

Murrell, Badji, Stroud at forward

Subs: PIrani for Stroud (66th), Enow for Kijima(66th), Hakim Karamoko (in his MLS debut) for Badji (71st), Zouhir for Murrell (71st), Conner Antley (making his first start since a knee injury last year) for Schnegg (82nd).

DC played well in the first half, getting 7 shots (2 on target), 3 corners and 51% of the possession. Murrell just missed on an overhead kick, and also missed a shot when it would probably have been better to pass to an open teammate. Badji had a breakaway but couldn't finish. DC did all the right things except connecting and finishing. Philadelphia scored in the 15th minute on a nice jump volley from Jakob Glesnes. It was 1-0 Philly at halftime.

The second half was not as good. Danley Jean Jacques scored in the 52nd minute from outside the box, and DC seemed to run out of scoring ideas. Bruno Damiani twisted around Bartlett in the box in the 77th minute and scored to make it 3-0. Some good saves from Barraza kept the score from being even worse.

DC returns to Audi field this Saturday, May 3 at 730pm against the Colorado Rapids.