Alejandro Bedoya's lone goal lifts Union over NYCFC

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:05 am

Alejandro Bedoya scored the lone goal to lift the host Philadelphia Union past New York City FC 1-0 on Wednesday.

The Union rebounded after their last game, a 2-1 loss to the New England Revolution, and improved to 8-5-7, good for 31 points.

It was the eighth shutout this season for Union goalkeeper Andre Blake.

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NYCFC (9-6-4, 31 points) has been one of the hottest clubs in the league and had its six-game unbeaten streak (4-0-2) snapped.

In the 20th minute, the Union earned a free kick and Kai Wagner sent a strong ball through the box, resulting in a corner kick. The corner kick was cleared, however.

NYCFC soon countered as Valentin Castellanos dribbled through three Union players in the 23rd minute. Santiago Rodriguez then fired a shot from the top of the box just wide.

The Union's best scoring chance came in the 45th minute when Wagner fired a cross into the box. NYCFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson outjumped Kacper Przybylko to keep the game scoreless.

Philly's Alejandro Bedoya celebrates after scoring a goal against NYCFC.
Philly's Alejandro Bedoya celebrates after scoring a goal against NYCFC.
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NYCFC controlled possession in the first half, but were whistled for a pair of yellow cards.

Philadelphia came out aggressive in the first five minutes of the second half yet couldn't come up with a shot on goal despite several crosses into the box.

NYCFC picked up a free kick in the 58th minute from the corner of the box and after the kick caromed off the wall, a shot deflected off a Union defender and out of bounds.

The Union went ahead 1-0 in the 67th minute when Bedoya ran into the box and headed Wagner's cross past Johnson. It was the first goal of the season for Bedoya.

Castellanos was taken out in the 77th minute, largely because he could have missed NYCFC's next game with one more yellow card. Castellanos has eight goals and six assists this season.

Anton Tinnerholm ripped a shot in the 90th minute, which ended up being a corner kick for NYCFC. But after the corner, the Union quickly cleared the ball.