By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
Chester, Pa. — The Philadelphia Union let a lackluster performance in the second half cost them an opportunity. As a result, the Union finished fourth in the Leagues Cup.
The Union was defeated by the Colorado Rapids. It was 2-2 after regulation.
Then, the Rapids won 3-1 in penalty kicks.
“I’m really proud of our entire group,” Rapids head coach Chris Armas said in his post game interview. “To start, our 47 teams to be one of the top three in the end makes [me] really proud”.
As a result, the Rapids received a Concacaf Champions Cup berth.
Out of 47 teams in the tournament, the Union finished fourth overall. Last summer, in the inaugural edition of this style tournament, the Union received the third place finish with a win over Monterrey.
“47 teams entered and we came in fourth, just not good enough,” Union head coach Jim Curtin said after the game. “We gained some positive momentum in this tournament…we have to build on them…it doesn’t get easier…the group will bounce back.”
In this game, Colorado got on the board first. That’s when Calvin Harris put the Rapids up 1-0 in the 38th minute.
Several minutes later, the Union responded back. Tai Baribo — who was suspended for their last game against the Columbus Crew — scored in the 41st minute.
Baribo tallied a brace just a short time later. In the 44th minute, Baribo scored on an unassisted goal as the Union went up 2-1.
In the second half, Oliver Larraz tied the game. The Rapids player scored in the 49th minute.
Curtin said that the second half was a lackluster performance. And that the team had to do better.
Ultimately, it cost the team an opportunity to play in the Champions Cup next season.
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