Philadelphia Union’s German duo struck on either side of Rodolfo Pizarro’s dribbler to knock off Inter Miami CF in the clubs’ first-ever MLS meeting late Tuesday night. The win, coupled with Orlando City’s victory over NYCFC earlier in the day, guarantees the Union a spot in the knockout rounds of the MLS Is Back Tournament.
Jim Curtin leaned on a fit-again Sergio Santos and new signing Jakob Glesnes against MLS-newcomers Miami. Led by Pizarro, Miami has a lot of weapons but has yet to jell into a top side. Meanwhile, Curtin’s emphasis on motivation and mentality helped Philly get out to a fast start, and when Brenden Aaronson turned his defender and charged into the box from the right, the defense collapsed and left Kai Wagner alone at the top of the box.