D.C. United fell to the Philadelphia Union 1-0 on Saturday night in Chester, Pa. While both sides traded possession throughout the match, scoring opportunities were limited, with neither United nor the Union finding many chances in front of goal.
Ian Harkes was the focal point of United's attack in the first half, as the Homegrown was responsible for two of D.C.'s best chances in the final third. A Harkes header in the 20th minute sailed just high, while the rookie's shot toward the back post seven minutes later was barely pushed away by Union keeper Andre Blake. Despite Harkes' strong offensive play, Philadelphia broke the stalemate in the 32nd minute off of a Fabrice-Jean Picault volley.
The match opened up for United as Ben Olsen's side started pressing higher for the equalizer late in the second half, but Blake remained formidable in the net for Philadelphia, denying multiple on-frame shots from the Black-and-Red. While both teams found solid looks on goal, the score remained 1-0 at the final whistle.
United now travel to Harvard University to take on the New England Revolution in the fifth round of the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, June 28. Major League Soccer action resumes for the Black-and-Red in Montreal against the Impact on Saturday, July 1.
