Baby Steps: Despite Better Play, Union Drop Three Points To Colorado Rapids In 2-1 Defeat

On the plus side of things, the Philadelphia Union put in a significantly better performance than in their opener against Portland. On the negative side of things, lack of finish and poor defensive play, including a howler from Zac MacMath, resulted in the Philadelphia Union dropping all three points to Colorado Rapids in a 2-1 defeat at PPL Park.

The Philadelphia Union dominated the run of play in the first half. Despite not scoring any goals, the Philadelphia Union were in control of the match with Colorado Rapids nary registering an offensive chance all half long. Unfortunately for the home side, that would soon change in the second half.

An extremely soft goal from MacMath put the Colorado Rapids up 1-0 in the 56th minute. Two minutes later, things would seemingly swing the Union's way when Jeff Larentowicz got himself his second yellow card and thrown off the pitch, leaving the Rapids down to ten men for the rest of the game. However, the Union's fortunes would not be so kind as minutes after the Larentowicz ejection, Tony Cascio netted a second goal to put the Colorado Rapids ahead by two.

The Philadelphia Union would fight valiantly up a man though. After being stopped numerous times by Matt Pickens, the Philadelphia Union finally netted one past the Rapids keeper in the 67th minute when Lionard Pajoy recorded his first goal as a member of the Union.

The Union would keep up the pressure for the remainder of the match, however they would not be able to score despite getting chances. The loss drops the Union to 0-2-0 on the season, giving them the same record as rivals D.C. United and New York Red Bulls.

Up next, the Philadelphia Union will travel to Toyota Park to take on the Chicago Fire on Saturday, March 24 at 8:30 PM. The game, which will air on The Comcast Network, will be the Union's first local broadcast of the season.