Back on track: Union dominate DCU in home win

In a fixture that is usually decided by the slimmest of margins, the Philadelphia Union used three dead-ball goals to claim their largest-ever victory over D.C. United. Ilsinho scored his first two goals for the Union in the win, and Roland Alberg added another to his impressive recent tally.

Alberg delivered the Union's first goal from the spot. After Kofi Opare brought down a streaking Chris Pontius, the in-form Dutch midfielder stepped up to score his sixth goal in his last five league games.

The Union's next chance came in the 35th, when Ilsinho's long run culminated in a side-heeled shot that forced a big save from Bill Hamid. Not a minute later, Ilsinho made a similar run, this time earning a penalty after being fouled by Marcelo Sarvas.

Ilsinho scored his second goal just on the other side of halftime. In his first start in a month, C.J. Sapong set up his Brazilian teammate with a gorgeous knockdown that he proceeded to slam home.

Sapong had an opportunity to grab a goal of his own in the 59th minute, but his close-range header was hit right at Hamid.

D.C. United's misfortunes were multiplied in the 65th minute, when Opare was ejected after earning a second yellow card.

Luciano Acosta threatened to make the scoreline more respectable in the 84th minute, but MLS All-Star Andre Blake soared to deny his long-range blast.

The Union's next game is on Wednesday, when Crystal Palace come to town for a friendly. Don't expect to see many starters in that one, as the Red Bulls await in league play on Sunday.

Notes:

• With the win, the Union have halted their longest losing streak of the season at two games.
• Tonight's shutout was the Union's first since the May 20th. They played DCU in that one, too.
• The Union's home record is the best in the Eastern Conference, but they'll be tested more and more on the road as the season progresses. The majority of their final 16 league games will be played away from home.