By the Numbers: Regular season finale vs NYCFC

The Philadelphia Union finished off the best season in franchise history with a disappointing 2-1 loss to the Eastern Conference winners, NYCFC on October 6 at home.

While the Union had already secured a home playoff game, a win would have provided much needed momentum leading into the playoffs after struggling in the final month of the regular season. The Union were able to create a high number of chances this game while only having 46% possession, although were lacking the finishing required to ultimately win the game.

Key Numbers

383 - Completed passes for the Union (compared to 475 by NYCFC)

23 - Attempted crosses by the Union, which is much higher that the season average, showing how the attack was geared down the flanks rather than up the middle. Although they were largely unsuccessful with only 6 completed.

1 - Converted penalty by Marco Fabian, bringing his season goals total to 7

84 - Completed passes in the attacking third by the Union in the second half (compared the NYCFC’s 16). Unfortunately, they were unable to turn this increased second half possession into a comeback win.

28 – Completed passes for Jamiro Monteiro in the final third (87.5%) which led all players

4 - Successful dribbles by Ray Gaddis (80%) which led all players

4 - Clearances for the Union, much lower than NYCFC’s 23. While this is certainly a product of the second half where NYCFC sat back, the Union did not perform particularly well in the first half at clearing out any dangerous passes.

3 - Place the Union finish the regular season in the Eastern Conference, setting up a dramatic home playoff game verse the NY Red Bulls

Sources: American Soccer Analysis, Whoscored.com, StatsZone