Union grab a point in New England on late Przybylko goal

Kacper Przybylko got on the end of a deflected cross in the 84th minute to tie the game at 1-1 and earn the Philadelphia Union a hard fought road point to start a three-game road trip after an 18-day break from league play.

Fafa Picault set up the breakthrough with his pace getting into the box after Alejandro Bedoya forced a turnover to Picault in a dangerous spot and nearly delivered a game-winning cross to Ilsinho, who was unable to get enough on his attempt to beat Brad Knighton.

The Union were playing from behind after surrendering a goal to Brandon Bye, who was left unmarked at the near post and connected with a Carles Gil corner kick to make it 1-0 in 31st minute. New England had numerous other chances to double the lead, but fortunately for their Union their finishing was as suspect as the Union’s.

Sergio Santos again failed to capitalize on chance in the first half that was set up by a good combination from Jamiro Monteiro and Kai Wagner working down the left flank four minutes before the New England goal.

Down 1-0 at the half, head coach Jim Curtin replaced Brenden Aaronson with Ilsinho, his not so secret weapon off the bench. As he’s done all season, Ilsinho made an immediate impact getting to the right side of the box and setting up Wagner with a cross into the box but Wagner’s header went wide.

Ilsinho would end up getting a lot more time on the ball in his usual place along the right flank, but it was obvious Revs head coach Bruce Arena has his defense well prepared to defend the Brazilian off the ball with two and sometimes three well spaced defenders. Picault’s introduction ended up being the anecdote to Arena’s approach, particularly when Fafa started drifting over to Ilsinho’s side to provide additional support.

It was from that right side on a hard charging run that Fafa ended up delivering the pass that bounced off Andrew Farrell before finding its way to Kacper in front of goal. Kacper gets credit for the goal for putting a foot on it before it crossed the line — his team-leading fifth of the season — but it was Fafa’s effort that salvaged a point on an otherwise frustrating night, one where four players went in the book for yellows and they were whistled for 19 fouls.