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By the Numbers: Philadelphia Union 5 D.C. United 1

A look back at the Union win in D.C. and the numbers behind their critical win over a conference rival

Philadelphia Union v DC United Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

Make no mistake, this was a big, big win for the Union. By all accounts the Union were starting to slip at the top of the Eastern Conference after back-to-back 4-0 road losses to Real Salt Lake and Montreal.

After last week’s dismal performance, the Union were under tons of pressure to get a result away at the Wayne Rooney led D.C. United. While the red card certainly contributed to the thrashing, the attack was potent from the opening whistle, highlighted by the opening 3’ goal by Alejandro Bedoya.

This was by far the best attacking match the Union have produced this season; let’s hope to see many more in the remaining 9 games as they push to maintain their place atop the East.

Union vs D.C. United Stats - August 4, 2019

Category Philadelphia Union D.C. United
Category Philadelphia Union D.C. United
Outside Box Shots 13 5
Danger Area Shots 13 7
xG 2.68 1.48
Chances Created 22 8
Big Chances 2 2

Positional Report

As the average position indicates, Medunjanin and Creavalle controlled the midfield, allowing Marco Fabián to play in a very advanced position. Along with Wooten and Przybylko, the three up top combined well to produce a very potent attack.

By the Numbers

26- Shots by the Union. Compared to the 14.9 average over the 2019 season thus far, this match was one of the most prolific performances the Union have put on this season

78- Passes completed by Haris Medunjanin, leading all players. Medunjanin passed at an impressive 91.8% rate including 1 Assist on the 70’ goal by Marco Fabián

164- Passes in the final third for the Union (compared to 68 for DC United)

17- Completed passes from Haris Medunjanin to Marco Fabián (Top Combination) highlighting the directness of the attack through the middle of the pitch

2- Goals for Marco Fabián, bringing his total this season to 6 in his best overall performance for the club

2- Big Chances for the Philadelphia Union which were twice converted into goals (not including penalty miss)

60- Percent possession by the Union, although DC United went down a man in the 40’; up to that point the Union had dominated possession

2.03- Expected Goals scored by the Union on possessions where Marco Fabián was involved in some aspect of the possession, highlighting his significant involvement in the attack

18.8- Percentage of possession chains where Marco Fabián provided the final pass before a shot (Most on Team)

3- Chances created by Warren Creavalle (Second most to Marco Fabián)

33- Passes inside the penalty area for the Union

9- Ball recoveries by Haris Medunjanin, leading all players

99.8- Percent Chance the Union make the playoffs!

25- Percent Chance the Union get a first-round bye!

Sources: Opta via WhoScored.com, StatsZone, American Soccer Analysis