Mark McKenzie unleashed an audacious, long-range equalizer in the 87th minute for his first career MLS goal, and the Philadelphia Union escaped Audi Field with a 2-2 draw against D.C. United on Wednesday night to clinch an MLS Cup Playoff berth.
McKenzie's missile helped second-place Philadelphia keep pace with Eastern Conference and Supporters' Shield leaders Toronto FC after the Reds also drew against the Red Bulls at their home away from home earlier on Wednesday. Anthony Fontana also scored for the Union, who would see that early second-half lead turn into a deficit in the span of four minutes.
First, D.C.'s Donovan Pines joined McKenzie as a defender scoring his maiden MLS goal in the 71st minute when he headed in Yamil Asad's corner kick. Then Asad stepped to the spot and converted a penalty awarded when a cross struck Philly's Alejandro Bedoya on the arm as he tucked it at his side in the penalty area.
That appeared it might be enough to give league-worst D.C. its first win in nine matches. Instead, McKenzie ensured a share of the points with a goal well worth waiting for.
Goals
- 49' - PHI - Anthony Fontana | WATCH
- 71' - DC - Donovan Pines | WATCH
- 75' - DC - Yamil Asad (PK) | WATCH
- 87' - PHI - Mark McKenzie | WATCH
Three Things
THE BIG PICTURE:
The result ensures Philadelphia will finish no lower than 10th in the Eastern Conference to reach a third consecutive postseason for the first time in club history, and in all likelihood they'll end up much higher. Meanwhile, although D.C. earned just their third point in nine matches, their winless run of the same length is the club's longest in the league since going 15 games without a victory to bridge the end of a miserable 2013 campaign and the start of 2014.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH:
It almost defies belief that McKenzie could play portions of three seasons in MLS without finding the net, then hit his first goal on an effort like this. Which is why you should watch it again and again.
MAN OF THE MATCH:
Yamil Asad. Like so many in a D.C. shirt, the Argentine has had an underwhelming 2020 campaign. But he was at the heart of both D.C. goals, and he supplied the emotion and energy for a club that is still acclimating to life after Ben Olsen as manager.
Up Next
- DC: Sunday, Oct. 18 at FC Cincinnati (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in the US and DAZN in Canada)
- PHI: Monday, Oct. 19 at New England Revolution (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in the US and DAZN in Canada)
