Behind a man-of-the-match performance from David Accam, the Philadelphia Union rolled to a a 3-0 home win over Columbus Crew SC on Saturday night.
Accam, who hadn’t scored since last July, found net in the 31st and 41st minutes. He also assisted an insurance tally by Ilsinho in the 48th minute, as Philadelphia used possession and the energy of homegrown midfielder Brenden Aaronson to see out the match.
The Ghanaian’s first strike came after a through ball from Fafa Picault, as he collected the ball and slotted inside the far post past Joe Bendik. The goalkeeper was starting his first game for Crew SC with Zack Steffen nursing a minor knee injury.
Accam then capitalized on some wayward Columbus defending to make it 2-0 before halftime, toe-poking past Bendik at the near post. Ilsinho’s strike arrived shortly after, with the Brazilian smashing a right-footed shot off the underside of the crossbar.
The Crew, missing Gyasi Zardes and Will Trapp to US national team duty, managed one shot on goal all game. It was the first time Columbus were held scoreless all season and marked their first loss under head coach Caleb Porter.
Goals
- 31' – PHI – David Accam | WATCH
- 41' – PHI – David Accam | WATCH
- 48' – PHI – Ilsinho | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: After drawing 1-1 at Atlanta United FC last weekend, the Union recorded their first win of the 2019 season four matches in. With Ernst Tanner serving as the club’s sporting director, it’s taken some time for points to come as frustration built. Philadelphia was also missing three usual starters: goalie Andre Blake (international duty), midfielder Marco Fabian (suspension) and striker Cory Burke (international duty).
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Celebrations can often be indicative of what a player is going through off the field, and that seemingly applied to Accam's goal in the 31st minute. Upon dropping to his knees, Accam was overcome with emotion as his teammates swarmed with congratulatory remarks.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Accam reminded fans and foes alike why the Union sent over $1 million in allocation money to the Chicago Fire ahead of the 2018 season for his services. The Ghanaian's first-half brace was opportunistic, and he even added an assist. That broke a goal-scoring drought stretching back to July 11, 2018 and an assist drought extending back to Oct. 15, 2017. Accam had one goal all of last season.
​​Up Next
- PHI: Saturday, March 30 at FC Cincinnati (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, DAZN in Canada)
- CLB: Saturday, March 30 vs. Atlanta United FC (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, DAZN in Canada)
