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Union down Crew to reach Copa America break in first place in East

Union Crew MLS (USA TODAY Sports)

CHESTER, PA– The Philadelphia Union had a goal in mind that few could have envisioned them realizing before the season began, but Jim Curtin can put a check mark next to it after the club’s latest impressive performance.

The Union achieved their goal of securing first place in the Eastern Conference at the Copa America Centenario break after beating the Columbus Crew, 3-2, at Talen Energy Stadium on Wednesday.

Chris Pontius, Vincent Nogueira and Fabian Herbers scored in the Union’s sixth victory of the regular season.

The Union started the match with a flurry of pressure in the first 10 minutes, but they were unable to capitalize on the dangerous attacking combination between Tranquillo Barnetta, C.J. Sapong and Sebastien Le Toux.

The Crew struck first blood in the 14th minute, when Ethan Finlay undressed Fabinho on the right wing before playing the ball into an open Ola Kamara in the middle of the penalty area. The goal was the fourth in two games for the offseason acquisition.

Seven minutes later, Pontius’ fifth tally of the campaign leveled the match at 1-1. Pontius cut in from the left wing and sent a deflected effort into the top-right part of the net.

The first half appeared to have more goals in it, but a few of terrific defensive displays halted that plan. In the 34th minute, Ken Tribbett made up for conceding a dangerous free kick with an off the line clearance for the Union. Two minutes later, Steve Clark denied an audacious chip from Barnetta with one hand.

The second half produced a fewer amount of chances, but the Union were able to take advantage of scoring opportunities when they were presented.

In the 58th minute, Pontius unraveled Hector Jimenez on the left wing in the buildup to the Union’s second strike. The winger crossed the ball from left to right and found Vincent Nogueira on the top-right edge of the box.

Nogueira’s blistering effort took a deflection off a defender and beat Clark to put the home side ahead for good.

Herbers closed out the scoring on Wednesday with an incredible play in the box that led to his first-career professional goal.

Cristian Martinez struck for a late goal in second half stoppage time for the Crew, but it was too little, too late for Gregg Berhalter’s men.

Both teams will be back in action in two weeks time during the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on June 15.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Pontius produced two moments of individual brilliance on the first two Union goals. He easily got around a few defenders in the 21st minute and torched Jimenez on the way to his assist in the 58th minute.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Herbers sealed up the victory for the Union with a splendid strike that opened up his MLS account. The blast into the top-right corner of the net sent Jim Curtin’s men into the Copa America break on top of the Eastern Conference.

MATCH TO FORGET

Conor Casey’s return to Talen Energy Stadium was short lived as the former Union strike and current Crew reserve was sent off two minutes after coming on for a foul on Keegan Rosenberry. It looked like a questionable red card, but still provided a sour note for the veteran.

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