Photo by John David Mercer/USA TODAY Sports

 

By RYAN TOLMICH

Despite the disappointment that comes with being eliminated from postseason contention, the Philadelphia Union put last week’s collapse behind them with a victory over the reigning champions.

The Union topped Sporting KC, 2-1, Saturday at PPL Park due to a 71st minute gamewinning goal from Pedro Ribeiro.

Ribeiro’s finish came from a wide-open shot from point blank range, as Cristian Maidana played the Brazilian into space just outside the six yard box. The substitute then simply fired past a helpless Eric Kronberg to earn his side all three points.

The Union initially jumped on the reigning MLS Cup champions just before halftime, as Brian Brown finished from close range to give the hosts the lead.

Brown was part of a Union trio that opened up Sporting KC through a series of passes, starting with midfielder Vincent Noguiera, who found Brown near the top of the box. Brown then played Maidana in to space before the Argentine returned the favor to set up the goalscorer for the game’s first goal.

Sporting KC then equalized early in the second half through a penalty kick from Dom Dwyer, whose finish was the forward’s 22nd of the season.

Dwyer’s finish followed a penalty call on Zac MacMath, who took down Soony Saad as the midfielder attempted to round the Union goalkeeper. Dwyer’s ensuing penalty kick went left, MacMath went right and the score was leveled at 1-1.

Substitute Ribiero restored the Union lead in the 71st minute by finishing a pass from Maidana to earn his side all three points.

With the loss, Sporting KC’s current third-place position is put in severe danger, as a New York Red Bulls victory Sunday would push the reigning champions into the dreaded fourth-place position.

Sporting KC are back in action Oct. 26 against the Red Bulls in what could be a battle to avoid the wild card round, while the Union finish their season that same day against the playoff-bound Columbus Crew.