Union top NYCFC, 2-1, for first win
This time, the Union were able to use stoppage time to their advantage. A week after surrendering two second-half stoppage time goals in a 3-2 loss at Sporting Kansas City, the Union reversed their fortunes.
This time, the Union were able to use stoppage time to their advantage.
A week after surrendering two second-half stoppage time goals in a 3-2 loss at Sporting Kansas City, the Union reversed their fortunes.
Vincent Nogueira's goal in second-half stoppage time provided the Union with a 2-1 win over New York City FC on Saturday before a sellout crowd of 18,603 at PPL Park.
It was the first win of the season for the Union (1-3-2), while NYCFC fell to 1-2-2.
"I didn't sleep after the Kansas City game, so this feels good," coach Jim Curtin said.
Andrew Wenger set up the goal with a cross from near the left end line. NYCFC keeper Josh Saunders deflected the ball just as the Union's Conor Casey crashed into him. No foul was called on Casey, and play continued.
Nogueira then fired the loose ball into the net for his first goal.
"I was trying to get something in the box guys could make a play on," Wenger said. "A little fortuitous that the goalie punches it to Vince, and it was a fantastic finish by him."
Sebastien Le Toux, playing as the lone forward because leading scorer Fernando Aristeguieta missed the game with a quad injury, set up the first goal.
Le Toux's cross from near the left end line on goal was tapped in by Zach Pfeffer in the 27th minute.
NYCFC tied the score in the 55th minute, when David Villa picked up a loose ball and walked it into the goal.
After that, both teams had serious scoring chances.
In the 61st minute, NYCFC's Mix Diskerud, a U.S. national team player, shot wide from just in front of the goal.
The Union's C.J. Sapong, who replaced Le Toux after he cut his arm when he banged it on a video board beyond the end line and needed five stitches, shot wide from a close-in volley in the 79th minute.
In the 90th minute, the Union's Cristian Maidana blasted a shot high and wide from the top of the 18.
It was the first MLS game for Union keeper John McCarthy, the product of Northeast Catholic and La Salle University. He made three saves and was emotional leaving the field.
"I had tears of joy," he said.
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