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Philadelphia Union Hits Sporting KC Quick for a 3-1 Quarterfinal Win at MLS is Back Tourney

Philadelphia Union forward Santos, Sergio #17 and Sporting Kansas City defender Zusi, Graham #8 fight for the ball during the MLS is Back Tourmanet at ESPN Wild World of Sport in Orlando Florida on Thursday July 30, 2020. Photo Credit: Marty Jean-Louis

KISSIMMEE, FL – It was a big night for Sergio Santos as his brace helped the Philadelphia Union defeat Sporting KC 3-1 in the MLS is Back Tournament at the ESPN Complex last night.

Philadelphia came ready to play. Sporting KC, well, maybe not so much.

Jamiro Monteiro also scored early for Philadelphia, Sergio Santos took a ball and move it forward into the right box with a pass to Alejandro Bedoya who squared across goal with the defense split open for an easy tap in.

The Sergio Santos show continued two minutes and 28 seconds later when Santos took a poor back pass by SKC defender Luis Martins and outran the KC defense 80 yards to easily chip one in past a charging Tony Melia for a 2-0 lead.

Philadelphia Union players celebrate goal during the MLS is Back Tourmanet at ESPN Wild World of Sport in Orlando Florida on Thursday July 30, 2020. Photo Credit: Marty Jean-Louis

Sporting KC was stunned, but continued to fight. Philly wasn’t done scoring.

In the 39th minute, Santos brushed one home with his left foot after a brilliant Brenden Aaronson turn in midfield. Aaronson let the ball run across his body, then slipped his teammate through for the 3-0 advantage.

Sporting weren’t dealt a knockout blow, though, and they scored just before halftime via Alan Pulido’s header. The Mexican No. 9 drifted to the back post in stoppage time, and powerfully headed home Johnny Russell’s cross.

Philadelphia awaits the winner of Saturday’s NYCFC vs Portland Match for their Semifinal opponent.

 

 

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