Philadelphia Union draw with Minnesota United in MLS season opener

Updated: May 17, 2023, 04:59 am

Cory Burke scored the tying goal in the 35th minute and Andre Blake made five saves to lift the Philadelphia Union a 1-1 draw with Minnesota United FC in the season opener for both teams on Saturday in Chester. Pennsylvania.

The game marked the return to action for Major League Soccer as the 2022 season got underway on Saturday.

Robin Lod scored a goal in the 23rd minute and Tyler Miller finished with four saves for Minnesota United, who gave up 11 corner kicks.

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Minnesota seized a 1-0 lead on Lod's left-footed shot from the penalty spot in the middle of the box. The goal was set up by Franco Fragapane, who raced down the left wing and then cut inside along the end line where he passed to an open Lod. It was the 17th career MLS goal for Lod, who led the Loons with nine goals last season.

Philadelphia tied it 12 minutes later thanks to a brilliant curling cross by Jakob Glesnes from outside the right side of the penalty box. Burke, who split defenders Michael Boxall and Oniel Fisher, headed the pass inside the far post for his 19th career MLS goal.

Minnesota United midfielder Kervin Arriaga, left, controls the ball against Philadelphia Union midfielder Leon Flach.
Minnesota United midfielder Kervin Arriaga, left, controls the ball against Philadelphia Union midfielder Leon Flach.
USA Today Images

The Loons nearly regained the lead in the 42nd minute, but Kervin Arriaga's right-footed shot on a free kick outside the left side of the box caromed off the crossbar. Blake then came up big with a diving save of a curling right-footed shot by Luis Amarillo from outside of the right side of the box in the 57th minute.

Philadelphia had a chance to take the lead in the 77th minute when Jack McGlynn won a free kick just outside the left top corner of the penalty box. But Kai Wagner's ensuing left-footed direct free kick sailed high over the goal.

Blake came up big again in the 92nd minute when Adrien Hunou took a through pass from Lod and fired a straight-on right-footed shot from outside the middle of the box that Blake had to deflect over the goal with his fingertips.