New Jersey United Down the Philadelphia Union DS 2-0

By Miguel Freire/New Jersey United Athletic Club

New Jersey United Athletic Club completed the season sweep against the Philadelphia Union DS with the 2-1 road win.  The Garden State side made the 90-minute trip to Philadelphia to earn their sixth win of the season.  Goals by Diego Navas and Javier Losa Moya led the charge as United were able to keep their opponents off the scoresheet for their fourth clean sheet in six games. 

The scoring started just seconds before the halftime whistle as New Jersey United were able to carve out an opener through Diego Navas.  Jayden Jackson and Luke Kirilenko’s buildup play down the right flank, set up Navas’ goal, as he found himself unmarked just outside the six-yard box.He pounced on the opportunity, as his left-footed strike made its way into the bottom right corner of the goal. 

The goal marked Navas’ fifth of the season, as United took the lead into the halftime break. 

In the second half, United were able to double their lead, as Javier Losa Moya’s scored for the second consecutive game.  The Philadelphia Union DS were punished once again after being a step slow in marking Moya, as his shot inside the just inside 18-yard box left the goalkeeper helpless.

Before the action wrapped up, two red cards were assigned, one for each side, after a late game scuffle.  New Jersey United’s Max Barboto and the Philadelphia Union’s Anthony Washington were both sent off in the 89th minute, with the game’s final moments ending in a ten versus ten. 

At the end of the game, New Jersey United Head Coach Fernando Barboto said it was a slow start to the match for both sides, but his side remained strong and grew over time.

“I thought the game started really slow and both teams seemed to be a little flat,” Barboto said. “As the game went on, we became stronger, but I thought we were strong throughout the whole game.”

Assistant Coach Sam Roca, acknowledged his team’s ‘gusty’ performance, while recognizing a road victory, is always a good victory. 

“It was a tough gutsy performance, I don’t think it was pretty, but anytime you’re away and face a very tough opponent and win 2-0, it’s a good victory,” Roca said.

New Jersey United held on to their perfect record, winning all six of their games in the Keystone East Conference, while also ending with a perfect record, winning all five of their road games in the regular season. 

The Philadelphia Union DS drop to 2-1-4, while currently holding on to the fourth spot in the conference table. 

Up next, New Jersey United AC will turn their attention to hosting FC Motown on June 20th. Kickoff is set for 8:00 pm from Memorial Stadium in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Photo Credit: Miguel Freire/New Jersey United Athletic Club