The Philadelphia Union struck first at PPL Park when Keon Daniel scored his first career MLS goal, but Real Salt Lake’s Fabián Espíndola answered in the second half to earn a 1-1 draw. While the result will be seen as a disappointment for the home side, the Union did preserve their unbeaten record at PPL Park, which is a point pride for the team and fans. The Union are one of just three teams yet to lose at home this season.
The Union thought they had their first from Sebastien Le Toux, when he knocked in a pass from Keon Daniel in the 22nd minute, but the referee made a late offsides call to take the goal of the board. They would find redemption just two minutes later when Daniel headed a Michael Farfan pass by RSL goaltender Nick Rimando.
The Union would have two shots go off the post in the next five minutes, but were unable to extend their lead, something that would come to bite them in the second half. In the 53rd minute, Michael Farfan lost the ball in midfield and Fabián Espíndola broke out one on two, turned Carlos Valdez around and knocked a sweet shot to the far post past Faryd Mondragon.
The best Union chance in the second half would come in the 82nd minute when Danny Mwanga headed a good shot just over the bar. Overall however, the Union never looked as threatening in the second half as the first.
The game means the Union slide into a tie with the New York Red Bulls for first in the east. The Red Bulls have an edge in goal differential, but the Union still have a game in hand.