February 19 – Philadelphia Union wasted no time stamping their authority on the Champions Cup with a 5-0 hammering of a shell-shocked Defence Force team in Trinidad and Tobago.
Defence Force did have passages of play, especially in the first half, but ultimately Philadelphia Union dominated where it mattered in front of goal with a shot count of 18 with nine on target. A total of 10 corners peppering the Defence Force rearguard.
It still took until the 29’ minute to break the deadlock but it was the start of a three-minute disaster for Defence Force that ultimately ended their chances in this game.
Milan Iloski was first on the scoresheet in the 29’, thumping in a free kick from outside of the box.
Ezekial Alladoh doubled the on 32’ with an unchallenged header from a Frankie Westfield cross.
Two-nil up at half time, it took until the 64’ for the Union to extend their lead. Iloski whipped in corner kick found the head of Olwethu Makhanya.
Defence Force turned to their bench making two substitutions while Philadelphia made three, including bringing on Bruno Damiana.
Damiani wasted no time and in the 69’ fired in from the edge of the box, His shot was cruelly deflected past the keeper.
He doubled his tally on 81’ with a penalty kick awarded after a VAR review.
To make a miserable evening worse for Defence Force, their biggest threat on the right wing, Joevin Jones, was sent off for a second yellow in added time at the end of the match.
The two sides will meet for the second leg next Thursday at Subaru Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. The winner on aggregate will advance to the Round of 16.
Defence Force 0 Philadelphia Union 5