Analysis The numbers behind the result
Union capitalise on Atlanta red card with late surge
Philadelphia Union deserved their 3-2 win on the balance of play, but Atlanta United FC's first-half red card was the decisive factor. Despite scoring twice against the run of play, Atlanta's xG of just 0.53 compared to Philadelphia's 2.81 illustrates the Union's dominance. The hosts took full advantage of their numerical superiority, outshooting Atlanta 30 to 4, with 12 corners to Atlanta's 2, and 72% possession translating into 25 shots inside the box.
The game turned in the 26th minute when Enea Mihaj was sent off for Atlanta, though they initially responded well with Miguel Almiron's opener in the 30th minute. Tristan Muyumba's 66th-minute strike looked to have secured a point, but Philadelphia's relentless pressure paid off late. Milan Iloski (73'), Neil Pierre (90+6'), and Emmanuel Alladoh (90+7') scored with three of their six shots on target, assisted by Kai Wagner's late double. Wagner's two assists in stoppage time were the final blow in a performance where Philadelphia completed 84% of their 523 passes.
The key stat: Philadelphia's 30 total shots to Atlanta's 4 underlines their dominance and the impact of Mihaj's red card.