Philadelphia Union sweep Revs to advance to conference semifinals
FOXBOROUGH, MA - NOVEMBER 8: Mikael Uhre #7 of Philadelphia Union takes a shot during an Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Round One game between Philadelphia Union and New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium on November 8, 2023 in Fox
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Chris Donovan scored in the 79th minute and goalkeeper Andre Blake recorded his third career playoff clean sheet as the Philadelphia Union beat the 10-man New England Revolution 1-0 on Wednesday night.
Philadelphia (16-9-10) swept the best-of-three series with New England (15-10-10) to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals against Supporters' Shield winner Cincinnati.
Donovan, who entered in the 67th minute, redirected Jack McGlynn's free kick for the game winner. Blake made three saves.
New England midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye was given a red card in the 45th minute after stepping on Dániel Gazdag. The decision came after a VAR check for violent conduct.
Philadelphia won a road match in the MLS playoffs for the first time in club history. The Union had lost its first four before drawing 3-3 at LAFC in the 2023 MLS Cup final, only to lose on penalties.
New England lost a home playoff match outright for the first time in team history. The Revs had recorded 13 wins and six draws in their last 19 MLS playoff matches in Foxborough.
SHORTHANDED
Major League Soccer suspended Philadelphia defender Kai Wagner on Tuesday for three matches for violating the league’s on-field anti-discrimination policy after the league launched an investigation into whether he used a racial slur against a Revolution player. Wagner began serving the penalty on Wednesday.
Philadelphia was also without striker Julián Carranza due to an injury.