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Played
July 23, 2011 9:00 PM EDT
July 23, 2011 9:00 PM EDT
Philadelphia Union 1-2 Real Madrid: Danny Mwanga shows his potential against Los Galaticos
The 20-year-old forward displayed some of his vast potential against one of the world's top teams in Philadelphia's 2-1 loss.
By Alex Labidou
Drew Hallowell
If only the Philadelphia Union could have the first 10 minutes of their match against Real Madrid back.
José Maria Callejón and Mesut Ozil scored two easy goals to give Spanish-capital club what appeared to be a daunting 2-0 lead over a Union club that looked nervous to start the match. Yet, instead of being overwhelmed, Philadelphia fought back to keep the score respectable in its 2-1 loss led by an impressive performance by Danny Mwanga.
The 20-year-old forward’s physical strength and pace gave Madrid several issues on defense and he used that to his advantage to create plays for others. Once he started to assert himself in the match, the Union completely turned the match around and had several opportunities to either draw or even win against the Spanish club.
This was a stark contrast from the game’s opening minutes.
Within seconds, Callejon was set free of any Union defenders off of a beautiful through ball by Xabi Alonso and the 24-year-old forward rounded Faryd Mondragon to score the game’s first goal. Ozil doubled the lead, dribbling past several Union defenders to beat Mondragon with a powerful finish.
However, Mwanga and Roger Torres refused to cave in and rallied the Union back into the game. After struggling mightily with possession, the team’s midfield held the ball well in second half. The team had several shots and the Union’s backup goalkeeper Zac MacMath made some key saves including an astonishing acrobatic stop on a perfectly taken Cristiano Ronaldo free-kick. Then the breakthrough came.
Mwanga showed two of Madrid’s defenders a pair of cleats as he dribbled past them and found a wide open Michael Farfan who lobbed the ball to get the Union back into the game in the 80th minute. With 10 minutes remaining, Madrid was on its backheels as the Union continued to hustle and try to equalize. Jack McInerney had the best of the chances, as his shot aimed toward the corner of Madrid’s goal was saved.
José Maria Callejón and Mesut Ozil scored two easy goals to give Spanish-capital club what appeared to be a daunting 2-0 lead over a Union club that looked nervous to start the match. Yet, instead of being overwhelmed, Philadelphia fought back to keep the score respectable in its 2-1 loss led by an impressive performance by Danny Mwanga.
The 20-year-old forward’s physical strength and pace gave Madrid several issues on defense and he used that to his advantage to create plays for others. Once he started to assert himself in the match, the Union completely turned the match around and had several opportunities to either draw or even win against the Spanish club.
This was a stark contrast from the game’s opening minutes.
Within seconds, Callejon was set free of any Union defenders off of a beautiful through ball by Xabi Alonso and the 24-year-old forward rounded Faryd Mondragon to score the game’s first goal. Ozil doubled the lead, dribbling past several Union defenders to beat Mondragon with a powerful finish.
However, Mwanga and Roger Torres refused to cave in and rallied the Union back into the game. After struggling mightily with possession, the team’s midfield held the ball well in second half. The team had several shots and the Union’s backup goalkeeper Zac MacMath made some key saves including an astonishing acrobatic stop on a perfectly taken Cristiano Ronaldo free-kick. Then the breakthrough came.
Mwanga showed two of Madrid’s defenders a pair of cleats as he dribbled past them and found a wide open Michael Farfan who lobbed the ball to get the Union back into the game in the 80th minute. With 10 minutes remaining, Madrid was on its backheels as the Union continued to hustle and try to equalize. Jack McInerney had the best of the chances, as his shot aimed toward the corner of Madrid’s goal was saved.
Goal
Own Goal
Penalty
Penalty Missed
Yellow Card
Assist
Penalty Save
Penalty Shootout Goal
Penalty Shootout Miss
Yellow Card / Red Card
Red Card
Substitution IN
Substitution OUT
Injury
Goal.com Rating
Goal.com Man of the Match
Goal.com Flop of the Match
Top & Flop Global Ranking
Fans' Man of the Match
Fans' Flop of the Match
Results
Times In EDT
Match News
Top Scorers
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Cristiano Ronaldo
Striker Real Madrid |
5 | 1 |
|
Karim Benzema
Striker Real Madrid |
5 | 0 |
|
Heiðar Helguson
Striker QPR |
5 | 0 |
|
Jason Roberts
Striker Blackburn Rovers |
4 | 1 |
|
Wayne Rooney
Striker Man United |
4 | 0 |