Saturday, April 13, 2013

McInerney salvages point for Union

By John McMullen

CHESTER, Pa - Jack McInerney's stoppage time goal salvaged a point for Philadelphia as the Union settled for a 1-1 tie against Toronto FC despite dominating action throughout.

The real star of the game, however, was Toronto goalkeeper Joe Bendik, who kept the Union (2-2-2) at bay time and time again with some brilliant saves.

Toronto (1-2-3) capitalized on a defensive lapse to take the lead in the 71st minute.

Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath's goal kick was intercepted by TFC's Ashtone Morgan, who lifted it over the top of a sleeping Philadelphia defenders Ray Gaddis and Amobi Okugo, enabling Robert Earnshaw to run it down and chip it past a stunned MacMath, who didn't see all that much action in the match.

Later a desperate Philadelphia team brought on new Designated Player Kleberson for his Union debut and the Brazilian World Cup veteran paid immediate dividends, creating a number of chances for his side.

Kleberson himself put one on goal with a left-footed half-volley that looked to be heading for the bottom left corner before Bendik made a diving save.

Philadelphia kept pressing and it paid off in stoppage time when switching to a three-man back line finally made Bendik flinch.

Sheanon Williams tossed one of his trademark long throw-ins into the box and the ball bounced around  before Conor Casey got control and slid it to a wide-open McInerney, who put it home for his fourth goal of the season.

The Union nearly won it moments later when Kleberson put through speedy sub Antoine Hoppenot but Bendik made a match-saving stop.

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