A Philadelphia Union own goal during their 3-2 Concacaf Champions Cup victory vs. Costa Rica’s Deportivo Saprissa marked the return of Concacaf club play in all its glory.
One reason often given for MLS teams’ poor performances in Concacaf competitions is that the teams are still in preseason mode in February and aren’t in full form.
That couldn’t have been more the case for Jakob Glesnes and Andre Blake as they combined — or failed to combine — for a hilarious blooper on Tuesday.
Philadelphia Union own goal vs. Deportivo Saprissa
2022 MLS Defender of the Year pic.twitter.com/29EAQdbJky
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 21, 2024
A routine long ball back to the keeper turned disaster and gave us a highlight with “Concacaf” written all over it. We’re so back.
Philadelphia had a second half comeback as Julián Carranza netted a 24-minute hat trick to put the Union in the driver’s seat of the tie.
That didn't take long
Back on level terms for @PhilaUnion thanks to Julián Carranza! pic.twitter.com/Qe2HTEJaJT— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 21, 2024
Carranza gets his brace and puts the @PhilaUnion on top in the 75th pic.twitter.com/DrpFmf2M0g
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 21, 2024
Julián Carranza. That's the tweet. pic.twitter.com/WbvQPauSzX
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 21, 2024
Saprisssa netted a late goal to bring the aggregate to 3-2, but Philadelphia will be feeling confident after scoring three away goals. Yes, Concacaf still does away goals rule and we’re big fans about it.
GAME ON
Some late life is found for Saprissa from an unlikely source pic.twitter.com/wcPAfxIe2b— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 21, 2024
Philadelphia will host the return leg on Feb. 27 and look to avoid any SportsCenter Not Top 10 lowlights.