New York City FC went into this match against Philadelphia with every advantage. The home team were fielding a first-choice squad in the cozy confines of Yankee Soccer Stadium, while the visiting Union were playing 18-year-old backup goalkeeper Andrew Rick in place of club talisman Andre Blake.
But what should have been a straightforward NYCFC gameplan was undone by a Philadelphia that scored in the minute after Tai Baribo had a free header directly in front of goal, and was kept on by Tayvon Gray, who was slow to track upfield.
• Even the usually flawless Matt Freese made an error that led to a goal
• Was this New York City's biggest collapse of the year?
It would get worse: More mistakes from New York City provided more opportunities to Philadelphia. It didn't help that NYCFC were unlucky time and time again: Shots off the woodwork, stumbles on the turf, miraculous saves. A Union who came into the game looking depleted found a way to take advantages of the chances that came their way.
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