Philadelphia Union Advances to CONCACAF Champions League Semis with VAR-Assisted Draw Against FC Atlas
Philadelphia Union secured their place in the CONCACAF Champions League semi-finals after a 2-2 draw against Mexico’s FC Atlas. The Major League Soccer side’s victory was facilitated by two critical VAR decisions that allowed two goals by Julian Carranza. This 3-2 aggregate win sets up a semi-final clash with Los Angeles FC.
The match began with Atlas taking an early lead, as Julian Quinones scored in the 11th minute with a low shot inside the area. However, Philadelphia turned the tide in the 28th minute with a superbly executed equalizer by Carranza. The Argentine’s goal came after a skillful lofted pass from Jack McGlynn, which Carranza controlled before prodding it past Atlas goalkeeper Jose Hernandez.
Initially, the referee’s assistant flagged Carranza for offside, but a VAR intervention awarded the goal to Philadelphia, putting them ahead 2-1 on aggregate. This crucial away goal meant Atlas needed to score twice to advance. However, Atlas managed to net one more goal just before halftime, as Julio Furch tapped in from close range after a well-worked move.
Philadelphia’s defense held strong throughout the second half, and in the 78th minute, Carranza struck again with a swift counterattack. Once more, the Argentine was flagged for offside, but the decision was overturned by VAR, leaving Philadelphia with a 3-2 aggregate lead. This left Atlas needing to score two more goals in the remaining minutes, which never materialized.
As frustrations mounted, Atlas’s Aldo Rocha received a red card for dissent. Philadelphia Union’s victory sets the stage for a semi-final encounter with Los Angeles FC, a rematch of last year’s epic MLS Cup final. That game ended in a 3-3 draw and saw LAFC emerge as winners in a penalty shootout.
