Through the first hour of Wednesday night’s game against FC Cincinnati, the Philadelphia Union had plenty of chances but nothing to show for it on the scoreboard thanks to goalkeeper Spencer Richey’s heroics and a packed in defense set up to limit opportunities and open up quick counters for the visitors.
After Kacper Przybylko got the breakthrough in the 63rd minute, head coach Jim Curtin knew he had an option in his back pocket to push for an all-important second goal with his Brazilian veteran Ilsinho.
“No disrespect to the outside backs in the league, but the last guy they want to see in that moment coming into a game fresh is Ilsinho,” Curtin said.