An 80-second burst from the Philadelphia Union equalled out a dominant first half from the New York Red Bulls as the two sides fought to a draw on national television. Two early goals from Sacha Kljestan put the away side up early, but the Union's late surge brought them equal. Though an errant arm from Ilsinho left the Union with ten men for the game's final stretch, they pushed on and nearly found a winner on multiple occasions.
A body slam from Mike Grella set the tone early on. After Grelladinho blew by Tranquillo Barnetta in the 19th minute, the Swiss midfielder obstructed his path to halt the play.