CHESTER, Pa. — Eighteen months ago, in his first game at Talen Energy Stadium, Jay Simpson scored a goal in front of the River End, promptly going over to celebrate with his new fans in Philadelphia.
It would prove to be a costly goal, however, as the Union striker bruised his lung and began coughing up blood in the process, losing a spot in the starting lineup that he hasn’t gotten back in two seasons.
But while Simpson’s Union legacy will likely always be that of a high-priced and underperforming European import, the Englishman took a step Sunday toward re-endearing himself with Philly fans, scoring a pair of unlikely goals — the first since his home debut — to lead the Union to a huge 2-0 win over Sporting Kansas City on Sunday.