Philadelphia Union beat Necaxa 3-1 in their League Cup group stage match on 9 August. The result leaves both sides level on points after a single game in the competition. Harriel opened the scoring early, giving the home side momentum before the visitors could settle.
N. Harriel found the net in the third minute, a quick strike that caught Necaxa off guard. By then the visitors had barely touched the ball, but B. Damiani levelled twelve minutes in. The goal shifted the balance, and Philadelphia had to respond. C. Sullivan restored the lead in the 53rd minute, and the visitors had to chase the game from there.
Things came to a head after the interval. Necaxa pressed harder, and M. Espindola pulled them level in the 79th minute. But Philadelphia held firm, and the late goal did not change the outcome. The hosts had rolled the dice and it paid off.
The statistics tell a different story from the scoreline. Necaxa kept 55 per cent of the ball and registered nine shots on target, but only converted one. Philadelphia, with less possession, had three shots on target and scored three. They gave up the ball and hit them on the break, while Necaxa had nothing to do all evening when it mattered.
Both sides had their disciplinary moments. Five yellow cards were shown in total, with Pierre, Larsen, and Vassilev joining Pedraza and Faravelli on the book. Substitutions followed the usual pattern, and neither manager saw red.
For Philadelphia this is a solid start. They had been second to everything against Cruz Azul three days ago, but here they took control. Necaxa, meanwhile, end a barren spell with a win but will need to be more ruthless if they are to progress.