Bruno Damiani and Chris Donovan scored for Philadelphia Union in a 2-2 draw against German club Eintracht Frankfurt during the Sister City Showdown. The match, held as a friendly, featured goals from both sides and several lineup changes throughout.
Eintracht Frankfurt took an early lead three minutes into the game when Jonathan Burkardt finished off a deflected corner kick. Philadelphia responded with pressure, including shots from Mikael Uhre and Quinn Sullivan that narrowly missed. Goalkeeper Andre Blake made key saves to keep the score close.
Philadelphia equalized late in the first half through a set piece. Kai Wagner delivered a corner kick that found Bruno Damiani unmarked for the goal. “Philly’s set piece brillance was on display late in the first half once again as Kai Wagner’s second straight corner kick was right on the money to pick out an unmarked Bruno Damiani for the equalizer,” according to the team’s recap.
The second half saw significant substitutions for both teams. Alejandro Bedoya had an early chance denied by Frankfurt goalkeeper Jens Grahl. Frankfurt regained their lead in the 62nd minute when Elye Wahi scored following a counterattack.
Union head coach Bradley Carnell introduced several homegrown players after the hour mark, giving Neil Pierre his debut alongside Sal Olivas and Eddy Davis III. The youthful squad contributed to Philadelphia’s second goal, with Davis III setting up Donovan’s run past Grahl for the equalizer: “With six homegrowns on the field, the youthful Union answered back with a direct attack as Davis III saw the very high defensive line from the opposition and pushed a pass into the space. Donovan used every bit of his speed to win the ball and get around the on-rushing Grahl before scoring from the right side of the box to level the game at 2-2.”
The Union will return to Major League Soccer play next weekend against Toronto FC as they continue their pursuit of another Supporters’ Shield title.
