CHESTER, PA — After only nine appearances at central, attacking midfield with the Union, Borek Dockal (a loan from Chinese club Henan Jianye back in February) we think it’s safe to say he found his new home in Philadelphia as the No. 10. On Saturday night, he helped the Union to put on a clinic against Real Salt Lake, at the Talen Energy Stadium, collecting a 4-1 victory.
“If we did not back up the good performance from Montreal, with another one it would be meaningless,” stated Coach Jim Curtin following the win. “Credit to the players from the energy, that was what made Salt Lake uncomfortable.”
Not even a little rain — or a flood warning — could put out the raging fire from the new No. 10, Docktal, and his flare for futbol Looking like a new Philly Union, the chemistry between the fans, teammates, and coaches was unmatched!
The Czech-native playmaker Dockal, wasted no time in pushing the pedal to the medal leading the Union attack and causing turnover after turnover to ultimately aid Fabrice-Jean “Fafa” Picault in his assist to Marcus Epps in the 21st minute and giving the Union the lead.
The harmony between the team and the fans seemed to light an unmatched flame of energy that Real Salt Lake was desperately trying to extinguish. But honestly, good luck. If the atmosphere wasn’t enough, try catching the now rowdy Union after securing the first point on the board…AT HOME. Not a chance.
After an aggressive back and forth battle, and multiple fouls in both directions, the Union once again scored in the 34th minute. An assist from Captain Alejandro Bedoya and second assist by Epps, Dockal kicked in the ball over RSL’s keeper Nick Rimando, pushing Philly’s lead to 2-0.
As the stadium “#DOOPed” into halftime, the Union held the Real Salt Lake scoreless with momentum fueling Philly.
Starting the second half, Real Salt Lake seemed to pick up the pace and clean up their game a little as Luis Silva began his attack dribbling to the goal line and a perfect drop ball to top of the 18 where Damir Kreilach was waiting. Salt Lake was now on the board and had more a fighting chance being down 2-1.
Despite the early goal in the second half by Salt Lake, Dockal wasn’t having it and was ready to see just how far this Philly team can and would push to keep the lead. As Salt Lake worked endlessly to try to maintain Philly’s insatiable hunger for more points, they caught a (really) lucky break after Epps turned the defenders and referee took to the review to find Epps offside and disallowed the goal.
Shortly after, the Union unleashed a full-fledged assault on Real Salt Lake with their new fearless leader and #10 where Dockal was able to find Ilshino Junior in traffic who then found the net in the 74th.
If you could give points for celebrations, Philly should have at least three more. Style points were noted and although they couldn’t be added to the overall score, the Union was nonetheless in the lead, now up 3-1.
And if that wasn’t enough, Keegan Rosenberry, put the final nail in the coffin in the 81st with a solid low shot to that skipped off the post and in the not. Oh, and an assist from, YOU GUESSED IT, NUMERO 10 Borek Dockal!
After the clinic Dockal and the Union put on for the fans, and throttling Real Salt Lake 4-1, we think Philly may have just found the new No. 10 they’re been searching for. Sorry it took so long, Philly. But he’s here now and he’s here to stay.
Philadelphia will now hit the road with its two game winning streak as the Union heads to Red Bull Arena to take on the New York Red Bulls on Saturday May 26.
As for Real Salt Lake, the team will seek redemption in its next game, also on May 26, when they travel to CenturyLink Field to play the Seattle Sounders.
