Damiani's Brace Powers Union to 3-2 Comeback Win Over NYCFC
Updated: Aug 20
August 16, 2026 Yankees Stadium Bronx, NY
The Philadelphia Union secured a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over New York City FC in front of 20,034 spectators at Yankee Stadium on August 16, 2026.
Fresh off of Leagues Cup elimination, NYCFC was looking to continue their good league form as they faced a revitalized Philly Union squad which was looking to continue their newly found momentum under interim manager Ryan Richter. NYCFC would take control of the match in the early going, Benie Traore would capitalize off a foul in the box by Neil Pierre by converting on a penalty kick goal in the 4th minute. The goal would be Traore's first in the skyblue after joining the club during the summer transfer window. After the goal New York would take over the match, while the Union struggled to find space in the attacking third. As the first half progressed the Union would start to gain some possession of the ball, but were unable to generate clear chances. Meanwhile, New York continued to look dangerous in space. In stoppage time New York would be awarded another penalty kick on a hand ball by Indiana Vassilev. The Brazilian newcomer, Luighi Hanri Sousa Santos (Luighi) would step to the spot and convert the pk to help New York to a 2-0 lead. The former Palmeiras striker would celebrate his debut goal with a raucous Yankee Stadium crowd as NYCFC would go into the half with what appeared to be a comfortable lead.
Philadephia came out of the break looking like a completely different side. In the 48th minute Danley Jean Jacques would cut the deficit to 2-1, finishing off a sequence in which he was assisted by Kai Wagner and Cavan Sullivan. The goal would ignite the Union as they would continue to attack and pressure New York's backline. In the 69th minute sixteen year old sensation Cavan Sullivan would do well to find Bruno Damiani in the box and he would score the equalizer. The pressure would continue, with New York unable to provide answers. In the 75th minute Damiani would strike again for the go ahead goal, this time on an assist from Cavan's brother Quinn Sullivan and the Union would take a 3-2 lead. New York would search for an equalizer but goalkeeper Andre Blake would make several crucual saves to preserve the win, particularly saving a header by James Sand. With the win the Union have now recorded four straight victories while NYCFC snaps its three match unbeaten streak in league action.
NYCFC (4-3-3):
Matt Freese, Tayvon Gray, Maxwell Murray (Mitja Ileničm Raul 78′), James Sands, Nico Cavallo, Keaton Parks (Kevin O’Toole 60′), Jonathan Shore (Máximo Carrizo 60′), Andrés Perea, Agustín Ojeda, Luighi (Talles Magno 67′), Bénie Traoré (Malachi Jones 67′)
Substitutes not used: Tomás Romero, El Hadji Samb, Kevin Pierre
Philadelphia Union (4-2-2-2):
André Blake, Kai Wagner, Nathan Harriel, Neil Pierre, Francis Westfield, Danley Jean Jacques, Jovan Lukić (Jesús Bueno 62′), Indiana Vassilev (Quinn Sullivan 70′), Cavan Sullivan (Alejandro Bedoya 80′), Milan Iloski, Bruno Damiani
Substitutes not used: Andrew Rick, Ben Bender, Japhet Sery Larsen, Jeremy Rafanello, Agustín Anello, Ezekiel Alladoh
Scoring Summary:
NYCFC – Bénie Traoré 4'(Pen)
NYCFC – Luighi 45’+2' (Pen)
PHI - Danley (C. Sullivan) 48'
PHI - Damiani (C. Sullivan) 69'
PHI - Damiani (Q. Sullivan) 76"
Match Stats:
Possession: NYCFC 52% - UNION 48%
Shots: NYCFC 9 - UNION 16
Shots on Target: NYCFC 4 - UNION 5
Passes: NYCFC 284 - UNION 315
Fouls: NYCFC 15 - UNION 20
Comments