Union outlast Red Bulls in wild affair to claim 1st playoff win

Major League Soccer playoff matches are must-see television right now.

After Saturday's manic action delivered seven- and six-goal extra-time thrillers, the Philadelphia Union and New York Red Bulls did their part to keep the trend alive Sunday.

Despite twice trailing by two goals, the Union battled back, ultimately getting a bizarre tally from substitute Marco Fabian to claim a 4-3 victory in extra time. The club's first playoff victory sets up a meeting with reigning MLS Cup champions Atlanta United in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Philadelphia got off to a nightmare start, falling behind 2-0 within the opening 24 minutes through goals from Josh Sims and Tim Parker, who each took advantage of errors from Union 'keeper Andre Blake.

Alejandro Bedoya cut the lead in half, only for Tom Barlow to restore the two-goal advantage with one of the last kicks of the opening half.

Whatever Union manager Jim Curtin said in the locker room worked wonders, as the hosts came flying out of the break.

Defender Jack Elliott nodded the ball home in the 52nd minute before Fafa Picault leveled proceedings with 12 minutes remaining in normal time.

Philadelphia largely had the upper hand in the extra stanza, and Fabian made that count in the 106th minute, clipping a dangerous ball to the back post that seemed to hang in the air before nestling into the net. It looked at first glance like it was a cross intended for a pair of onrushing teammates, but nobody in the Philadelphia camp will care all that much.

"We showed some character, baby," an excited Bedoya told Danielle Slaton of FOX Sports postgame. "That's that Philly pride!"