Chris Donovan's Late Winner Rescues Philadelphia Union, Sets Up Clash With Lionel Messi, Inter Miami

Donovan's 111th-minute winner rescued the Union on a night filled with brutal performances.

CHESTER — Chris Donovan rescued the Philadelphia Union from a third consecutive Leagues Cup penalty shootout to set up a semifinal clash with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami at Subaru Park on Tuesday.

Imagine reading that sentence a few months ago and how crazy it would’ve sounded.

Hell, it even sounded crazy before kickoff on Friday night given the assumption the Union would beat Liga MX’s Queretaro with even a decent performance.

The Union played well for the first 10 minutes, got a goal from Jesus Bueno and then played like garbage and deserved to be in their situation.

“I give the guys credit for continuing to fight and have a response,” Union manager Jim Curtin said. “I love this group because they do play until the absolute final whistle. A big win. We survived and advanced. That’s what I talk about all the time in this competition. We look forward to hosting the greatest player in the history of the sport in our building. I think it will definitely be the loudest Subaru Park will ever be.”