CHESTER, Pa. - The Union's convincing 2-0 decision Saturday night over New York City FC was more than just another August win. It was a statement.
"The players realize it too," said Union manager Jim Curtin, whose club has won four of its last six matches. "Let's see us against a top team, we have to win a game against one of these top clubs. Now, we finally pushed over that hump."
Although the Union players were reluctant to call the win special, the ability to take down one of the titans of the Eastern Conference is meaningful. NYCFC was 14-5-5 entering the match, and the Union took the decisive three points with a two-goal second-half outburst.
"We're showing that we can do something different, something important," said Ilsinho, who added a highlight reel insurance goal late in the second half. "We can play against tough teams, we can play against very good teams. We beat them, but we have to stay focused."
It was also important how the Union did it.
With a three-save shutout from Andre Blake and stout defensive play from center backs Jack Elliott and Auston Trusty, the Union, now 10-11-3, fed off their defense to wear NYCFC down. That's not something they were capable of early in the season.
"There's just small margins in this league," Union captain Alejandro Bedoya said. "I stress that every time we go out there at home, we gotta stay compact and keep a clean sheet. We were able to get those chances to put away. I think we're looking good, but we just gotta keep going."
While Saturday's win was a signal the Union's recent success is authentic, they're still in a fight. As it stands, the Union are fifth in the East with 33 points - tied with Montreal Impact, who have played two more games - and four points ahead of the New England Revolution, who the Union face next at home.
"We did a good job taking care of business against the teams that are around us or below us in the standings," Curtin said. "To be a special group, to get a home playoff game, which is the long-term goal, you have to win games like this against top teams. We still have a long way to go, a lot of season left. We have to take points."
