Philadelphia appear to have won this game in its opening spell.
That matters in cup football. Philadelphia have often looked more comfortable when their pressing and transition game arrive early, and this reportedly became one of those nights. Even when Matias Espindola pulled one back late for Necaxa, the damage had already been done.
The most interesting detail was Sullivan getting on the scoresheet again. The report says it was his first goal since May and his fourth of the season in all competitions. For a young attacker, timing matters as much as talent, and a goal in a must-win match carries weight.
There was also a practical edge to the performance behind him. With Andre Blake rested, the report says Andrew Rick made eight saves. That points to a game Philadelphia controlled in key moments without ever fully cruising through it.
One win does not erase the earlier setback. Reports suggest the loss to Cruz Azul may still leave Philadelphia needing help elsewhere, with only four MLS clubs advancing to the knockout stage.
That makes the next step simple even if the broader math is not: beat Santos Laguna on Thursday and keep the pressure on. After that, attention reportedly turns back to MLS and a trip to New York City FC, but for now the Union’s next storyline is whether this result was a rescue act or only a brief reprieve.