In an action-packed first half, Kacper Przybylko and Sergio Santos scored set-piece goals within five minutes of each other as the Philadelphia Union sailed to a 3-0 win over the Portland Timbers at Subaru Park on Sunday evening.

Both teams came out strong at the start of the game, and as the first half progressed, the Union became successful in gaining control and scored two goals off of set pieces to hold a 2-0 lead. Initially, on a free kick from about 35 yards out after a foul in the 26th minute, Kai Wagner would loft in a ball that a wide-open Przybylko was able to get his head on to giving the Union the opener. Only a couple minutes later off a Wagner corner kick, Przybylko would connect on another header sending the ball goalward, which Sergio Santos would redirect from close range to double the lead.

In the 63rd minute, the Union extended to their lead, this time on a set piece. It was Jamiro Monteiro who sent in the corner kick, with Cory Burke, who had just been subbed on, doing the majority of the work. Burke headed the initial ball toward goal, ran to meet the deflection and got a foot on it, as Elliott poked it in to add insult to injury for Portland.

Though the three goals produced amazing moments — particularly the second goal and a Santos goal celebration that hinted at a new member of the Santos family might be on the way, the real thrill of the match for many Union supporters was a look to the future. Paxten Aaronson (younger brother of Brenden Aaronson), a 17-year-old Academy graduate, made his MLS debut in the 89th minute.

[Photos by ICONIC photographer Trey Madara]