Even after keeping most of the main players out of action, the Philadelphia Union managed to get a point against the New York Red Bulls the other day.

Because of the upcoming Cup final, the interim man in charge of the Union, Jim Curtin, did not start with the best possible line up.

The likes of Williams, Maidana and Le Toux watched the proceedings from the side lines.

Le Toux came on though later on as a substitute and converted a penalty to make sure the Red Bulls don’t walk away with another win.

This draw has taken the Union one position up i.e. at no. 6 in the Eastern Conference points table. The Red Bulls are at 4 with 38 points.

Brian Carroll, the skipper of Philadelphia, reckons that pulling off a draw playing with almost a second string side is quite good for the team’s morale.

Speaking in the interview after the match, the American playmaker said, “We never stop trying no matter what combination and which personnel we are playing with.    You would have seen how desperate we were for that equalizer and that shows the hunger in this group.”

“This outcome is certainly a morale booster for us going into the next match which is a hugely important one. It’s a final and we are up against a top side.  We will give our 100% there and hopefully, get through to the trophy.”

Last year, the final match of the US Open Cup was played between Real Salt Lake and D.C. United with the latter managing to achieve glory after an intense battle. This time around, neither of these two sides is in the final. It’s Seattle Sounders that will be taking on the Philadelphia Union in Chester.

Julian Green is regarded as one of the biggest prospects for the US national team since the LA Galaxy star Landan Donovan came to prominence almost a decade ago. The 19-year-old recently signed for the Bayern Munich first-team after having represented them in the reserves. He started out his career at SG Hausham before his excellent performances and talent led to him being taken to the Bayern Munich youth academy in 2010. He spent three years developing skills before making his debut in 2013. Even though he is up to feature for the first time, it is highly expected that the much anticipated debut will come this season.

This is after Green featured in the 2-1 defeat at the hands of MLS All-Stars in a friendly for Bayern Munich. This was one of the final pre-season friendlies, as they gear up for the new season. Green featured as a substitute late in the encounter after replacing captain Philipp Lahm. He came on in the 82nd minute to a huge reception from the packed stadium. After the match, Green said that it was disappointing to lose the encounter, but he is delighted to have received such a warm reception from the US national team supporters. They have clearly recognised Green’s talent.

Green made his mark at the World Cup 2014 by becoming the youngest US player to score.

“The fans here are awesome. All the American fans are awesome. It was a very nice to play in front of them. [I’m] very happy to have this chance. We saw each other two months ago so it was nice to see them again. It was a nice feeling to be out there with these guys and stand there,” said the 19-year-old about his debut and the chance to play against his international teammates.