Burke finds target .... - as Union secures first major trophy

National striker Cory Burke played his part in a historic achievement for his Major League Soccer (MLS) club the Philadelphia Union as they captured their first trophy in franchise history.

Burke scored his second goal of the season as the Union defeated the New England Revolution 2-0 on Sunday to capture the Supporter Shield, the league's regular season title. With the league having to adopt a points per game model to determine play-off qualification, the Union finished first ahead of their nearest challenges Toronto FC who lost 2-1 to the New York Red Bulls that evening. It is the club's first piece of silverware since they joined the MLS in 2010.

Only needing a win to secure the title in the regular season finally, the Union took the lead through Sergio Santos three minutes before half time. Burke replaced Santos in the 63rd minute and gave Philadelphia the insurance goal they needed six minutes later, finishing from close range via a great cross from Jose Martinez.

It was his fifth appearance for the club this season since he made his return having resolved his outstanding visa issues.

While sidelined because of a hand injury, Union and national goalkeeper Andre Blake participated in the post-game celebrations and took to Instagram yesterday to reflect on the achievement in his seventh year with the club.

"I have worked relentlessly and waited for this moment to lift a trophy with my teammates. I picked up a few individual accolades along the way but they are incomparable to the feeling I get from this one!" he said. "We won the first trophy ever as a club. The first of many more to come. To God be the glory."

The 2020 MLS Cup playoffs will begin on November 20 and the Union will start the postseason campaign as the number one overall seed. They will face either Inter Miami, Montreal Impact, the New England Revolution or Nashville SC in the first round at a date to be announced.