CHESTER, Pa., Aug. 24 (UPI) -- A spectacular defensive play by Philadelphia goalkeeper Zac MacMath in the 85th minute Friday preserved a 0-0 tie for the Union with Real Salt Lake.
Salt Lake, currently second in the Western Conference, had lost its previous three games and seemed almost certain to win this one when Jonny Steele broke past a defender in the penalty area late in the contest.
MacMath came out of his goal and deflected the ball away from Steele. The ball then trickled slowly toward the goalmouth and Steele headed for it and appeared ready to tap it into the net.
The Philadelphia goalkeeper, however, scrambled to his feet, dashed up from behind Steele and surprised him by falling on the ball to prevent the goal.
Salt Lake (13-10-5) moved within three points of San Jose for first place in the West.
Philadelphia (7-12-5) is 14 points out of a playoff position in the Eastern Conference.
