GUADALAJARA, Mexico, April 13, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - Philadelphia Union advanced
to the CONCACAF Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday after two crucial
VAR decisions handed the Major League Soccer side a 2-2 draw against Mexico's
FC Atlas.

Union set up a last-four clash with Los Angeles FC after two goals from
Julian Carranza secured a 3-2 aggregate victory after Philadelphia's 1-0 win
in the first leg.

Both of Carranza's goals were given despite being initially flagged for
offside.

VAR overturned both decisions in Philadelphia's favour to secure a famous
result for Jim Curtin's side.

Julian Quinones got Atlas off to a dream start after just 11 minutes,
Jonathan Herrera laying off to the Colombian striker to rifle home a low shot
from just inside the area.

But Carranza put Philadelphia ahead 2-1 on aggregate with a brilliantly
worked equalizer in the 28th minute.

A clever lofted pass from Jack McGlynn found the Argentine in the area and
the South American controlled deftly before prodding a finish past the
advancing Atlas goalkeeper Jose Hernandez.

Carranza looked well onside but the referee's assistant flagged for offside
before VAR's intervention awarded the goal to Philadelphia.

The crucial away goal meant that Atlas would have to score twice to advance
and they got one of them just before half time when Julio Furch tapped in
from close range after a well-worked move.

Yet Philadelphia's defense held firm throughout the second half and then in
the 78th minute Carranza grabbed his second after a swift counter-attack.

Again, though, the Argentine was flagged for offside -- and once again the
decision was overturned to leave Philadelphia 3-2 ahead on aggregate.

That left Atlas needing to score twice in the closing minutes, which never
looked on the cards. Atlas's frustration mounted and Aldo Rocha was sent off
for dissent as tempers flared.

Philadelphia's victory means Union will face Los Angeles in a replay of last
year's classic MLS Cup final, won by LAFC on penalties after a dramatic 3-3
draw.