Philadelphia Union continued their remarkable run of form with a commanding 5-0 victory over 10-man FC Cincinnati on Wednesday, with Bruno Damiani scoring his first MLS hat-trick and the Sullivan brothers producing another standout performance.

The win at Subaru Park extended Philadelphia’s unbeaten MLS run to nine matches and strengthened their push up the Eastern Conference standings. Cincinnati, meanwhile, were left with little chance after midfielder Obinna Nwobodo was sent off in the 16th minute.

Nwobodo red card changes the contest

Cincinnati started the match with both sides looking to build on their recent league campaigns, but the visitors' task became considerably harder when Nwobodo received a straight red card following a VAR review.

The dismissal left Cincinnati with 10 players for more than 70 minutes and allowed Philadelphia to take control of possession and territory.

The Union eventually broke through in the 43rd minute when Quinn Sullivan converted a penalty.

Philadelphia then doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time, with Damiani finishing from a move involving both Quinn and his younger brother Cavan Sullivan.

Damiani takes over after the break

The second half quickly became the Damiani show.

The Uruguayan forward struck again in the 49th minute after another combination involving the Sullivan brothers, giving Philadelphia a three-goal cushion.

Damiani completed his hat-trick in the 61st minute, capping a highly efficient attacking display.

It was the first MLS hat-trick of his career and continued an impressive run for the 24-year-old designated player. 

Philadelphia's official match report highlighted that Cavan and Quinn Sullivan were both credited with assists on two separate goals in the same match, an MLS first for a pair of brothers. 

Sullivan brothers make history

The night was particularly significant for the Sullivan family.

Quinn Sullivan scored the opening goal from the penalty spot and finished with two assists, while 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan supplied two assists.

Their combination play repeatedly caused problems for Cincinnati, including the move that created Damiani's second goal and another sequence leading to his hat-trick goal.

Cavan's performance also adds to a growing run of impressive displays from the teenage Philadelphia homegrown player. He had already contributed to goals in five consecutive MLS matches before Wednesday's game. 

Philadelphia dominate the numbers

The final score reflected Philadelphia's control.

The Union finished with 64.7% possession and registered 18 shots compared with just one from Cincinnati. Philadelphia also put six attempts on target, while Cincinnati failed to record a shot on goal. (FC Cincinnati)

Goalkeeper Andre Blake therefore completed the match without being forced into a save, as Philadelphia recorded another clean sheet.

Milan Iloski completed the scoring in the 89th minute by converting Philadelphia's second penalty of the evening. It was his 12th goal of the season, according to the match report. 

Nine games unbeaten for Union

The result extended Philadelphia's unbeaten league streak to nine matches.

The Union have now won seven and drawn two of their last nine MLS games, a dramatic improvement following their 6-4 defeat away to Inter Miami on May 24.

They entered the match with a strong run since the World Cup break and have continued to climb the Eastern Conference standings.

Cincinnati, on the other hand, suffered their second consecutive heavy defeat after previously losing 4-0 to Nashville. Their four-game unbeaten streak was already over heading into Philadelphia, and the 5-0 defeat further exposed their struggles. 

What comes next

Philadelphia will now turn their attention to a trip to San Diego FC for their next MLS fixture.

For Cincinnati, the immediate challenge is to recover quickly at home against Charlotte FC on September 12.

For the Union, however, Wednesday's victory offered more than three points. Damiani found his scoring rhythm, the Sullivan brothers continued their rapid development, and Philadelphia's unbeaten run reached nine games.