The Philadelphia Union traveled west hoping to solidify their position in two competitions this week.

They’ll fly to Nashville Sunday in tatters, after a 7-0 immolation meted out by the Vancouver Whitecaps, tied for the worst loss in MLS history, with barely 72 hours to pick up the pieces ahead of Tuesday’s U.S. Open Cup semifinal.

The only consolation in the seven-goal embarrassment is that the Union (17-7-6, 57 points) didn’t lose much ground. They remain atop the Supporters’ Shield standings at week’s end, thanks to an unusual (and unusually thrilling) level of parity in the league.

San Diego was dealt a 3-1 loss at home by Minnesota, meaning it remains on 56 points, though the Union’s clubbing means that San Diego has a better goal differential at plus-18 to the Union’s plus-16. Cin

See Full Page