The Philadelphia Union has a hand on the Supporters’ Shield after results fell in their favor over the weekend. Unfortunately, the news isn’t all good, as the club stands to lose a key piece of their 2025 success.
Quinn Sullivan is Done for the Season
During Saturday’s 6-0 rout of DC, the Union lost standout homegrown Quinn Sullivan to a torn ACL. Sullivan appeared in 28 MLS games this year, starting 24 of them. The young midfielder was integral to the Union’s attacking success in 2025. Not only was he able to stretch the field with his pace, but he also created scoring opportunities for all his teammates. Sullivan had 9 assists for the Union in MLS, second most on the team.
With only 2 games left in the MLS season, the Union does not have time to experiment with how life will look without Sullivan. Not only do they need to fill his playmaking abilities, but also his work ethic on the pitch. Sullivan would break a team down with his pace and energy for the full 90 minutes. This would open the Union’s attack for the second half of the game.
It is never a good time to receive news like this. It comes at an even worse time with the Union in the midst of the tightest Supporters Shield race in years.
The Union has one Hand on the Shield
Just a few days ago, the Supporters Shield seemed to have slipped from the Union’s grasp. However, every team chasing the Union dropped points over the weekend. Simultaneously, the Union helped themselves to yet another destruction of DC United in the nation’s capital.
The Union now has complete control of its destiny. Win the final two games, and the shield is theirs. If the Union gets just one win, Cincinnati, San Diego, and Vancouver (thanks to the Union holding the total wins tiebreaker) would be eliminated from contention. Meaning, Miami is the last team that can give Philly a true run for their money.
Miami has 4 games in 19 days to close out the regular season. The Union needs Miami to lose 1 of them to take some of the pressure off. Even then, the Union likely will only need 4 points from the final 2 games to see the Shield out.
However, the Union’s final two games won’t be easy. First, they get rivals NYCFC in their final home match. NYCFC has quietly crept up to 3rd in the Eastern Conference. Finally, the Union finish the season in Charlotte. In a stadium that has given them nightmares since Charlotte entered MLS. It was the away game in Charlotte in 2022 that cost the Union the Supporters’ Shield. It appears that the Union will have the opportunity to purge those demons in 2025.
The Philadelphia Union have hit a patch of uncertainty at the worst time. Last Saturday, the Union suffered the worst defeat in club history. A 7-0 defeat to the Vancouver Whitecaps. A team vying to jump the Union for the Supporters Shield. Then, Philly crashed out of the US Open Cup embarrassingly. The Union allowed the MLS Golden Boot winner to net 3 easy goals en route to a 3-1 scoreline.
Just when all hope felt lost, the Union bounced back with a 1-0 home win against their northeastern rival, New England. With three MLS games to go, it is clear that the Union will not simply and easily secure the Supporters’ Shield for themselves.
Extremely Tight Shield Race
MLS fans are being treated to one of the closest Supporters’ Shield races in league history. Five clubs have a realistic shot at bringing home the Shield. The Union, despite its stumble, still leads the way. Unfortunately, two teams control their destiny before Philadelphia does.
Vancouver has 2 games in hand, and should they turn that into 6 points, they can jump the Union. Simultaneously, Inter Miami has 3 games in hand and can still jump everybody as well. Philly is even on games played with Cincy and San Diego, and sits 2 and 3 points in front of the clubs.
Ultimately, the Union is going to have to win the last 3 games to truly put pressure on their opponents. First up is a game in DC. After that, the Union gets NYCFC at home for their home finale. Finally, the Union faces its toughest test left. On the road against a surging Charlotte FC.
For those Union fans who have forgotten, Charlotte cost the Union the Supporters’ Shield in 2022. Ultimately, the Union had to go down to the turf in Charlotte late in the season and suffered an awful defeat. Unfortunately, the loss would cost the Union, as LAFC was able to tie the points and hold the tiebreaker.
Perhaps the Union can purge the demons from 2022 with a huge win down south.
Nothing Will Come Easy
Just a few weeks ago, the Union were cruising in MLS and the Open Cup. Dreams of bringing home 3 major trophies in a year were in the minds of Union fans. Of course, the Union cannot make anything easy. Historically, the Union has fallen short every single time. Take a look back at the 3 lost US Open Cup finals, the loss in the 2020 playoffs after winning their first shield, and, of course, the collapse with 90 seconds to play in the MLS Cup.
The Philadelphia Union has put its fans through some tough times in its short history. Nothing will ever come easy for the Union. However, all the suffering could be worth it if the club can deliver some hardware for its fans in 2025.
While the Union has stumbled, there is still time to correct course and put the pressure back onto their opponents. This last month of the season will show if this Union team is different from years past, or if fans will be leaving with the same disappointment they have had for many years now.
Whether the Union pulls it off or not, it is never going to be easy.
The city’s blue-collar identity, deep traditions, and famously passionate fans make rivalries feel less like games on a schedule and more like battles for civic pride.
While every sports town has its grudges, Philadelphia’s run deeper, often defined by history, geography, and raw emotion.
From Cowboys week in the NFL to Flyers – Penguins hockey wars, these rivalries are woven into the DNA of Philly sports culture.
Eagles vs. Cowboys
If you ask a Philadelphia sports fan what week matters most on the NFL calendar, the answer is almost always “Dallas week”. The Eagles-Cowboys rivalry isn’t just about football; it’s cultural. Dallas, with its glitzy “America’s Team” image, has long stood as the antithesis of Philadelphia’s gritty, hard-working ethos.
The rivalry heated up in the 1970s, when both teams regularly fought for NFC supremacy. It reached new levels in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when Buddy Ryan’s Eagles embraced a tough, bruising style perfectly tailored for taking on the star-studded Cowboys. Fans still talk about the infamous “Bounty Bowl” games of 1989, when tensions between the franchises turned downright nasty.
Even today, no matter the records, Eagles fans mark Cowboys week with extra energy. A win over Dallas feels sweeter than most, while a loss lingers longer than it should.
The rivalry between NFL teams can be quite heated and precious to not just the fans but also the ownerships, given the amount of money in the sport. It is one of the biggest sports in America, generating the most revenue; therefore, it isn’t just a case of winning or losing against your rival, there’s huge monetary value behind each win! Just like when it comes to NFL betting. Fans, like owners, put their money into backing their team, which gives the fixture that extra bit of excitement for them. The NFL is one of the most popular sports to bet on in America. When first starting out, to lower your risks of losing your own money and at the same time being able to perhaps maximise your winnings, which helps with additional funds, you should take a look at WSN and their sports betting bonuses. These help massively when placing your own bets and give you more to play around with.
Phillies vs. Mets
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On the diamond, the Phillies’ fiercest rivalry has often been with their neighbors to the north: the New York Mets. Though the two franchises have had different stretches of dominance, the overlap has fueled bitter seasons.
The rivalry really took off in the mid-2000s, when both clubs were loaded with talent and competing for NL East crowns. Who could forget Jimmy Rollins declaring the Phillies the “team to beat” in 2007 – only to watch Philadelphia storm past the Mets after New York collapsed in historic fashion down the stretch? That moment alone cemented a new level of hostility between fan bases.
Games at Citizens Bank Park still draw throngs of Mets fans making the trip down I-95, leading to loud, divided crowds and playoff-like atmospheres even in the regular season.
Flyers vs. Penguins
If Cowboys week defines football in Philly, Flyers–Penguins define hockey. This Pennsylvania rivalry isn’t just about geography – it’s about identity. The Flyers, known historically for their physical “Broad Street Bullies” brand of hockey, have clashed for decades with the Penguins, a team often built around flashy superstars like Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby.
The rivalry has produced some of the NHL’s most unforgettable moments. The 2012 playoff series between the teams was a wild, high-scoring affair full of fights, bad blood, and momentum swings. Fans on both sides still point to that series as peak Flyers-Penguins chaos.
For Philadelphia fans, beating Pittsburgh isn’t just about standings – it’s about reminding the state that grit and toughness still matter. The Penguins may have more recent Cups, but Flyers fans wear their hatred like a badge of honor.
76ers vs. Celtics
Basketball in Philadelphia has its own historic rivalry: Sixers vs. Celtics. Dating back to the Wilt Chamberlain vs. Bill Russell battles of the 1960s, this matchup has often determined Eastern Conference supremacy.
The intensity carried through the Julius Erving and Larry Bird years in the 1980s, with playoff battles that shaped NBA history. More recently, the Joel Embiid-led Sixers have faced the Celtics in several playoff series, often coming up short. Each postseason defeat only deepens the hunger for revenge.
For fans, there’s an extra sting when Boston is involved. The cities themselves compete culturally and historically, so when the Sixers finally topple the Celtics in a big series, it will feel like more than just a basketball win – it will feel like payback decades in the making.
Union vs. Red Bulls
Philadelphia’s MLS franchise, the Union, may not yet have the century-long history of the other teams, but its rivalry with the New York Red Bulls has grown fast. The two clubs’ proximity and regular playoff meetings have created a spirited competition.
Union fans, known as the Sons of Ben, bring the same Philly energy to Subaru Park, chanting loudly and making sure Red Bulls matches feel hostile for the visitors. It may not yet rival Eagles-Cowboys in intensity, but given time, it’s a rivalry that could blossom into one of Major League Soccer’s most passionate.
Why Rivalries Matter So Much in Philly
What makes these rivalries so special isn’t just the history or the stakes – it’s the fans. Philadelphia supporters carry victories like personal triumphs and defeats like personal insults. Rivalries become part of the city’s identity, passed down through generations.
A child who grows up hearing their parents curse the Cowboys, boo the Penguins, or yell at Mets fans in the stands is bound to inherit that same fire.
In Philadelphia, rivalries aren’t just about the teams; they’re about representing the city itself.
Every time the Eagles beat Dallas, or the Flyers take down Pittsburgh, fans feel like they’ve defended their home turf and proved the city’s toughness all over again.
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Bradley Carnell has turned the Union from a team in crisis to a contender.
With the playoffs secured and silverware in sight, the question now is whether his tactical edge and experience can finally deliver the MLS Cup to Philadelphia.
Bradley Carnell arrived in Philadelphia in January after the club’s worst campaign in seven years, limping to 12th place and, in doing so, did not qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2017. The remit for the South African, as he replaced Jim Curtin, was simple: get the Union back to the postseason.
Reading Between the Odds
Nine months later, Carnell has exceeded expectations. The Union are virtually assured of a playoff spot and are favorites to win the Eastern Conference at +225. They’re also among the frontrunners for the MLS Cup in the latest betting odds at +1000, with only four clubs priced shorter. Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami currently leads the outright market at +450.
What makes those numbers intriguing is the dynamic they reveal. Philadelphia are fancied to top the East, yet Miami are expected to be more dangerous once the playoffs begin. That belief stems from the experience and quality of Miami’s roster, players who have navigated the biggest stages, from Champions League finals to World Cup triumphs. For Carnell and his Union squad, proving those markets wrong will be the ultimate test.
Carnell’s Road to Philadelphia
If you want to judge whether Carnell has the credentials to take the Union all the way, his coaching record speaks for itself. Before stepping into the dugout in Chester, Carnell had already built a decade of coaching experience across MLS and abroad. He cut his teeth as an assistant at the New York Red Bulls, where he learned under Jesse Marsch and later Chris Armas, before stepping up as interim boss in 2020. In that short stint, he kept the Red Bulls’ playoff streak alive, showing a steady hand under pressure.
The Red Bull Blueprint
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You can see the Red Bull school in his work. From Marsch, Carnell has kept the ideas and philosophies that translate well in MLS: win the ball high, attack forward early, stay compact between the lines, then counterpress to keep opponents pinned in. It’s not just energy for the sake of it. The spacing is tight, the triggers are clear, and the first forward pass after a regain is encouraged rather than delayed.
A Squad Built to Execute
That framework fits the squad. Andre Blake, despite currently nursing a hamstring injury, remains the anchor of the group, bringing presence and clean decision-making that few MLS keepers can match. Key centre-back Jakob Glesnes, who recently signed a long-term contract, gives the defense stability and leadership. On the left flank, Kai Wagner delivers quality service that turns pressure into chances. In front of him, Quinn Sullivan adds energy and creativity in the attacking third.
Up front, Tai Baribo has given Carnell a willing runner to stretch teams and a focal point when the press forces mistakes. The latest markets list him at +1600 for the Golden Boot, making him a realistic contender but still some way behind Messi, who leads the race at -110. The roster has also been refreshed, with pieces like Jovan Lukic in midfield and Ben Bender adding depth and end product. Put together, it looks like a group built to execute the plan week after week, which bodes well for the autumn playoffs if Carnell can count on a clean bill of health.
Lessons from St. Louis
Carnell’s biggest breakthrough came in St. Louis, where he was handed the keys to a brand-new franchise and guided CITY SC to a record-breaking debut season in 2023. That campaign delivered a Western Conference top seed and wins that turned a fledgling team into a force. Results dipped the following year, leading to his exit midway through the 2024 season, but the experience of building a competitive roster from scratch added another layer to his coaching profile.
A Player’s Pedigree
Carnell’s playing career adds further weight to his credibility. A former Bafana Bafana left-back, he spent more than a decade in the Bundesliga with Stuttgart, Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Hansa Rostock, earning over 40 caps for South Africa and representing his country at the 2002 World Cup. That background at the top level of European soccer gives him an authority in the locker room that few MLS managers can match.
Philly’s Hope for Silverware
Since arriving in Philadelphia, Carnell has turned potential into results. His Union side plays with intensity and discipline, a reflection of the high-pressing philosophy he has refined throughout his coaching journey. It’s why the team has climbed back into the conversation as genuine contenders, and why fans at Subaru Park believe this could finally be the year the Union bring home an MLS Cup.
Whatever happens over the next few months, Carnell has already delivered on part of his promise. He has made the sun shine in Philadelphia again by giving the city a team it can be proud of. With silverware now within touching distance, the mild-mannered South African with a fierce competitive streak won’t be content with simply changing the mood.
Every waking minute will be spent chasing that first MLS Cup, so the rest of Philly can share in the moment.
The Philadelphia Union came into 2025 a mess. The club was selling fan favorites, not listening to fans’ needs, and trying to find its identity in the post-Jim Curtin era. Surprisingly, they found that identity quickly.
Now, the Union are 5 games away from glory.
Leading the Shield Race
The Union has a slight grasp of the 2025 MLS Supporters Shield. The reward is given to the team with the most points in MLS at the end of the season. Last week, the club achieved perhaps its greatest victory in 2025, a 1-0 win in Cincinnati.
The win gives the Union a firm hold of the top spot in the Eastern Conference. The Union holds a 5-point advantage over second-place Cincinnati. Realistically, the Union should have their eyes on Inter Miami and Lionel Messi. Miami has 4 games in hand on the Union. If they turn those 4 games into 12 points, Miami can snatch the shield away.
However, Miami has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons. In their loss to Seattle in the Leagues Cup final, a post-match altercation will leave Miami without Luis Suarez for 3 MLS games. Simultaneously, Miami’s busy summer schedule has them shoving 9 games in their final 6 weeks of play. There is a high chance that an older Miami team just runs out of gas.
This does not mean the Union is in the clear for the Shield. Their biggest contenders are going to be expansion side San Diego, in the Western Conference. San Diego is just 1 point behind the Union. Both San Diego and the Union likely face their biggest remaining challenge this weekend. San Diego hosts Minnesota, who are 2nd in the West. While the Union travels up north to face Vancouver, who are 3rd in the west.
All Trophies Still in Play
The Supporters Shield is not the only trophy the Union is fighting for. Philly is still in the US Open Cup tournament, and any team can make a run through the MLS Cup playoffs. The Union travels to Nashville in the Open Cup semifinals next Tuesday.
As far as the MLS Cup goes, should the Union at least hold on to the top spot in the East, the Eastern Conference playoffs would come through Philadelphia. In 2022, Union fans learned how valuable home-field advantage is in the playoffs.
Who would have thought that an American treble would be on the table for the Union in 2025? The Supporters Shield, US Open Cup, and MLS Cup are calling the Union’s name. Can the Union shock the world and dominate American club soccer in 2025? Or is more heartbreak in store for the Union faithful?
Nonetheless, the 2025 campaign has been a pleasant surprise for Union fans. Let’s hope the club leaves with some trophies to show for it.
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Philadelphia sports teams have traveled far from home to play games.
Fans in other countries got to see American pro sports for the first time.
These games left everyone with stories they would tell for years.
Eagles Beat Jacksonville at Wembley Stadium
The Philadelphia Eagles went to London for their first game outside America on October 28, 2018. Wembley Stadium fits 85,870 people inside to watch the Super Bowl champs take down Jacksonville 24-18. Carson Wentz put up 286 yards and three touchdowns, but he also gave the ball away twice. After the game, fans voted him the best player on the field.
Wentz said the experience changed his perspective. He had visited London in 2015 to watch his brother Travis play for Kansas City against Detroit. This time felt completely different. The national anthem gave him chills. He realized how rare it was for NFL players to compete outside the United States.
Eagles fans took over the stadium. Jacksonville fans got outnumbered at least five to one. People chanted “E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES” all game long. You would have thought they were playing in Philly instead of London.
The London game sparked discussions about expanding NFL markets around the world. Teams could reach new audiences and generate more revenue. American fans began asking if this meant they would have greater overseas availability of live broadcasts, merchandise, and betting markets through offshore sportsbooks that serve international audiences.
Philadelphia hasn’t returned to Europe since 2018. The team did make history again in 2024 by playing the first NFL game in South America. They faced Green Bay in Brazil before a sold-out crowd.
Sixers Lose to Barcelona in European Tour
The Philadelphia 76ers joined three other NBA teams for the 2006 Europe Live Tour. The league sent teams to Germany, Russia, France, Italy, and Spain between October 5-11. Philadelphia faced FC Barcelona and lost 104-99. The defeat stung because European teams rarely beat NBA squads.
PHOTO: BruceEmmerling/Pixabay
European clubs had only beaten NBA teams six times since 1978. Barcelona’s win was a huge shock in international basketball. Allen Iverson scored more points than anyone else in the tournament, but it didn’t matter. The Spanish team played just as hard and smart as Philadelphia did.
The tour wasn’t just about games. Players visited local schools and participated in clinics. They learned about different basketball cultures and met fans who followed the NBA from across the ocean. Many Sixers players said the experience opened their eyes to basketball’s global reach.
Philadelphia has stayed connected to international basketball. The team participates in NBA Global Games and maintains relationships with European organizations. These connections help the franchise scout talent and build its brand worldwide.
Flyers Players Go International for Hockey
Philadelphia Flyers players have played in big hockey tournaments for fifty years. The team has sent its best guys to the Canada Cup, World Cup of Hockey, and other top events since 1972.
Eric Lindros was the captain for Team Canada in the 1996 World Cup of Hockey. Two other Flyers made that team, too: Eric Desjardins and Rod Brind’Amour. Team USA had John LeClair and Joel Otto. Sweden picked Patrik Juhlin and Mikael Renberg. Philadelphia’s CoreStates Center got some games, including when Canada and the United States started their final series.
Canada picked three Flyers for the 1976 Canada Cup. Bobby Clarke, Bill Barber, and Reggie Leach all got spots on the team. That tournament ended up changing international hockey forever. Clarke scored an important goal in the finals against Czechoslovakia. Barber tied up a game late before Canada won it in extra time.
Philadelphia had the Czechoslovakian national team come play at the Spectrum in 1976. The Flyers beat them 6-1 and took way more shots – 42 to 21. Orest Kindrachuk and Mel Bridgman both scored twice. The win showed people around the world what the “Broad Street Bullies” were all about.
Union Get Their First Big Win Outside America
The Philadelphia Union got into international competition because they won the 2020 Supporters’ Shield. That trophy got them a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League, where they played teams from North and Central America. They beat a team called Deportivo Saprissa from Costa Rica.
It was their first win against a foreign club. That game was also head coach Jim Curtin’s 100th win with the team. It showed everybody that Philadelphia could hang with the big soccer clubs from other countries.
The Union’s academy system regularly sends players to international youth tournaments. Kellan LeBlanc and Cavan Sullivan have joined U.S. national team programs. These young players represent both Philadelphia and American soccer on the global stage.
Philadelphia formed early partnerships with international clubs. Their affiliation with Deportivo Saprissa created opportunities for player exchanges and training partnerships. These relationships helped the Union learn from experienced international organizations and strengthen its presence in global soccer networks.
The Philadelphia Union sit at the top of the Supporters Shield standings with just 6 games to go. However, a major issue has shown itself. The club is dangerously low on goalkeepers and is looking to fill the hole.
Bad Timing All Around
The injury bug is hitting the Union goalkeepers at the worst time. Last week, Andre Blake suffered yet another nagging hamstring injury. Head coach Bradley Carnell anticipates Blake missing at least a few weeks. Unfortunately, just before Blake’s injury, the Union agreed to loan Oliver Semmle as the transfer window closed.
The awful timing of the injury and move left the Union needing to sign Union II goalie Pierce Holbrook on a short-term contract to fill the backup goalie spot. Unfortunately, Holbrook would suffer a non-contact injury in warmups on Saturday against the Chicago Fire. Holbrook was ultimately unable to participate in the game.
Luckily, Andrew Rick was able to make it through the Union’s 4-0 clobbering of the Fire unharmed. Ale Bedoya was in line to be the Union’s emergency goalkeeper. Now, the Union will navigate the rest of its campaign with caution. Andrew Rick has been more than a capable backup this season. However, the Union will now have to find another backup keeper with Blake on the mend.
Union Back Leading the Shield Pack
As the Union navigates a tough goalkeeping situation, they jumped back to the top of the MLS. Now, the matchup of the season awaits them. This Saturday, the Union will travel to Cincinnati in a battle of the top 2 teams in the Eastern Conference.
The matchup is a huge swing game in the Supporters’ Shield race. A win from either club could close the door on the other’s Shield hopes. While a draw may favor the Union more.
As Cincy and the Union are facing off, they cannot forget about their Western Conference challenger. Expansion side San Diego has been red hot and is just 1 point behind the Union in the standings.
This season is providing one of the most exciting Supporters’ Shield races MLS has seen over the last few years. The Union at Cincinnati is the marquee matchup in the MLS this weekend.
The Philadelphia Union were in control of their destiny. However, after a disappointing loss against the New York Red Bulls, the Union’s grasp on the Supporters’ Shield is slipping.
What Went Wrong in New York
Entering the match Saturday, the Union had just defeated the Red Bulls 3-2 in the US Open Cup on Wednesday. Despite that, the Union could not get anything going against their rival. Both teams featured different starting 11s from their meeting earlier in the week. Unfortunately, it seems it was another week where Bradley Carnell chose squad rotation over chasing trophies.
The Union did not put their best team on the field, and it cost them. To make matters worse, the Union lost Andre Blake to a hamstring injury mid-game as well.
The bigger issue is that if Tai Baribo isn’t scoring goals, the offense has been a snoozefest. New addition Milan Iloski is still getting his feet wet with the Union. But if Chris Donovan is the best guy you have off the bench when you need a goal, then your team will not sniff a trophy.
The Union has dropped points on multiple weeks now since Bradley Carnell has chosen squad rotation. With just 7 matches left in the MLS season, the Union cannot afford any more slip-ups if they want to grab their second Supporters’ Shield in club history.
Where the Standings Sit Now
Unfortunately, the Union now sits 3rd in the Supporters Shield race. They sit 1 point behind Cincinnati and San Diego for the top spot. The Union’s Shield hopes ultimately lie in the next 3 MLS games. They face Chicago at home in a must-win game. Then, they got on the road back-to-back against Cincinnati and Vancouver.
If the Union can manage at the very least 7 points from that stretch, then they may have a chance at the Shield. However, a loss to Cincinnati would all but close the door on the Union’s hopes.
However, as always, a GOAT is lurking in the shadows. Lionel Messi and Inter Miami still have their 3 games in hand. If Miami wins out, they run away with the shield, and there is nothing anyone can do about it. Taking a look at Miami’s schedule, while it is very crowded, it is far from the hardest we have ever seen.
What Can the Union Do?
The Union can still run the “American Treble”. Meaning they grab the Supporters Shield, MLS Cup, and US Open Cup, in one season. However, that reality gets bleaker by the day. Besides, the fact that we are nearing September and the Union is vying for all the trophies is a shock considering the state of the team heading into the season.
The ball ultimately falls in Bradley Carnell’s lap. This is not Carnell’s first rodeo with an overperforming team. We all saw him take St Louis to the top of the Western Conference in their first-ever MLS season just a few years ago. Now, he finds himself in a similar situation.
While grabbing all 3 trophies is unlikely, the most interesting aspect is which ones the Union chase the most. If the last few weeks tell us anything, the Supporters Shield is likely at the bottom of the list. Next, being the US Open Cup and the MLS Cup is the number one goal.
When it comes to a team that has a fairly bare trophy case, beggars can’t be choosers. Any trophy that comes out of what was supposed to be a rebuild year will be a welcome sight and achievement. It is up to Bradley Carnell to ensure they stay on track and not leave 2025 empty-handed.
The Philadelphia Union is officially in off-season mode. This week, the club announced plans to add premium seating to Subaru Park.
However, is this sending the right message to the fanbase?
The Union finds itself in a similar situation every off-season. The season ends, fans are eager to see how things change, and then everything stays the same. However, for the past few seasons, the Union has been able to hang its hat on improving year after year.
In 2024, the club fell down the stairs. The Union missed the playoffs and has an aging roster. Fans have been vocal about ownership’s need to open the checkbook and sign big-money players. However, it appears the first check is going to the stadium.
Right Idea, Wrong Execution
Along with an aging roster, the Union has an aging stadium. While Subaru Park has some of the best sightlines in the league, it is aging rapidly. The cramped concourse and limited capacity have hindered the Union fan experience at home, which is why stadium renovations are needed.
PHOTO: Wes Shepherd/PHLSportsNation
However, the only announced upgrades are for premium VIP seating—simply something that won’t matter to the average fan. Instead of adding seats to the river end or making the gameday experience more special to all the fans, the Union is adding seating options that will cost upwards of $10,000. Coming from a team that’s record signing is just a few million dollars; it is another slap in the face to Union fans.
Last off-season, all the money went into the new WSFS Sportsplex, which made parking even worse. This season, it looks like it is going to premium VIP seat additions. While the sportsplex and new seating options aren’t bad things, they completely contradict what the club has been saying for years.
Ownership is not interested in satisfying the needs of the everyday fan who pays to get into the stadium and support the team. Despite all the talk that “the fans are the top priority,” the actions still do not back that up.
Off-season is Still Young
We are still just a few weeks into the off-season. The first round of the MLS Playoffs isn’t even over yet. The Union could have some upgrades to seating for every other fan in store. The club could also be planning big signings. However, the past would tell fans not to get their hopes up.
If the big off-season plan is only upgrades for fans who can pay the most money, then the front office will reap what they sought. Philadelphia sports fans do not stand for mediocrity. Fans love the team’s crest. However, if ownership does not care about the fans who got them this far, then things will get worse.
A large number of fans have already opted out of being season ticket holders. Many will follow, and soon, the Union will be playing in front of half-filled stadiums every day.
Ownership needs to stop alienating the largest portion of the fanbase—the fans who just want to support their soccer club without having to spend thousands of dollars. Simultaneously, the front office should use the revenue generated to create a competitive team and improve the game day experience.
If premium seating is the only plan until 2025, then it is a slap in the face to Union fans.
The nightmare 2024 season for the Philadelphia Union is over. After taking a monumental step backward, where does the Union go now?
The Union’s season ended fittingly: with an own goal by Jakob Glesnes, a player who regressed further than anyone expected. Glesnes is not the only reason the Union’s season went the way it did. Unfortunately, the Union’s philosophy has left them with an aging roster that can’t compete with the top of MLS.
Where the Union goes now is up to Ernst Tanner and the front office.
The Philosophy is Outdated
In 2022, the Union had one of the best seasons of any team in MLS history. Their philosophy of building around the academy with $1-2 million dollar players was working seamlessly. Unfortunately, the league would change in the next season.
While the Union decided to run it back, every other team in MLS opened up the checkbook. Most notably, of course, the arrival of Lionel Messi. From that point on not only was the league moving forward, but the Union was moving backwards.
Time and time again, the Union is a superstar short of being a great team. Instead, the Union found themselves as the only team in the league to miss the playoffs with a positive goal differential.
Union ownership held a town hall this season, amidst blowback from the fanbase. Unfortunately, they made it clear the Union’s spending habits were not going to change.
An Aging Roster
It feels like an oxymoron that a team that prides itself on the youth is feeling as old as ever. Jacob Glesnes and Jack Elliott are not the oldest players. However, those two seemed to be feeling the weight of father time this season. Stars like Kai Wagner and Daniel Gazdag joined them in regression this season. The Union may not have the oldest roster in terms of numbers, but the talent has certainly been on a decline.
Of course, next season fans figure to see Cavan Sullivan factor into the team. However, a 15-year-old won’t save this team alone. The (likely) sad departure of long-time captain Ale Bedoya may make the average age lower. However, there is no reason to believe players who regressed in 2024 will magically find their footing again in 2025.
The Path Will Be Dictated By Ownership
The man who writes the checks will decide who the Union signs. However, if teams keep bringing in 10+ million dollar players, the Union will be left in the dust. They have been killed by Lionel Messi, Chucho, and Gareth Bale. If that doesn’t wake up the front office to sign a player of that stature then nothing likely will.
This is a rough but pivotal moment in the Union’s history. The Union can either wake up and evolve with the rest of the league. Or they can ride the same road and continue to see an emptying stadium and on the outside of the playoff picture. The progress made over the last 4 seasons will start to unwind. Only with 1 COVID supporter shield to show for it.
All other MLS teams have shown a willingness to evolve with the league. If the Union decides to stay the same, it will reap the consequences of it.
All fans can do now is wait and see how the roster changes over the winter. Who comes in and who goes will indicate if the Union is ready to compete or if they are willing to collapse on an aging philosophy.
The Union has just 1 game remaining in the MLS season. Currently sitting outside of the playoffs, the Union is looking to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2016. After this roller-coaster season, do the Union deserve to play on?
The Union’s path to the playoffs is simple: It needs to win, and DC United needs to lose. The only complicated part is the Union needs to beat Cincinnati, one of the top teams in the league.
Should the Union manage to get into the playoffs, they would only be a wild-card team. That means they would have to win a wild-card game just to make it to the first-round series. Let’s just say the Union have had better times.
However, after this season, does the Union deserve to make the playoffs?
Too Many Playoff Teams?
A huge gripe about the current state of MLS is the playoff setup. More than half the teams in the league make the playoffs one way or another. The Union currently sits as the beneficiary to that. The club has played 33 games this season and won only 9 of them.
The Union has already regressed from its golden era. Do they deserve a reward for taking a monumental step back? The Union has failed to build a competitive roster and has not shown any heart at all. A playoff spot seems like a reward this team does not deserve.
At the end of the day, the best-case scenario for the Union may just be the worst outcome.
No Reason to Look for Positives
Every situation in life has highs and lows. This season, the Union saw the debut of a star in Tai Baribo. That is a fact they can hang their hat on. However, if Union ownership tries to spin the season in a positive light, it may come to haunt them.
The worst-case scenario is the Union don’t learn from this season and stay the same. Which would lead to a regression to the 2010-2016 era of Union soccer a lot of fans wish to forget. During the Union’s golden era, the sport has grown exponentially in the city. A regression would send the Union back to half-filled stadiums and no trophies to compete for.
The Union needs to go into this off-season with a sour taste in their mouths. If the Union just “run it back” then the fanbase will turn on this team and ownership. Philly does not stand for mediocrity and it certainly doesn’t stand for owners that accept it.
The landscape of MLS has changed. If the Union continues to refuse to change with it, they will be left in the dust. While it is obvious the Union stand no chance against the top teams in MLS, it doesn’t mean the Union deserve a shot to make a run.
Unfortunately, the best thing for this Union team is to be embarrassed. It will be the true test if ownership cares or not. If the Union opens the checkbook and creates a competitive roster, then this abysmal 2024 season may not have been for nothing. However, a playoff spot seems like a reward ownership will use as an excuse to run it back. That would be the worst-case scenario for this club.
Just when everyone thought they were out, the Philadelphia Union dragged them back in. After back-to-back explosive wins, the Union is eyeing a surge to the MLS Cup playoffs.
If Union fans knew that the club would be fighting to just make the playoffs in 2024, they probably would not be happy. However, here we are. With just 4 games left to play, the Union currently holds the last spot into the MLS Cup playoffs.
Can the Union bounce back and make a shocking playoff push despite being counted out?
The Season of Ups and Downs
It has been a roller-coaster season for the Union. Unfortunately, it included more lows than highs. We saw the departures of Julian Carranza, Jose Martinez, and Damion Lowe. However, we also saw the rise of a star in Tai Baribo. After the Union got bounced from CCC and the Leagues Cup embarrassingly, the Union look to cap 2024 on a high note.
Unfortunately, the Union will likely be looking at being one of the 2 wild card teams. They have to win the wildcard game to make it to the first round of 3 series. From then, they will be on the road for most of the playoffs. So let’s just say MLS Cup is likely out of the question.
However, the road is clear for the Union to make something of this season. While they have taken a mighty tumble down the mountain from their success of past years, there is still something to work towards.
While the Union looks to reinvent itself, fans should look forward to what the team can do the rest of 2024. This may be the last time we see this Union club the way fans have grown accustomed to.
The Union face Atlanta United at home Saturday, as they look to keep pushing up the rankings and sending their opponents further down.
The Union’s up-and-down season continued this past weekend in Miami. Despite an early goal, the Union found themselves in what is becoming a familiar situation. Having no way to compete with the stars they are facing.
It has been an unlucky season for the Union. This past Saturday, the Union again found themselves on the wrong side. This time, the Union got to be the team that Lionel Messi made his return against.
Unfortunately, just like last summer, Messi is too big of a force for the Union to overcome.
The Union’s Kryptonite is Starpower
A very noticeable pattern has occurred to the Union in the past few seasons. Just about every time the Union has to face a superstar, they stand almost no chance. Of course, a big reason for that is the Union don’t have a superstar themselves.
Look at what has happened over the last few years. In the MLS Cup, Garreth Bale put the Union down. In the Leagues Cup last year Lionel Messi practically single-handedly eliminated the Union. Messi once again downed the Union this year in his return from injury.
Every time there is a star player in front of the Union the team might as well roll over and let them through. The Union just cannot compete with them. Unfortunately, if the Union’s roster philosophy doesn’t change, then we won’t be seeing changes any time soon.
Where Are the Union’s Stars?
The Union could compete with the top teams in MLS. However, the Union don’t have the star power to put themselves over the hump. There are some great players on the Union roster. Kai Wagner, Jack McGlynn, and Andre Blake to name a few. However, there are no game-changing superstars. With the Union’s roster philosophy, there likely won’t be one coming soon.
Ownership made it clear that the spending will not increase by much and they will continue to rely on the youth academy. That is not a bad philosophy if there was at least 1 superstar on the roster that can change the game himself. The Union has a top academy that has and will continue to produce star players. However, those players are gone long before they reach superstardom.
Look at Brenden Aaronson. Great player for the Union, but his peak value was to sell him before he reached his full potential. The same will be said for Quinn Sullivan, Jack McGlynn, and Cavan Sullivan. The problem isn’t that the academy can’t produce stars. It is a fact that those stars need to be sold before they reach their full potential.
If ownership isn’t going to open the checkbook to bring in an established superstar, like Cucho Hernandez or Lionel Messi, then the Union will be in this position season after season. They will be good enough to tread water. However, they will always be missing the piece to put them over the top.
That piece will always be an established superstar.
The Union currently sits outside of the MLS playoffs. After a summer where they lost more than they gained, it seems the Union is headed down the worst path. That is having no direction.
After finishing 4th in the Leagues Cup, but missing a spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, Union fans wonder what is next. After a disappointing loss to the Leagues Cup winner Columbus Crew, the Union followed it up with an impressive 2-0 win against their rivals, NYRB. It appears the Union is in an identity crisis regarding what they should be doing.
With just a few weeks left in the MLS season, what should the Union be focusing on?
The Roster Changes
The biggest factor in this identity crisis is the roster. In the summer the Union lost Julain Carranza, Jose Martinez, and Damion Lowe. Three crucial players to the Union scheme in the last 2 years. Unfortunately, the Union only made 1 move to replace those 3 players. That was bringing in a young stud Danley Jean Jacques to replace Jose Martinez.
For Carranza, the Union has been fortunate they had a star stuck down their depth chart. Tai Baribo has proven to be the real deal and the number 1 striker, ahead of Mikael Uhre. It was announced that Uhre’s option had been triggered and he will be a Union player next year. However, the Union has almost no striker depth. Unfortunately, Ernst Tanner did not change that in the transfer window.
Unfortunately, Damion Lowe’s departure appears to be the most consequential. The Union has no centerbacks behind Elliott and Glesnes. Nathan Harriel can step in but he went down with an injury in the first game without Lowe. Now, Lowe was going to be gone in the winter anyway, so getting a nice sum of money for him before he walked for free was nice. However, it was no secret the Union had little CB depth.
Eliott and Glesnes, who already are having down seasons, will need to play pretty much every game left in the season. While the Union has Olwethu Makhanya on the roster, Jim Curtin made it clear that Makhanya is very far down the depth chart. Makhanya is currently the starting CB for Union 2. A gig that doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon.
The Identity Crisis
The biggest issue is the Union have no idea who they are. Ownership and management think the team is still around the top of MLS. This roster and the standings tell a different story. They currently sit 10th in the Eastern Conference. In 6 of the Union’s last 7 games, they play teams ahead of them in the East.
While that is a huge opportunity to jump up in the standings. The Union have shown this year they have no consistent footing. Sometimes they show signs of their 2022 selves. Other times, they play like they want the wooden spoon. The Union is in a state of limbo where there is no direction as to whether they head towards a rebuild or think they can win with what they have. However, the state of this roster shows the Union has no chance of winning a trophy this year.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean things are changing. Curtin is still rolling out the same lineups and the same players. We have seen almost nothing from the new academy signings like Cavan Sullivan. If this current era of Union soccer is over, there is no reason to not try and see what the younger kids have to offer. After all, ownership did state in their town hall that they will always rely on their academy over signing multi-million dollar superstars.
A Tough Time for Fans
The worst part about this is it leaves the fans in limbo as well. Of course, all Union fans want to see the team succeed. However, it is the same story every time. The Union can go on a run and slip into a bottom seed in the playoffs. However, it won’t matter. Everyone knows the Union can’t hang with the likes of Columbus, Miami, and Cincinnati when it matters. Unfortunately, it all comes down to those teams have superstar game-changers to turn to and the Union just does not.
The Union needs to figure out its identity soon. There is nothing wrong with acknowledging the roster needs to be rebuilt. However, there is nothing worse than delaying the inevitable. The more the Union hangs in limbo of its rosters’ future, the more fans that won’t put up with it.
This has been a tumultuous season for the Philadelphia Union. With every high moment, there seems to be an equal low moment. Now, with the team on fire through Leagues Cup, a massive blow is dealt to the team.
The Union just had their best win of the season. A 4-2 win on the road against their rival Cincinnati. With the win, the Union moves to the Leagues Cup quarterfinals. In the midst of a rough 2024 season, it seemed things were finally turning around.
That is until a massive blow was sent through the roster.
The heart of the Team Is Leaving
Just shortly after the Union win, news broke that Union midfielder Jose Martinez is on the move. Martinez will be transferred to The Corinthians. The heart, soul, and the most passionate player in the Union, is heading out.
Jose Martinez and Philly fans fell in love at first sight. Making his debut in 2020, Martinez showed that his passion and effort made Philly the perfect place for him. Not to mention his best ability, to get under anybody’s skin without fail.
Martinez became a fan favorite immediately. It is not a coincidence the Union entered its best era with him at the forefront. He was a pivotal piece of a record-setting Union defense and set the tone when the Union needed it most. It is just unfortunate timing that this move comes when the team finally gains some footing.
It is the Best Move for Business
This move should not come as a surprise at all. Martinez was at the top of the list of players that would likely be transferred. Last week, the Union finalized a deal to bring in a promising defensive midfielder, Danley Jean Jacques. A move that was likely the last hurdle in getting a deal for Martinez done.
The financials of the deal are not set yet. However, for a 30-year-old midfielder, if the Union can get more than they spent on Jacques, it is great business.
Martinez shined not only for the Union but for his national team, Venezuela, as well. Coming off an impressive showing at Copa America, Martinez’s value would not be as high as it is now.
Martinez was one of Ernst Tanner’s first diamonds in the rough finds. Martinez joined the Union from Zulia FC for just a $295,000 transfer fee. Now, the Union will likely earn at least four times that amount for him.
Very Rough Timing
This move was going to hurt no matter what. Jose Martinez is a fan favorite right behind Ale Bedoya and Andre Blake. However, the timing of the move makes things even more unfortunate.
The Union are in their best stretch of play in 2024. They are tearing through the Leagues Cup. Considering the club currently sits outside the MLS Playoffs, this is likely their last chance at a trophy this season. Now, they will have to figure out how to adjust to life without Martinez.
Danley Jean Jacques is a very promising player that fans should be excited about. However, the Union has a history of being on the wrong side of slow paperwork to get deals completed. There will likely be a period that the Union will need to hang on without a defensive anchor in the midfield.
Look for Leon Flach to slide into Martinez’s spot for the time being. While Flach brings a similar defensive intensity, he just doesn’t have the offensive game to truly replace Martinez.
Jose Martinez became a fan favorite for the Union. While their time together appears to be over, Union fans will be happy to welcome him back in the future. Perhaps even to have his name raised in the Union Ring of Honor.
The Leagues Cup is back for its second year. While fans of MLS and LigaMX have had their gripes about the tournament, only one thing matters for the Philadelphia Union. This is likely their only chance at a trophy in 2024.
Unfortunately, the Union’s 2024 season has been one fans wish to forget. Currently sitting outside of the playoff race and far behind the top teams in MLS. Whether fans stand for the leagues cup or not, it is likely their last chance to see the Union have a chance at a trophy this season.
Coming in “Hot”
The Union is entering Leagues Cup on its best stretch of the 2024 season. That being back-to-back home wins. Yes, the bar has fallen that low. Nonetheless, it is the perfect opportunity to build on the momentum. Fortunately for them, many MLS and LigaMX teams don’t take the competition that seriously.
For MLS teams, it is a chance for the top teams to rest some players and rest some legs. Stars such as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez are already confirmed to not participate this year due to injury. For LigaMX teams, it is the preseason. Simultaneously, many are not too happy with the construction of Leagues Cup. Having 0 games in Mexico and all Mexico teams being subject to extensive travel.
These facts mean the Union has the opportunity to make a run at the trophy. In a season that is heading towards a turning point, for better or worse, within the clubs’ foundation, this is a golden opportunity. Win a trophy and the noise and pressure should be relieved a bit. Simultaneously, if the Union gets bounced from the competition early, an already pressure-fueled season gets worse.
An Opportunity for the Youth
This tournament also serves as an opportunity to see what the younger players can do. Of course, Cavan Sullivan should feature quite commonly. However, Leagues Cup rosters are more expansive than MLS rosters. This is also an opportunity to see what some of the other Union 2 players can do.
As previously stated, this has been a rough season for the Union. With protests and frustrations aimed toward club leadership, this Leagues Cup could go a few ways. The first is for the Union to make a decent run, use the momentum to build towards a playoff run, and make something out of this ugly season. Or, the Union decided to use this tournament as a “try-out.”
The summer transfer window is here and the Union could be sellers if they decide this just is not their year. This is a great opportunity to scout what they have in their system and what players can ship out for some money. Of course, it doesn’t matter if they don’t spend said money.
Whatever direction the Union goes, the fact remains the same. Whether they try or not, this is likely their last chance to salvage something out of the 2024 season.
Make no mistake about it, this is not the Union’s first rodeo at being a bad team. However, falling from the heights they achieved over the years makes this sting more than in the past.
The writing is on the wall with the Philadelphia Union winless in their last 8 home games. Hope within the fanbase is at an all-time low at about the halfway point of the season. Consequentially, Union ownership will have no one to blame but themselves.
The Union has not only fallen out of a playoff spot but sits just 2 points from the basement of the Eastern Conference. Factor in that Julian Carranza has played his last game for the Union and it may get uglier in 2024. At the end of the day, ownership has failed the golden era of Union soccer.
Father Time Caught Up Quickly
There are many reasons the Union’s descent to mediocrity came so quickly. Of course, other MLS teams signing multiple million-dollar stars put the Union in the rearview mirror. However, it appears the biggest reason has been the Union’s former studs declining so rapidly.
It is no secret the Union made no effort to improve over the last 3 seasons. Since the heartbreak of the 2022 MLS Cup, ownership would run it back until they struck gold or sank. Unfortunately, we are in the latter.
Not only did MLS as a league get better and rich with talent. The Union simultaneously hit an age of decline and regression. The norm of MLS and the Philadelphia Union are heading in opposite directions of each other. It was only a matter of time before the Union would be left in the dust.
The biggest victim of Father Time has been Jacob Glesnes. The former MLS Defender of the Year just hasn’t had it this year. Jack Elliott, Damion Lowe, and whatever goalkeeping tandem the Union has had to use hasn’t been up to par. The Union cannot keep the opposition from scoring. Unfortunately, without Julian Carranza, they now struggle to put the ball in the back of the net themselves.
No One to Blame but Ownership
Of course, Jim Curtin’s name is now being thrown around in “should he be fired” conversations. Ernst Tanner isn’t too far behind either. However, at the end of the day, Jim Curtin can only coach the players he is given. Simultaneously, Tanner can only sign players with the budget he is given.
What more can Curtin do if the only bench piece he can turn to for a spark in the attack is Chris Donovan? Is Jim Curtin to blame for having to put out an aging defensive backline against young stars that other MLS teams spent $10+ million on? Curtin could certainly make some improvements in his coaching style. However, it is ownership that has failed him, as well as the fans.
Ownership has been tone-deaf during the Union’s decline. As the Union get worse, ticket prices and concessions go up. They are building a multi-million dollar sportsplex next to the stadium before taking care of their fans. Season ticket holders are sent emails saying “Hey! You can buy a suite for a game for a small price of $4,000!” Jay Sugarman has made it clear that his only care is about maximizing profits.
Unfortunately for him, the experience for the fan will continue to wither away. As the team gets worse with an owner that has no care, the stadium will begin to clear out. All the progress the Union made from clawing their way from mediocre newcomers to continental giants will be undone. At the end of the day ownership will have no one to blame but themselves.
Every Union fan hopes the team will turn it around. Maybe ride a hot summer run into a post season stretch. However, many fans have already checked out and for good reason. Ownership has given the fans little to hope for.
Things don’t seem to be getting easier after a lackluster start to the season for the Philadelphia Union. The first domino toward a season-altering move is soon to fall. That of course being the inevitable departure of Julian Carranza.
The Union acquired Julian Carranza from Inter Miami on loan before the start of the 2022 season. Carranza never got a chance to shine with Miami. Consequently, as Miami prepared to land Lionel Messi, the Union got Carranza for fairly cheap.
However, as fans would come to find out very quickly, the Union had a star on their hands. Union fans have been lucky to be able to see Caranza for as long as he has stayed. Unfortunately, Carranza’s time with the Union appears to be just about over.
Europe is Where Carranza Belongs
Carranza has had his eyes on the big leagues for years now. He was expected to go during this past offseason. However, he did not have interest in the teams that came calling.
Now, Carranza is expected to be sold to Feyenoord of the Eredivisie league. While it isn’t a top UEFA Champions League club, it is a door opener to the bigger leagues of Europe. Simultaneously, it is a league where Carranza can get minutes and show off the skills Union fans got to see for the last 2 years.
It may not seem like it, but Carranza is only 24 years old. Now is the best time for him to make the move over to the bigger leagues and make a name for himself.
How Much Will the Union Get?
Now, with Carranza’s contract with the Union being in its final year, the Union will likely not get an astronomical amount of money for him. The Union either sells him in the summer or he walks for free at the end of the season.
Simultaneously, Miami still has a sell-on for Carranza’s transfer. So, a percentage of the money the Union gets from Carranza will need to go back to Miami.
The Union should still get a few million dollars for Carranza. It’s just not the record-breaking money they could have gotten from Carranza if he was locked into a multi-year deal. It will still be enough money to fund his replacement hopefully. Though as all fans have seen, it is rare for the Union to spend big.
This Could Be the First Domino
It is no secret the Union are just not the team they were last year and during the 2022 MLS Cup run. The top talent has regressed and the other teams in MLS have gotten way better. The Union currently sits 8th in the Eastern Conference.
If ownership were going to commit to rebuilding the roster, transferring one of the best players would likely be the best time to pull the trigger. The Union do not need to sell everyone. However, the club needs to take a long look at the defensive backline and forwards as the team struggles to gain traction in the standings.
Carranza’s transfer could be a turning point for the Union, for better or for worse. They could use the influx of cash to invest in a proven star. Or do the usual Union thing. Pocket the money and tread water with a lackluster offensive attack.
No matter what, all eyes are on the Union’s move this summer. If Julian Carranza’s time with the Union is almost over, the Union will need to take a long look in the mirror to find the best way to move forward.
The Philadelphia Union have been a top team in MLS since their supporter’s shield winning season in 2020. That was the year the Union’s core players came together and more have come in since. This means most current Union players are in a territory they have not seen; Being a subpar team in MLS.
To keep in the spirits of the teams’ Alumni night last Saturday, it is easy to forget how rough the Union’s beginning years were in MLS. While fans have certainly had to endure their share of bad Union teams, many of the team’s current players did not have that experience. Other than Jack Elliott, Ale Bedoya, and Andre Blake, the Union’s current players have known nothing but success. That is until now.
Heading into a summer that could be a shellshock to the shorthanded Union, the team is already behind the 8 ball. They are currently 8th in the Eastern Conference and cannot win a game at home. As the summer transfer window and international games take crucial players, things could get uglier for the Union.
Is the Foreign Territory the Problem?
For many reasons, the Union has taken a fairly large step backward this year. Players are aging, ownership hasn’t invested in bringing in stars, and the overall talent of MLS players has exploded. However, one of the least discussed possibilities is that these Union players haven’t been in this situation before.
This era of Union soccer had been used to being a top team in MLS, never losing at home, and being a powerhouse. Now, not only are the players failing on the field but they are now experiencing something they have not felt before—the pressure of playing for disappointed Philadelphia sports fans.
This is a core of players that had gotten to multiple Eastern Conference finals and an MLS Cup appearance. Now, they are winless in 6 straight home games and sinking in the Conference standings. The pressure is not only mounting but it will only get worse. This Union team is walking a fine line of staying at the top of the league or heading into a complete rebuild.
Will They Figure It Out?
This Union team is failing on multiple fronts. They usually go on a run late through the summer. However, this Union team has not been in this situation before. This team likely finds themselves fighting for one of the last playoff spots.
The club may have to take this season on the chin and use it as a wake-up call. If they continue their current form, the vibes at Subaru Park will only continue to dwindle and the pressure will rise. Unfortunately, most current Union players have yet to experience it yet.
The Philadelphia Union has had a turbulent 2024 MLS Season. A big component of it has been star goalkeeper Andre Blake and his looming contract expiration.
Fortunately, the 3x MLS Goalkeeper of the Year has silenced some of the noise around the club’s current standing.
Andre Blake has had a pretty rough 2024 season. Blake has been unhealthy for the vast majority of the season with a nagging knee injury. The injury has not just kept him off the field but also kept him well below his normal standards while on it.
Simultaneously, Blake has sent waves throughout the Union community over the last few months. On multiple occasions, Blake has alluded to how he is unhappy with ownership’s lack of investment in the team. Blake’s comments have turned some heads among the fanbase, considering his contract is nearing its end.
However, fear not, as Blake has silenced any doubts about his future with the announcement of his contract extension.
The Cornerstone of the Franchise
Andre Blake has been one of, if not the most important, pieces of the Union’s rise to a powerhouse. Joining the Union as the number 1 pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, Blake was integral to the Union’s growth. This not only led the club to its first-ever trophy in 2020 but also added 3 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year awards. Blake is the only player in MLS history to win the award three times.
Not only being relied on for his play on the field, Blake has also become a vocal leader of the Union locker room. Now, Blake is behind Ale Bedoya as the Union’s secondary captain. Blake also stands alone at the top in appearances for the club, with 283 caps and counting. It is truthful to say that the Union would not have had the success they have without the brick wall in goal.
Blake’s contract extension links him with the club through the 2026 season. Blake, who is 33 years old, will likely end up playing his entire professional career with the Philadelphia Union, a fact Union fans years ago would have been shocked to hear. Blame it on lack of interest or Blake’s home country of Jamaica having odd FIFA regulations; nonetheless, Blake was more than talented enough to make an impact in Europe.
Andre Blake already has his name carved into the Union’s ring of honor.
The only thing that remains to be seen is if he can add more trophies to the Union’s case before he hangs it up with the club.
PHOTO: Wes Shepherd/PHLSportsNation
