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Tag: San Diego FC

  • Is Something Magical Brewing for the Union? – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    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.

     

    Featured Image: Wes Shepherd/PHLSportsNation

    The post Is Something Magical Brewing for the Union? appeared first on Philadelphia Sports Nation.

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    Ryan Hall

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  • Atlanta United’s young keeper Jayden Hibbert keeps a clean sheet, 0-0 draw with Toronto FC in front of 39,500 fans

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    Atlanta United forward Miguel Almirón (center) during the match against Toronto FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Photo by Matthew Dingle/Atlanta United

    Yes, it was another draw, 0-0 with visiting Toronto FC, but there was a bright side. One of the youngest players on the club is growing in confidence as a frustrating 2025 season nears a close.

    Atlanta United hosted Toronto FC in front of 39,509 fans on Sunday night. The match is the last time the two clubs will meet this season. The teams played to a 1-1 draw on July 12. Jayden Hibbert, the club’s 21-year-old backup goalkeeper, started tonight and held his own.

    Hibbert, A member of the Jamaican National Team, had to defend six shots from Toronto during the first half, but kept a clean sheet by halftime. Atlanta United took five shots at Toronto’s goal, with many of those shots being close to going in.

    Atlanta United midfielder Alexey Miranchuk (above) during the match against Toronto FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, August 24, 2025. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta United)

    Atlanta midfielder Alexey Miranchuk, arguably the team’s best player over the past six to seven matches, took a shot in the 16th minute of the scoreless match that trickled by Toronto’s goalkeeper but was wide right. Miranchuk has had six goals and four assists this season and has become the team’s go-to player of late. His game-tying goals have helped keep this season from being a total loss, with Atlanta hovering near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

    Hibbert immediately racked up another save in the first minute of the second half. The shot attempt by Toronto was straight on, and Hibbert had to save it with his knees. There was a difference on the pitch without Guzan around to wave his hands frantically while directing traffic from the back, but Hibbert could be seen doing his job in a less demonstrative way.

    Atlanta manager Ronny Deila made a triple-substitution in the 61st minute, bringing on Steven Alzate, Brooks Lennon, and forward Jamal Thiare. Alzate joined the club on a transfer from English club Hull City earlier this month and had played in two matches before Sunday night.

    Scoreless through 80 minutes, Atlanta United defenders did a good job of keeping shots from coming Hibbert’s way. Several Toronto shots were blocked during the latter stages of the second half.

    Juan Berrocal and Cayman Togashi subbed into the match in the 85th minute. It was Berrocal’s third match for Atlanta United.

    With five minutes of stoppage time on the clock, Atlanta United managed to threaten Toronto, but did not score.

    The Starting XI pose for a photo before the match against Toronto FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta United

    What’s Next: Atlanta United will begin the month of September with a pair of matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium against the Columbus Crew on Saturday, Sept. 13, and against MLS newcomers San Diego FC on Saturday, Sept. 20. Despite being in its first year of existence, San Diego is the first team in MLS to clinch a spot in the playoffs.

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    Donnell Suggs

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