It has been a strong start to the new MLS season for the Philadelphia Union, but the club’s bosses aren’t resting on their laurels.
Big movement is already taking place behind the scenes, with movement taking place in terms of players being brought through the door.
The Union have been one of the early eye-catchers in the MLS following the first month or so of the new season, and they currently set the pace in the Eastern Conference. So, they are among the favorites to win the MLS Cup, according to soccer odds and betting lines.
A big signing that has already been made by the MLS club came in the form of Ian Glavinovich, who agreed to join the Union on a season-long loan from the Argentinean side Newell’s Old Boys.
But what could the central defender offer the MLS team during this season?
Glavinovich Joins Union
Philadelphia’s move to sign Glavinovich for Athe rgentinean club Newell’s Old Boys was an eye-catcher during the winter, and he is a player that could feasibly play at the highest level of the game.
The deal will see the defender join Union on an initial loan deal, but the club could opt to make it a permanent deal at the conclusion of the season. Bosses were keen to emphasize that his signing was needed to take the team to the next level, as his pace and skillset are exactly what is required in the defensive areas of the field.
His ability to play out from the back is also important as the Union looks to adopt a new game plan throughout this coming campaign.
Promising Early Signs
Glavinovich’s signing already appears to be going down well with fans of the Union, and his performances have already been excellent. There was further evidence of that in the recent 1-0 win over St. Louis City, with the defender scoring the match-winning goal, as well as being an integral part of the defense that kept the clean sheet.
That was the 23-year-old defender’s first start for the club after impressing from the bench against Orlando. His match-winning role in the win over St. Louis also saw him named in the MLS Team of the Matchday for the first time.
The early signs look incredibly promising at this stage, and more will be expected of the young defender at both ends of the field if the Union are to continue their excellent start to the new campaign in the MLS.
Union Defensive Woes
Movement in the transfer window was always likely for the Union, especially in the defensive areas. The MLS team struggled for long periods of the season last term despite having one of the best attacking records in the Eastern Conference.
Philadelphia could only record nine wins in their 34 matches, and that ensured that they missed out on a place in the Leagues Cup. Overall, they finished the standings in 12th, with draws being a constant issue throughout the campaign. Despite having an excellent attacking record, Philadelphia struggled defensively, as they shipped 55 goals.
That was more than any of the sides that finished in the top seven spots in the league standings, highlighting it as a clear area that needed to be improved if the team are going to get back to competing for a playoff position in the MLS.
What Does Glavinovich Bring to the Team?
Despite being just 23 years old, Glavinovich brings a wealth of experience to the MLS team. The defender made his professional debut aged just 19 when he featured for Newell’s against Godoy Cruz de Mendoza in the Primera Division.
His potential was quickly picked up by the Argentinean side, as he was signed to a professional deal in October 2022. During the 2024 domestic season, Glavinovich featured 18 times for Newell’s and was a key part of their success on the field.
However, his game time led to him seeking a move away from the club, and a move to Brazilian outfit Vasco de Gama fell through in the final seconds of the Brazilian transfer window. But their pain is certainly Philadelphia’s gain after his move to the Union was announced in December 2024. Glavinovich’s potential has also seen him feature for the Argentina U23s, making a handful of appearances in the heart of the defense.
Glavinovich is a trademark Argentinean defender, as he is aggressive in the tackle and looks to win the ball back quickly to put his team back on the attack. That is also reflected by the number of clearances that he has already made for the Union, averaging three per game in just two appearances.
Big Season Ahead
The Union’s start to the season has afforded fans the opportunity to dream that the team could be back on the right track in their pursuit of a playoff finish.
Glavinovich’s arrival will strengthen their defensive record, while Neil Pierre and Frankie Westfield could also have important roles to play.
Union have also enhanced their attacking options following the arrival of Uruguayan Bruno Damiani, who scored 12 goals in 38 appearances for Boston River last season.
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