The Philadelphia Union kicked off the 2025 MLS Season on Saturday. Shockingly, the new-era Union exploded onto the scene.
Are they legit, or was this a flash in the pan?
The Union made a statement on Saturday, having to head to Orlando, which hosted the Eastern Conference Final last season, in Bradley Carnell’s first game at the helm.
Fast forward through the 90-minute game, and you will see the Union walk away with a shocking 4-2 victory.
After a controversial off-season, the Union find themselves at the top of the Eastern Conference. For now.
How Impressive Was It?
Most of the Union fanbase was dreading the start of the season. However, none expected the first game to go the way it did. The Union even went down 1-0 early in homage to their 2024 selves. Unlike in 2024, however, the Union stormed right back.
Now, there are two sides to this story, and both can be true. First, Orlando played horribly. Orlando gifted the Union just about every goal with poor passing, defense, and goalkeeping play. The Union did not score 4 excellent team goals. One was a gift from Orlando playing out of the back. The other three were just really bad goalkeeping from Orlando’s Gallese.
Contrarily, the Union also pounced on opportunities they missed in 2024. MLS is not a league known for great defense. The Union were gifted 4 goals, and they pounced on their opportunities. In 2024, the team did not.
Tai Baribo picked up right where he left off, along with newcomers like Lukic and Westfield, who were debuting in style. Orlando’s defense played just about as bad as they may all year. However, the Union took the opportunities that were given to them.
A Perfect Start For Carnell
This is not Bradley Carnell’s first rodeo in MLS with a team with 0 expectations. The last time he was in this situation, he took St Loius to the top of the Western Conference in their first-ever season in the league. Carnell showed that magic may still be within him.
Another thing Carnell showed is he is willing to do something Jim Curtin typically wouldn’t. Give someone else a chance. Makhanya has been shoved down the Union depth chart for multiple seasons. Carnell gave him a shot for minutes, and he held his own. Jovan Lukic and Frankie Westfield were immediately allowed to show what they could do. Perhaps the Union had the depth all along. Jim Curtin just refused to use it.
Carnell still has massive Jim Curtin shoes to fill. However, he could not have asked for a better start.
Flash in the Pan or the Real Deal?
The Union passed its first stern test with flying colors. Now, they are in for another one. The Union have their home opener against rivals Cincinnati this weekend. Cincinnati underwent a big overhaul but is still a top team in the league.
Interestingly, the Union is not the only thing being tested. We will see what the fan support is around the team after the abysmal 2024 season and the clash between ownership and fans. The 4-2 win against Orlando could help fill the seats. However, as available ticket sales say, the Union may be far from a sell-out.
This Union season will be nothing short of entertaining. They will have the highs of winning 4-2, just as they will likely return to Earth once the magic wears off.
Nonetheless, fans can’t argue that 2025 is already off to a shockingly positive start.
PHOTO: Philadelphia Union
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