Union
The Philadelphia Union kicked off 2026 with a bang, a 12-0 aggregate win against Defense Force FC in the CONCACAF Champions League. Unfortunately, the early season success would end up short lived.
Just days after opening with the CCC, the Union would head to rivals DC United to open MLS league play. Despite the Union dominating the rivalry for years, the club would suffer a 1-0 defeat in the nation’s capital. To pour salt in the wound, the Union were downed by the clubs 2025 golden boot, Tai Baribo.
Unfortunately, the troubles would not end there. The Union would then host NYCFC in the home opener, which would end in a 2-1 loss.
Can the boys in blue chalk the disappointing defeat to a new team identity? Or is there trouble in the water?
Growing Pains or Worrying Signs?
Consequentially, the Union’s first two MLS games have fans worried. The club has not scored a goal from open play, kept the opponent from scoring, and have been shown a red card in each game. To sum it up, the Union is going through growing pains.
Despite winning the Supporters Shield in 2025, the Union had a fire sale in the winter. Unfortunately, the likes of Tai Baribo, Kai Wagner, and Jacob Glesnes were all transferred out. It cannot be shocking that a newly created backline is struggling defensively. As well as a newly formed attacking group who can’t pose a threat to opposing defenses.
In the CONCACAF Champions Cup, Defense Force just was not up to the caliber of current MLS sides. Which the Union did take advantage of. Of course, including Cavan Sullivan, who netted his first 2 career goals for the Union. However, if the Union are relying on a 16-year-old for their MLS success, it will be a long season.
There are absolutely worrying signs for the Union. Being shown a red card for dissent in 2 consecutive games is showing a lack of discipline. However, other issues may just be growing pains.
A team will not produce a lethal offensive attack with just 2 games of experience together. Same goes for the defensive backline. The Union are going to need time to adjust playing with all the new pieces. The same cannot be said for the discipline issues plaguing the team. It is clear MLS has told its referees to be more aggressive in disciplining dissent with yellow cards. However, the Union are just going to have to figure it out. The club won’t win any games if they can’t finish the match with 11 players.
Road Foward Does Not Get Easier
Unfortunately, the Union do not have an easy schedule to figure everything out. With their advancement in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, they now face Mexican side Club America. While Club America has been fighting to return to the powerhouse they once were, they are still a top team on the continent. As far as MLS, the Union next host the undefeated San Jose Earthquakes.
Not many Union fans expected a Supporters Shield to come out of 2025. However, not a lot of fans believed 2026 would start out so rough. The new look Philadelphia Union may need some time to take off, but things may get ugly before reaching their potential.
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