Union
Unfortunately, the Philadelphia Union are off to a horrid MLS start. In 3 MLS games, the Union has managed just 1 goal (from a penalty), allowed 4 goals, and has lost all 3 games. With this being the Union’s worst start since 2012, how worried should fans be?
Growing Pains?
Who would have thought that completely retooling a squad that just won a Supporters’ Shield would backfire? Unfortunately, the exact situation is playing out in front of Union fans’ eyes. Despite winning the Supporters Shield in 2025, in Bradley Carnell’s first year at the helm, the Union had a fire sale of critical players.
During the winter transfer window, the Union would send off their golden boot striker Tai Baribo. As well as their assist king Kai Wagner. Then, as if that wasn’t enough, longtime defender Jacob Glesnes would then get sent off to Los Angeles. Coincidentally, the reason the Union has played so poorly may be the exact reason fans should pump the brakes on the wooden spoon talk.
While some playmakers remain from last year, the Union’s offensive approach has to change. Tai Baribo and Kai Wagner were almost singlehandedly responsible for the Union’s offensive production in 2025. It is going to take way more than 3 games to find their new offensive groove. The same can be said about the defense.
How Worried Should Fans Be?
For Union fans, a lot of worrying started in the winter as the transfers kept coming in. It has only gotten worse as the Union has gone 0-3 in MLS. Now, the Union has the daunting task of welcoming Mexican side Club America in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The only thing going for the Union so far in 2026 was their 12-0 rout of Defense Force in round 1 of the CCC. However, their second round opponents pose a much bigger threat.
Club American, however, find themselves struggling to get back to the continental powerhouse it once was. Nonetheless, the Union is not striking much fear into any opponent. Should the Union get handled by Club America in the midst of its MLS struggles, the noise will get real loud.
A huge source of the worry lies with Union manager Bradley Carnell. Many within MLS compared Carnell’s first season with the Union to his first season with St Louis. In 2023, Carnell would lead expansion side St Louis City SC to the top of the MLS Western Conference. However, Bradley Carnell would end up fired before the 2024 season even concluded due to St Louis’ steep regression.
In 2025, the Union had very few expectations in the first season post Jim Curtin. Of course, Carnell would shockingly lead the team to the Supporters’ Shield. Now, Union fans are worried Carnell is showing signs of another regression period.
At the end of the day, it is unfair to judge a team based on 5 professional games played together. Union fans should hold out hope that the team figures it out in the coming weeks. In all likelihood, a Supporters’ Shield repeat is looking very unlikely. However, who knows when, or if, this newly created Union squad will put it all together.
One thing is for sure, Philadelphia fans grow impatient very quickly, and the Union has not shown much 3 games into the MLS season.
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Categorized:Union
