The 2025 MLS season has been an unforgettable one for the Philadelphia Union. From shocking departures, tension between ownership and fanbase, and an improbable run to a trophy, let’s take a look back at how the Union got here in 2025.
The Closing of the Curtin
We cannot talk about 2025 without talking about the end of 2024. The Union would end up finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference in 2024. Simultaneously, it seemed the club was stuck with an aging roster, leaving its prime. Of course, 2024 would conclude with the shocking dismissal of long-time manager Jim Curtin.
Curtin had led the Union in the greatest stretch in club history. This included their first-ever playoff win in 2019, first trophy in 2020, and a trip to the MLS Cup in 2022. Curtin, who took over for the Union in the middle of 2014, struggled to push the Union over the hump. It was a tumultuous relationship between Curtin and the fanbase. Shouts of “Close the Curtin” would be heard in the years before 2019. However, once 2024 came around, Curtin had found himself adored by Union fans.
Unfortunately, the end of 2024 would shockingly be the time Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner decided it was time to “close the Curtin.” The move sent a shockwave through the Union fanbase. After years of mediocrity, it was Curtin who led the Union’s surge to title contenders. It was yet another divide between Union ownership and the fanbase.
Ownership VS Fanbase
Well before Curtin’s dismissal, the fanbase and owner Jay Sugarman had been clashing for years. Despite the Union’s consistent success from 2019-2023, Sugarman refused to invest largely into the roster. The Union remained at the bottom of the MLS in terms of spending. A fact that at the end of his tenure, Jim Curtin was not quiet about his displeasure.
By the end of 2024, Union ownership had to hold a town hall with the fanbase to air out all grievances. While the front office would not open the checkbook for star players, they had no problem adding in new premium seating options for the wealthiest of fans. A move that did not sit well with fans. With Curtin gone, along with fan favorite players such as Jack Elliott and Julian Carranza, it seemed the Union were truly headed towards a complete rebuild.
While 2025 was the start of a new era of Union soccer, not many people believed it would take off so quickly.
From the Bottom to the Top
Whether a reporter, analyst, or even a fan, no one believed the Union would sniff a trophy in 2025. In my exact words, I believed the US Open Cup was the Union’s best chance to win a trophy since they would be matched “with lower division teams.” Boy, was I wrong. The Union are your 2025 MLS Supporters’ Shield winners.
Now, it was not pretty at times for the Union, but they got it done when it mattered. Not only did the Union get back to its defensive strength, but they were also one of the best teams on the road in MLS. Including a gutsy 1-0 win in Cincinnati. Despite sending the club’s all-time leading scorer, Daniel Gazdag, away midseason, the Union offense was able to keep generating goals.
One thing the Bradley Carnell era has brought is fresh faces getting opportunities. One of Jim Curritin’s constant drawbacks was his refusal to give new players a chance. The best case in point is Tai Baribo. Baribo has been one of the top strikers in MLS in 2025. Under Jim Curtin, Baribo would rarely see the matchday squad.
The Union is not a completely new team under Bradley Carnell. They play the same smash-and-grab strategy they did under Curtin. However, Bradley Carnell has infused life into the squad that Curtin just could not anymore.
Ernst Tanner also made meaningful additions in key areas. Losing Julian Carranza, Daniel Gazdag, Jack McGlynn, and Jack Elliott should have put the Union in rebuild mode. Tanner rapidly retooled with Jovan Lukic, Iniana Vassilev, Bruno Damiani, and Milan Iloski. Tanner didn’t just sit by and collect transfer fee money. While he still has not brought in a 10+ million dollar superstar, he has built a team that meshes well in Carnell’s system.
The Union, from top to bottom, deserves massive applause for silencing all the doubts.
Job Not Finished
The Union now has a second trophy in the case. Now it is time to grab another one. Fortunately, the Union will host all rounds of the MLS Cup Playoffs as long as they are still alive. With one matchweek left to go, the Union does not know who they will meet in the first round series of 3 matches.
There is a high chance the Union’s 1 seed may come back to be a disadvantage. As the standings currently sit, the Chicago Fire and Columbus Crew will face off in a wildcard match. The winner faces the Union. The worst worst-case scenario would likely be having to face Columbus. While the Crew has struggled down the stretch, they are still a loaded team. Plus, Daniel Gazdag will know his former Union teammates like the back of his hand.
Of course, when you get to the playoffs, at some point, you will have to face the toughest of tests. The Union silenced the doubters and brought home the Supporters Shield in what was supposed to be a rebuild year. Who’s to say they can’t shock the league again and purge their 2022 MLS Cup demons?
Featured Image: Wes Shepherd/PHLSportsNation
Categorized: Union
