Are the Union Legit?
The Philadelphia Union proved their week 1 win in Orlando was no fluke.
After trouncing Supporter Shield favorites Cincinnati, fans wonder if the Union is back to contenders.
No one could argue that the Union’s first win in Orlando to open the season felt a bit flukey. However, no one can question their week 2 win. Cincinnati is projected to finish around the top in MLS in 2025.
To put it simply, the Union dog walked them on Saturday.
A rejuvenated Union attack put up another 4-goal game while newcomers continued to impress.
The last remaining question is how long the Union can keep this up.
A Dream Start
Just 5 months after the Union shockingly fired Jim Curtin, the Union now sits atop the MLS standings under Bradley Carnell. Granted, we are just two weeks into the season, but many predicted the Union would finish outside a playoff spot. Simultaneously, the Union has trounced two teams that should be competing for a top spot in the Eastern Conference. It is hard to imagine a better start for a new look Union.
PHOTO: Wes Shepherd/PHLSportsNation
Perhaps Jim Curtin’s greatest flaw has found him at the top of the MLS MVP race. Tai Baribo is a star, and he is on fire. Following his hat trick against Cincinnati, Baribo now leads the MLS with 5 goals. Many MLS teams haven’t even scored 5 goals as a whole yet.
Another player who is shining and has more playing time is Quinn Sullivan. Sullivan finds himself leading MLS in assists with 3. Not far behind are Kai Wagner and Daniel Gazdag with 2.
While the defense could certainly clean up some areas, the Union is off to a dream start. However, we have seen this happen in MLS before.
Can the Union Break the Curse?
This is not the first time MLS has seen a smash-and-grab high-pressing team explode coming into a season. We most recently saw it when Bradley Carnell led St Loius to the top of the MLS Western Conference in their first season in 2022. However, these teams tend to fall apart once the magic wears off.
Not only do the Union have to worry about losing their magic touch, but they also have to worry about emptying the gas tank. The Union is playing a very intense playstyle for 90 minutes. This style forces opponents to make mistakes; unlike last season, they capitalize on them. However, this playstyle can run down players’ energy as the long season progresses. It remains to be seen how the team fairs when they face their first test of adversity.
The Union is riding high on a new coaching regime, new players getting a chance, and a new smash-and-grab pressing formation.
In the first two games, they have proven they can hang with, and beat, the best of MLS.
However, it remains to be seen if the Union can ride this to November or if the wheels start to come off at some point.
PHOTO: Wes Shepherd/PHLSportsNation
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