All photos credit Ryan McElroy
A cold night in Philly for the home opener, new faces in the lineup, and a squad that looks like the real deal—this one didn’t disappoint. Fresh off a 4-2 win to start the season, the Union kept the energy high with a dominant 4-1 victory over FC Cincinnati. Tai Baribo put on a show with a hat trick, sending Subaru Park into a frenzy and proving that even with some new pieces and a new coaching staff, this team is built to compete.
Tai Baribo relentlessly chases the ball, pressing FC Cincinnati’s defense.
Sons of Ben wave flags and set off smoke after Tai Baribo’s opening goal.
Tai Baribo, Daniel Gazdag, and Danley Jean Jacques argue an offside call, confident they were onside.
Daniel Gazdag and Tai Baribo watch intently, anticipating VAR to overturn the offside call.
VAR overturns the call—Tai Baribo’s second goal stands. The team erupts in celebration as Frankie Westfield jumps into the air.
Frankie Westfield surveys the field, looking for options.
Tai Baribo puts the ball past Roman Celentano for what would have been his first-half hat trick, but the goal is called back.
Jovan Lukic takes a shot as two defenders close in on him.
Frankie Westfield, Jakob Glesnes, Danley Jean Jacques, and Daniel Gazdag defend a throw-in deep in FC Cincinnati’s half.
Quinn Sullivan and Kai Wagner stand over a free kick in the second half, with Sons of Ben in the distance.
Frankie Westfield wins a 50/50 ball with a perfectly timed slide tackle.
Kai Wagner whips in a corner in the second half.
The ball finds the back of the net again, a familiar sight for Roman Celentano.
The Union celebrate Tai Baribo’s hat trick as Olwethu Makhanya jumps onto the team huddle.
FC Cincinnati’s lone goal scorer, Evander, looks dejected as Sons of Ben’s goal smoke lingers in the distance.
Mikael Uhre rises above two FC Cincinnati defenders to win a header.
Obinna Nwobodo receives a yellow card for a tackle on Daniel Gazdag in the 75th minute.
Cavan Sullivan replaces Tai Baribo in the 82nd minute.
Quinn Sullivan sprints forward, dribbling past FC Cincinnati defenders.
Bruno Damiani makes his Union debut and nets his first goal.
Roman Celentano looks up in defeat at the big screen after Bruno Damiani’s goal.
Man of the Match Tai Baribo hits the drum as the Union celebrate a 4-1 victory.
Cavan Sullivan stops to take pictures with fans after the match.
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This team is finally being coached to play possession and to really find a way to make the best possible pass. with the talent we had in the past few season we had the ability to play this style. Good riddance coach Curtin.
This team will easily make playoffs this season, this is the scariest looking Union squad since the team was created. And yes I’m making this prediction after game 2.