Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union
The Union returned to Subaru Park and made history, notching their 200th MLS win in a thrilling 3-1 comeback over the Colorado Rapids. With the victory, Philadelphia became the first team in MLS to reach 50 points this season and reclaimed first place in the Eastern Conference.
Starting XI:
Andre Blake – 6.5
Made his 260th career MLS start, the most in club history. Didn’t face many shots in his return to the starting lineup. Beaten on Colorado’s lone goal and the jury is still out on whether he’s completely to blame.
Jakob Glesnes – 7.5
As is becoming the norm this season (hopefully), Glesnes was a stabilizing presence in the back. His growing chemistry with Makhanya seems to let him focus on what he does best: anchoring the defense.
Olwethu Makhanya – 7.5
A couple of key clearances for the young defender. His quick recovery speed complements Glesnes’ positional discipline more and more each game.
Olivier Mbaizo – 6.5
Filling in for Harriel, Mbaizo put in a steady shift. Not particularly flashy in attack or defense but did the job well enough to support the win.
Kai Wagner – 8
Another match, another assist. Wagner delivered high energy and sharp service for most of the night, especially on the set piece that led to the equalizer.
Danley Jean Jacques – 6
Had multiple looks at goal but just couldn’t find the target. Energetic in the midfield, but missed chances left him visibly frustrated.
Jovan Lukic – 7
Started strong with an early volley chance and played a role in the clever build-up that led to the equalizer. Quieter than usual in the second half.
Quinn Sullivan – 6.5
Aggressive start with multiple shots in the first 45′ but couldn’t convert. The effort was there as usual, but the final product was lacking this time.
Indiana Vassilev – 7.5
Seems to be finding his stride in Union colors. Set up Uhre’s first goal with a well-timed pass and served as a solid connector between midfield and attack throughout.
Bruno Damiani – 6
Had a couple of decent chances, including a couple of headers, but couldn’t beat Steffen in goal.
Tai Baribo – 8.5
Scored the crucial equalizer and constantly created space with smart movement. His strength and presence disrupted Colorado’s back line. Now tied for the second-most goals in MLS this season with 15.
Substitutes:
(73′) Alejandro Bedoya – 7
Delivered a textbook long assist for Uhre’s second goal—his 40th career MLS assist. Calm and reliable in the final stretch.
(73′) Mikael Uhre – 13 (!)
Can you say “game-changer”? Scored twice in six minutes to complete the comeback and tie CJ Sapong for third-most goals in club history (36). Couldn’t have asked for more.
(90+2′) Sal Olivas – N/A
(90+4′) Jeremy Rafanello – N/A
Geiger Counter – Malik Badawi – 7
A noticeable improvement from last week’s overly card-happy performance, Badawi allowed for a physical but fair game on both sides, which helped maintain a solid match flow.
Player of the Match – Mikael Uhre
After battling through injury and putting in the hard work to support the attack in less visible ways, Uhre reminded everyone exactly what he’s capable of. His two goals not only sealed the Union’s win but marked a personal turning point—proof that all the pieces might finally be starting to fall into place. A clinical performance from a striker who’s earned his moment according to a woman who is constantly defending him to her seatmates in section 101.
What’s Next….
The Union will face Paxten Aaronson and Eintracht Frankfurt in an international friendly at Subaru Park on Saturday, August 2 before returning to MLS play at home on August 9th against Toronto FC.
I love Blake and in general agree with your rating of him but am concerned that he miss-hit a couple of goal kicks. Hope he is not hurt. Uhre has been working hard contributing all season and has been so close to scoring. So happy that Uhre scored – Twice! Also, same with Bruno, who has been a beast. He works so hard – I know goals are coming! In fact, I think his header was over the line and should have been a score but Zack Steffen jumped out of the goal so quickly the ref let play continue. DOOP!