Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union
Head Coach Bradley Carnell unveiled his 27th different starting XI of the season with Tai Baribo suspended and Frankie Westfield on international duty, and still, the Union didn’t miss a beat.
Philadelphia sailed to a 6-0 road win at D.C. United, powered by a brace from Indiana Vassilev and key contributions from Mikael Uhre, Milan Iloski, and Bruno Damiani. The victory keeps the Boys in Blue atop the table with two matches remaining.
First Half
The Union’s depth was tested early when Quinn Sullivan was forced off with an injury in the 13th minute, bringing Mikael Uhre into the attack and pushing Milan Iloski into a playmaking role.
The switch paid off almost immediately. In the 17th minute, Iloski sparked a counterattack, slipping Uhre through on the left. The Dane squared across goal for Bruno Damiani, who tapped home the opener.
D.C. nearly hit back in the 26th and 30th minutes, as Jared Stroud rattled the post and then the crossbar. But Philadelphia struck again when in the 34th minute, Uhre’s shot ricocheted off defenders and into the net for 2-0.
Philadelphia weren’t done. Just three minutes later in the 36th, a quick give-and-go between Vassilev and Iloski set up Vassilev to pounce on a rebound and fire home, sending the Union into halftime with a commanding 3-0 advantage.
Second Half
The Union wasted no time continuing after the break. In the 49th minute, Iloski drilled a strike from distance to make it 4-0. Minutes later in the 51st, Vassilev netted his second goal of the night off a combination with Uhre, completing his third career brace.
The scoring capped off in the 62nd minute, when Iloski set up Uhre for his first “official” goal of the match. With the job done, Carnell turned to his bench, bringing on fresh legs like Jesus Bueno, Jeremy Rafanello, Ben Bender, and Olivier Mbaizo to close out the game.
On the defensive side, Andre Blake and the backline of Wagner, Harriel, Makhanya, and Glesnes held firm, denying D.C. any chance of a comeback and preserving the clean sheet.
Three Points
- Gamechanger Energy: Playing alongside Iloski and Damiani, Uhre yet again transformed Philly’s front line from “meh” to “mess with us and regret it.” That assist on Damiani’s opener? Pure perfection. That late goal? Chef’s kiss.
- Milestone Mania: The Union’s 6-0 win was not only their largest margin of victory of 2025, but also the team’s (1) eighth road win of the season, a new club record, (2) 19th win overall, tying the single-season franchise mark, and (3) highest single-game scoring output of the year.
- Worth Repeating: Thrust into the starting XI early after Sullivan’s injury, Uhre reminded everyone why he’s dangerous. One assist, one goal (shall we call it two?), and a whole lot of “I told you so” energy.
Lineups
Philadelphia Union (4-4-2): Andre Blake, Jakob Glesnes, Nathan Harriel, Kai Wagner, Olwethu Makhanya, Jovan Lukic, Indiana Vassilev (Jeremy Rafanello – 63′, Olivier Mbaizo – 83′), Danley Jean Jacques, Quinn Sullivan (Mikael Uhre – 13′), Bruno Damiani (Jesus Bueno – 63′), Milan Iloski (Ben Bender – 83′)
Unused Substitutes: Neil Pierre, Andrew Rick, Chris Donovan, Alejandro Bedoya
D.C. United (4-3-3): Jordan Farr, Lukas MacNaughton (Boris Enow – 65′), Kye Rowles, Connor Antley, Aaron Herrera (Derek Dodson – 58′), Matti Peltola, Brandon Servania (Rida Zouhir – 75′), Jared Stroud (Caden Clark – 58′), João Peglow, Gabriel Pirani, Christian Benteke (Jacob Murrell – 65′)
Unused Substitutes: Luis Barraza, Hosei Kijima, David Schnegg
Scoring Summary:
PHI: Bruno Damiani (Mikael Uhre, Milan Iloski) – 17′
PHI: Conner Antley (Own Goal) – 34′
PHI: Indiana Vassilev – 36’
PHI: Milan Iloski (Bruno Damiani) – 49′
PHI: Indiana Vassilev (Mikael Uhre, Kai Wagner) – 51′
PHI: Mikael Uhre (Milan Iloski) – 62′
Disciplinary Summary:
DCU: Brandon Servania (Yellow – Foul) – 33’
DCU: Jared Stroud (Yellow – Poor Sportsmanship) – 38’
PHI: Olwethu Makhanya (Yellow – Poor Sportsmanship) – 57’
Great result, but DC is just so terrible.
Good news is that we earned the expected 3 points and almost negated the Vancouver drop in goal differential.
. . .
DC United is awful though. Standing in the Heineken section of Audi Field and watching the early first half play development, the initial strong press gave DC several easy scoring opportunities.
. . .
Thankfully DC couldn’t hit the side of a barn for finishing. Were DC playoff caliber, the match could have gone a different direction early on finishing and tempo. We still have playoff problems on developing passing exchanges, settling passed balls, and one-on-one maintenance of the ball while in possession. There’s no trash clubs in the playoffs. That will cost us in the playoffs.
. . .
What I did like was the comeback spirit after yet another letdown week on trophy aspirations. Our coach stressed that fact, and it proved true. Sugarman’s cheapness in buying is critical difference makers is responsible, not the lads giving their best with what they have.
. . .
I’ve seen this season akin to Nottingham Forest last cycle. Had most of us guessed that we’d be this far given last year, few would have guessed.
. . .
In the end, Nottingham Forest had to complain about dual ownership to get Europa League and regretted not making Champions League on Decision Day. Had you asked them in the beginning of the season, they would have been delighted at making Conference League. That’s coincidentally us this year.
. . .
I’ve no illusions that winning MLS Cup is shooting for the stars (it’s still a chance though), but if we at least make Champions Cup qualification again, then it’s still a major accomplishment against initial expectations. I’ve no illusuons that we’ll win that too, but marquee competitive international competition is always great as the Newcastles, Nottingham Forests, and Crystal Palaces know.
. . .
The MLS Supporters’ Shield winner, the remaining MLS Conference regular season leader, and the next two teams in the Supporters’ Shield table qualify. Hopefully our lads seize the moment in a tough season finish while controlling their destiny.
If you want to see Champions Cup, root for Orlando tonight. If they can get a win or draw tonight, that would put the Union one win away from qualifying (Miami would then be the only team able to catch them and they’ve already qualified via Garber Cup).
Go Purple!!
Indeed I am. SJ beating SD last night was also a big backhanded favor.
. . .
Things also look promising in the West. SD and Vancouver have 57 points at the top compared to our 63. Nobody else in the West can overtake us.
. . .
Besides the 6 point lead over both of them, we’re also ahead of SD on number of wins, PPG, and GD.
. . .
SD has played 32 matches and the Caps
31. Despite the game in hand against SD and us, the Caps are also playing in the Canadian Championship final against lower tier Vancouver FC, which the Caps should win. Once they likely do, they’ll qualify for CCC through that path.
. . .
With Miami and presumably the Caps already qualifying via other paths, even a default qualification already looks promising as it stands right now.
Had forgotten that Vancouver would likely qualify through Canada so thanks for that.
.
LAFC can still catch the Union as well if they win out. They have a relatively easy schedule but 2 of their 4 games are during the international break when hopefully they will be without a bunch of top players.
I don’t think LAFC can catch the Union unless the U drop points in both games. Max points LAFC can get is 65; Union sit at 63 right now.
If the Union win either of the last 2, no one from the west can catch them. Only Vancouver could tie them and the Union would have more wins. They would do better than San Diego if they get a point in either game. LAFC’s max points is 65 so only would be a factor if the Union end with 2 draws or worse.
Orlando got the draw tonight against Cincy.
Wrong time to be losing bodies
“We’re dead”
–
Us, Union fans, after writing off the season Wednesday night two weeks ago
–
“That’s the Undertaker’s music!!!!”
–
AppleTV commentators, announcing the match last night.
The fact this team once again has the fewest goals against in the league despite shipping seven to Vancouver is just wild
And I believe 9 of the 26 goals outside the Vancouver game were stoppage time goals (both halves). Imagine if they had been able to cut those out as well.
I’m of course very concerned about Quinn. But also Harriel and Kai, both of whom appeared to take some real hard knocks, Nate clutching his shoulder over last 10-15 minutes and Kai limping around. Wondering why Bradley didn’t sub them out. No suitable replacements? Thought they were best options to keep the clean sheet/GD?
By the time they mentioned Wagner struggling, they had used all of their subs. And several of the ones they used were injury related (Sullivan, Vassilev, and Rafanello).
With westfield away they are missing a depth piece on the defensive line, a positiion where they have been a man thin ever since Glavinovich went down.
.
They cose to. wait for Neil Pierre, but Carnell’s most recent comment suggests Pierre is not yet ready for MLS in his — Carnell’s — opinion.
The Union have clinched a top 3 spot. The only 2 teams that can mathematically catch the Union are Cincinnati and Miami.
.
Cincinnati plays host to Orlando tonight, followed by a trip to New Jersey next weekend (where the Cows will be fighting for their lives if Chicago doesn’t beat Miami on Tuesday). They wrap up the season hosting Montreal.
.
Miami has 3 home games coming up, Tuesday against Chicago (who can clinch the last playoff spot with a win), next Saturday against New England, and during the international break against Atlanta. The end the season in Nashville who will likely be fighting for playoff positioning (as will both of the Union’s remaining foes).
.
Outside of the Union game, they should have also gained confidence that they can win both of the last 2 based on Charlotte getting pummeled at home 1-4 against then conference worst Montreal.
Charlotte went a man down in a game where Montreal’s players are playing for jobs. In fairness to Andy I know nothing more about that match so he may be correct in his judgment.
Matt Freese was subbed out of the NYCFC match last night due to injury, haven’t seen anything else regarding what it was or severity.
Matty Ice’s injury was a head injury.
Yes, let’s call it “two.” Two goals for Uhre-Mikael-Uhre, Uhre-Mikael-Uhre!
I’m with you. Two goals , two assists.
Does anyone know why Bender was on the bench last night? Cavan Sullivan didn’t play the Union II match on Friday but also wasn’t on the bench last night. Injury or something else?
I was thinking the same thing. Maybe he was getting ready for his sweet 16 party today.
I saw that tweet from the team’s account and had the same thought.
A Sweet 16 party is a valid reason. It could also be a cover for a move to Europe. He travelled to England in late July to begin his preparation for Manchester City. MC won’t want potential damaged goods from first team injuries by full grown and well seasoned professionals in MLS. They have an investment to protect.
. . .
Given his dual citizenship with the EU/Germany via his maternal side, he can play at 16 y/o for teams like Girona, Lommel, Troyes, and Palermo within the City Football Group (CFG) that also owns MC.
. . .
Anyone have any knowledge or scuttlebutt on that possibility?
IF Miami loses to Chicago Tuesday night and the Union win on Saturday, they will clinch first place in the East and in the league (Supporters Shield). The Union would hold the first tiebreaker of wins at 20, which neither Vancouver nor Miami (provided they lose Tuesday night) would be able to beat at that point.
A Miami draw tomorrow tonight would also work since then the Union would have the tiebreaker with a win.
They actually won?!?!?!?! Saturday Night could be special!
Just watched this one. Man, that was fun. Still disappointed no update on Quinn. Saturday at the Soob gonna be big if Miami loses this week.
–
Side note, re: Apple and team coverage
You can say it’s great that I was able to watch spoiler-free tonight. I say, wow, if a tree falls…
I was watching, reading and listening today about that playoff-bound red team and that 4–0 green team while also reading with anticipation about the orange team. Nothing on the blue team. While I avoided here, obviously, disheartened this team’s playoffs will hardly dent the “4 for 4” fanbase
Just saw a post from Quinn Sullivan that he has a torn ACL.
That sucks. Thanks for posting here
Just brutal for him. Hopefully he makes a full recovery and comes back just as strong next season.
Brutal. Saw it happen. He was in a shoving match to protect the ball and pulled up. Then struggled from there and had to leave.
With the news of Quinn Sullivan tearing his ACL, Westfield being away at U-20 World Cup and Rafanello coming off injured, I believe these are all of the roles Nate Harriel currently has on the Union roster for at least the rest of the regular season (and I’m not really trying to be funny):
– Starting RB
– Backup LB
– Backup CB
– Backup Attacking Mid
– Emergency GK
At least he’s got range
With the form Uhre is in, I would like to see him on the field with Baribo, Damaini & Iloski if Vassilev can’t go this weekend. With Uhre able to run the channel and Iloski able to shoot from distance, I think this could create a lot of opportunities for a one touch poacher like Baribo and more space for Damaini.