Posted by Chris Gibbons
on December 10, 2025 at 6:42 am
An unequivocally and unexpectedly successful Union season ended with a loss to New York City FC in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Jeremy and Chris are back to talk about the game, the season, the roster, the front office, and what’s next.
Author: Chris Gibbons
Chris Gibbons is the captain of noted PSP feeder club West Philly FC, and the co-host of the All3Points podcast (@all3points). He writes columns and match analyses in addition to his editing duties, and his pieces are often full of Douglas Adams quotes or the kind of music that shows his nearly middle age.
Is this deja vue all over again?
.
or same blueprint?
.
AI Overview
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Yes, the year after St. Louis City SC won the Supporters’ Shield in 2023, under Bradley Carnell as coach, they did trade away key players like Jared Stroud, a significant attacking piece, along with defender Lucas Bartlett, in January 2024 for Chris Durkin, indicating roster changes after their historic first season.
.
The Trade: St. Louis sent midfielder Jared Stroud, defender Lucas Bartlett, and allocation money to D.C. United for midfielder Chris Durkin.
.
Key Player Departure: Stroud was a vital part of their attack, ranking fourth in goal contributions in their 2023 championship season and being a top crosser.
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Context: This move followed their successful 2023 campaign, showing early roster adjustments as they transitioned from an expansion team to a contender, though Carnell’s coaching tenure with St. Louis ended, and he later moved to the Philadelphia Union.
As far as I can see, Stroud had four goals and an assist in 2023. Didn’t exactly tear up trees. Not sure what the point is here unless you’re worried our transfers – rumored and otherwise – are going to set the team back. Only time in recent history the Union have gone backwards in the off season has been more from keeping players rather than selling them off.
The point is very simple… history repeating itself and we miss the playoffs in 2026…
.
not spring board to the MLS CUP Finals as we should.
.
People do not change…. EVER.
.
See ya’ll in February.
.
NOT expecting anything again for 2026. Much more fun that way.
.
Merry Christmas to all.
Good season recap and view towards 2026. Thanks!
Congrats on staying with it the whole season! Hope it keeps going next year!
Is this deja vue all over again?
.
or same blueprint?
.
AI Overview
.
Yes, the year after St. Louis City SC won the Supporters’ Shield in 2023, under Bradley Carnell as coach, they did trade away key players like Jared Stroud, a significant attacking piece, along with defender Lucas Bartlett, in January 2024 for Chris Durkin, indicating roster changes after their historic first season.
.
The Trade: St. Louis sent midfielder Jared Stroud, defender Lucas Bartlett, and allocation money to D.C. United for midfielder Chris Durkin.
.
Key Player Departure: Stroud was a vital part of their attack, ranking fourth in goal contributions in their 2023 championship season and being a top crosser.
.
Context: This move followed their successful 2023 campaign, showing early roster adjustments as they transitioned from an expansion team to a contender, though Carnell’s coaching tenure with St. Louis ended, and he later moved to the Philadelphia Union.
St. Louis CITY SC did NOT make the MLS playoffs in 2024… see above
As far as I can see, Stroud had four goals and an assist in 2023. Didn’t exactly tear up trees. Not sure what the point is here unless you’re worried our transfers – rumored and otherwise – are going to set the team back. Only time in recent history the Union have gone backwards in the off season has been more from keeping players rather than selling them off.
The point is very simple… history repeating itself and we miss the playoffs in 2026…
.
not spring board to the MLS CUP Finals as we should.
.
People do not change…. EVER.
.
See ya’ll in February.
.
NOT expecting anything again for 2026. Much more fun that way.
.
Merry Christmas to all.