Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union
The Philadelphia Union’s record poor start to the season continued after dropping a 2-1 result at home to Gregg Berhalter’s Chicago Fire. After conceding a flukey opener, they mounted a quick response, scoring just their third goal this season to level the game before the break. But, a poor second half doomed the Boys in Blue to another losing effort. Philadelphia have now lost 5 matches in a row and are nailed to the bottom of the league table with 0 points. Let’s get into the ratings.
Player Ratings:
Andre Blake – 5
The Jamaican net-minder was hung out to dry on the first goal, and in most of the second half. He ultimately didn’t face many shots on target. Perhaps he could have covered his near post better on the Fire’s winner, but pro players typically score on open shots in the box.
Phillipe Ndinga – 4
While it was good to see the Union’s latest U22 signing get more involved in the attack, he had a couple of notable mistakes, namely a costly turnover that led to the Fire’s game winner. Still, as he continues to settle in and develop, Nidinga seems likely to become a solid player.
Olwethu Makhanya – 4
While his technical ability is always an asset, he was shaky on defense in this one. Perhaps it was due to the Union’s poor press – and the dangerous counterattacks they gave up – but if Mak is going to be ‘The Guy’ at CB this season, he needs to take a step up.
Nathan Harriel – 6
At center back this game, Harriel was solid on defence, including a highlight reel worthy play during first half stoppage time where his perfectly timed last-ditch slide tackle saved a certain goal. Unfortunately, his on-ball play limited the Union’s build up and attacking threat in the box.
Frankie Westfield – 7
Philly’s best player on the night. The Union’s attack flows better when Westfield is involved with it, so it’s interesting that they mainly choose to attack through the left. Created some dangerous chances down the right wing. Secondary assist from his throw-in. Game-leading 5 fouls drawn.
Jesús Bueno – 6
The Venezuelan midfielder was involved in a little bit of everything during a good first half. He got brutally unlucky on the deflection that led to the Fire’s first goal. It’s a shame he was withdrawn at the break, but it was likely a planned substitution, considering he went all 90 in Mexico midweek.
Danley Jean-Jacques – 5
The Union’s midfield engine had a bright start to the game, helping the team regain possession on defense multiple times, and got involved in the buildup. But, he stalled out after the interval, and was substituted.
Alejandro Bedoya – 5
El Capitán picked up a nice assist on a trademarked flicked header, and even hit the crossbar on another setpiece chance. While he still brings leadership and aggression, his legs don’t have the same juice anymore, and it really started to show the longer he was on the field.
Cavan Sullivan – 6
One of the few bright spots for the Union – both in this game and on the season. His quickness and ability to beat his man on the dribble are traits this squad is sorely lacking. Starting to look the part more and more, but still waiting for him to truly take over a game in MLS.
Milan Iloksi – 4
Finally got off the mark in MLS this season but hasn’t hit the dizzying heights that he did in 2025. The former UCLA Bruin had better set piece deliveries in this one, and won a few fouls, but overall there were too many turnovers and loose passes. Respect for attempting that audacious bicycle kick effort.
Bruno Damiani – 3
The Union’s sole DP racked up plenty of defensive actions and fouls drawn but just 2 shots and none on target. While his hustle leads to some effective pressing moves, his lack of pace severely limits his effectiveness in this current setup. This team just doesn’t play to his strengths right now.
Substitutes:
Jovan Lukić – 5
Better passing from the Serb in his appearance off the bench. While defensive work is his bread and butter, he could’ve done better during the transition on the Fire’s game winner.
Indiana Vassilev – 3
Aside from a good take on a free-kick opportunity, almost nothing Indy tried came off.
Malik Jakupovic – 5
The Union’s ‘Next Big Thing’ showed some flashes in his MLS debut. It would be good to see him and Cavan get time together.
Jeremy Rafanello – 4
Unable to positively affect the Union’s chances much.
Ben Bender– N/a
It’s clear Bender offers something on the ball, but is he really going to get involved out of his natural position at left back?
Geiger Counter:
Nabil Bensalah– 6
Definitely missed a few calls on both sides, but nothing too dramatic. Overall, fairly consistent decisions, so can’t complain about much.
Player of the Match: Jonathan Bamba
Jonathan Bamba is a pacey, attack-minded player, who threatens on the ball while offering a high-work rate. Just like his playoff game against Philly last season, he was a constant threat, and stretched the field vertically. His hard work was rewarded with a relatively simple goal off a counter attack, which won the game for the Fire. He is a great example of what the Union are sorely missing this season.
What’s Next
The Philadelphia Union will have the week off but Andre Blake won’t, as he and Jamaica travel to Mexico for the FIFA World Cup Inter-Confederation Playoffs. Should Jamaica beat Oceania’s New Caledonia, they will face off with the DR Congo to decide the final spot in Group K at this Summer’s tournament. It’s crunch time for the Reggae Boyz as they look to return to the world stage for the first time since their debut at France ‘98.
Meanwhile, the Union will have an extra week to prepare for an April 4th away day to Charlotte FC, who are coming off a 6-1 demolition of NYRB.
Makhanya is getting exposed without Glesnes next to him.
which reduces his transfer value…
kinda like Wagner went thru?
Beginning to feel like one of the many things the Union lack at the moment is a calm presence on the ball at the back when the play needs to slow down or have a moment of control. Glesnes was particularly good at it. Thought Makhanya had a lot of very good moments busting up attacks as they came, but he’s not yet there.
ABSOLUTELY….. Spot on.
That IS what’s missing…
Even as manic as Martinez was. HE DID THAT.
FIRE CARNELL
HIRE PETE!
Genuine question. I have listened to the post game media availability multiple times with Alejandro and Andre. Am I out of line to be turned off completely by the sound of children playing in the background?
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Am I a Grumpy Pundit? Seems unprofessional to me.
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Also seems to be an indictment, unspoken about the group too. Playing like a bunch of children.
Stopped watching Sugarman propaganda years ago… 1984!
While this team is clearly less than the sum of its parts, there are 2 specific players I think are overrated here.
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Iloski needs to be downgraded for the horrendous quality of his free kicks. It seemed like his goal is to see how close to the center of the wall he can hit with the ball rather than kicking the ball past the wall.
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And Danley doesn’t seem to have heard Carnell tell us that the Union is a counterattacking team. When he gets the ball and should start a counterattack he consistently takes it to midfield and turns around to slow the play down with a back pass so the other team’s defenders can get back.
Agree on Iloski’s free kicks. Reliably sub standard.
Spot on…..
Always been a pet pev…. like free throws in basketball…. PKs too. S/B automatic.
too many players these days psyche themselves out and fail.
BTW Bueno should be a 90 minute man in the role Martinez played…. and bench all midfielders.
Play all strikers, let them figure it out. Midfielders NOT feeding a talented striker group.
Carnell has no answers.
BTW .. fair ratings. Thanks.
Antoine Griezmann was signed by Orlando after they fired Oscar Paraja… to save a season.
We do dick….. after 0-5-0 start… and more to come. And a lame duck Coach after gutting the franchise for CASH.
NOT saying we need to sign a high priced has been…. but WTF.
Is this all there is Jay?
This is what I paid for this year… and 16 years before?
Remember those letters I’ve written during the past 17 years?
YOU know you do….
Sell the team to Middleton and Lurie. Let them grow it, MLS 2026 style.
YOU are unwilling and unable.
Keep the MLS Next team… and start USL teams for the region from your academy.
Laudable goals… did NOT work for anyone but your pockets.
Thank YOU for the franchise.
Ba bye….
Union2010 raises an issue regarding farm clubs.
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MLS NextPro obviously adds the pluses of full control regarding players, schedules, venues, etc. NextPro is where the chief reserve team, U2, should be.
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USL Leagues 1 and 2 are potentially different stories. They can offer expanded development experiences beyond the Academy
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Further, farm clubs mark turf and cultivate fan territory. The Union needs to guard against territorial encroachment from the NY/DC clubs. NY metro area migration into the Trenton, Reading, WB/Scranton, Pocono, and Lehigh Valley areas has been extensive. DC United becomes a competitive option in the PA Susquehanna River areas, MD, and below the canal in DE. Bandwagon types who don’t feel connected to any regional team may follow someone else. The Phillies and Orioles certainly note these things by locking down regional minor league teams.
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Thankfully, DCU and Red Bull suck in recent times while NYCFC has been carpetbagging in baseball parks. That’ll change though, especially with NYCFC investing to be a marquee club upon their new stadium next year. You snooze you lose.
+1
Sugarman wants to develop players to sell…. laudable goals, BUT NOT MLS or local fan goals.
Sell this team, just the MLS team to Middleton and Lurie, let them play in MLS.
Sugarman is unwilling, even got his GM in hot water by rejecting MLS draft, NOT signing players who would make the difference.
Charlie Findley tried it with the Oakland A’s …but MLB stopped him.
Sugarman needs to go. Cut off his main source of income. Don’t go to the games.
#boycottthesoob
#selltheteam
Get this…
MLS assigned the #1 pick in waver draft… to the Union… not sure why (last place, no points????)
They then IMMEDIATELY sold the #1 WAVER pick to Dallas??????
Mo’ money……
Gee go figure.
ITS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY.
“Philadelphia Union have acquired $75k in 2026 General Allocation Money and an additional $50k in conditional GAM from FC Dallas in exchange for the first overall spot in the MLS Waiver order.”
NOT ONE OF ALL THE GUYS MLS WAVED COULD NOT HELP THIS PATHETIC TEAM?
REALLY????
REALLY?
Just saying, these are the Top Potential 2026 MLS Waiver/Re-Entry Draft Candidates from the league list in Dec 2025.
NOT ONE COULD HAVE HELPED THE UNION?
Brooks Lennon (D, Atlanta United): Option declined in 2025/2026 projections.
Bill Tuiloma (D, Charlotte FC): Option declined in 2025/2026 projections.
Julio Cascante (D, Austin FC): Veteran defender with option declined, high likelihood of being in re-entry/waiver.
Diego Rubio (F, Austin FC): Experienced forward with option declined.
Randall Leal (M, Nashville SC/D.C. United): Option declined, expected to be available.
Eryk Williamson (M, Charlotte FC/D.C. United): Out of contract/declined, versatile midfielder.
Mason Toye (F, Sporting KC): Option declined, potential scoring depth.
Dominique Badji (F, D.C. United): Waived in early 2026, proven MLS depth.