Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union

The Philadelphia Union (1-0-6) battled back from a deficit to ultimately defeat CF Montréal (1-0-6), securing their first win and points of the 2026 MLS season. Iván Jaime’s opener was canceled out by Union defender Japhet Sery Larsen’s header, before Jesús Bueno hammered home the winner. The result sees the Union lifted out of the Eastern Conference basement, and means the Union are safe from the ignominy of extending their franchise worst start to the season. 

First Half

The Philadelphia Union began the game with energy, and briefly controlled the tempo, but were unable to create any meaningful chances in their opening flurry. CF Montréal quickly took over, and the contest became a disjointed affair, featuring many fouls, yellow cards, and two VAR reviews.

In the 13th minute, Montréal were gifted a big chance following a mistake from Jovan Lukić. The Serbian midfielder was dispossessed in the Union’s half by Wiki Carmona, but his through ball to Iván Jaime was cut out by the on-rushing Andre Blake. Despite Referee Alexis Da Silva awarding a penalty to Montréal, VAR confirmed that Blake got a touch, over turning the spot kick.

The Union had their first truly threatening moment in the 22nd minute. Jesús Bueno’s in-swinging cross went into the danger area and CFM keeper Thomas Gillier was unable to punch it away. The ball fell to Damiani, but the Uruguayan forward rushed his shot, and it blazed over the bar.

Shortly after, Montréal would open the scoring through Iván Jamie. Efrain Morales played a first-time pass up the field that caught the Union defense in the moment of transition. Jamie was the benefactor, dribbling around Makhanya and coolly finishing past Blake. After another VAR check, this time for a potential foul on Ben Bender in the build up, Da Silva opted to let the goal stand.

Milan Iloski recorded the Union’s first shot on goal in the 42nd minute, but his long range free kick was ultimately a simple save for Gillier.

Jesús Bueno’s ripping volley nearly tied the game in first half added time, but the Montréal keeper was equal to the effort, sending the Union back to the locker rooms staring down the barrel of a 7th straight loss.

Second Half

Although the Union looked sluggish out the gates – and required a big Andre Blake save in the 52nd minute to keep them in the game – Philadelphia was able to flip the script on their hosts, battling back to win the match.

In the 55th minute, the Boys in Blue found an equalizer. Predictably, the chance came from a free kick, which saw Iloski’s delivery find an unmarked Sery Larsen, who easily headed home from close range. 

In the 66th minute, Head Coach Bradley Carnell turned to his bench, subbing in Ezekiel Alladoh for Ben Bender. 

The Boys in Blue would find their go-ahead goal in the 70th minute through Jesús Bueno. Nathan Harriel launched a long throw into the box, and Alladoh flicked on a headed pass, finding the run of Bueno. The Venezuelan made no mistake with his finish, giving the Union the lead.

Philadelphia kept the pressure on in search of a third goal. Second half sub Alejandro Bedoya nearly iced the game in spectacular fashion, with a diving header in the 84th minute, but Gillier was somehow able to get a hand to it.

A Montréal free kick in the 6th minute of added time was the final chance of the game. But, Olger Escobar overhit the delivery, sending the ball into the stands. Da Silva blew his whistle for full-time, dashing Montréal hopes and sending the Union into ecstatic celebrations. The Boys in Blue have finally won a game.

3 Points

• Curse-Breaker: The Union were finally able to snap their losing streak, picking up their first win and points of the season. The comeback result means Philly is out of the basement, for this week at least. 

• Use Your Head: Both Philly goals were finished, or set up by, headers from set-pieces. After weeks of poor play in that area, it was a good sign to see the Union find success there.

• Jesús has Risen: Fittingly, it being Easter-time, Jesús Bueno scored the winning goal to secure a Man of the Match performance. After 4 years with the team, he seems to be breaking into a starting role.

Lineups

Philadelphia Union (4-2-2-2): Andre Blake (GK), Nathan Harriel, Olwethu Makhanya, Japhet Sery Larsen (Phillipe Ndinga 81’), Frankie Westfield; Ben Bender (Ezekiel Alladoh 66’ ), Jesús Bueno, Jovan Lukić, Indiana Vassilev (Cavan Sullivan 88’), Bruno Damiani, Milan Iloski (Alejandro Bedoya 81’).

Substitutes not used: Andrew Rick (GK), Geiner Martinez, Finn Sundstrom, Jeremy Rafanello, Malik Jakupovic .

CF Montréal (4-2-3-1): Thomas Gillier (GK), Luca Petrasso, Efraín Morales (Tomas Aviles 70’),Brayan Vera, Dawid Bugaj, Matty Longstaff, Victor Loturi (Olger Escobar 82’), Iván Jaime, Wiki Carmona (Fabian Herbers 37’ [Kwadwo Opoku 82’]), Dagur Thorhallsson (Hennadii Synchuk 70’), Prince Owusu.

Substitutes not used: Sébastian Breza (GK), Samuel Piette, Daniel Rios, Brandan Craig.

Scoring Summary:

MTL: Iván Jamie (Efrain Morales) – 23’

PHI: Japhet Sery Larsen (Milan Iloski) – 55’

PHI: Jesús Bueno (Ezekiel Alladoh) – 70’

Disciplinary Summary:

MTL: Thomas Gillier  (Yellow) – 22’

MTL: Prince Owusu (Yellow) – 37’

MTL: Victor Louri (Yellow) – 43’

PHI: Sery Larsen (Yellow) – 45 +6’

PHI: Olwethu Makhanya (Yellow) – 59’

PHI: Bruno Damiani (Yellow) – 85’

PHI: Jovan Lukic (Yellow) – 90 + 5’