The Philadelphia Union is gearing up for the 2025 MLS Season. As the team kicks off the season in Europe, let’s take a look at the top 5 games to look forward to in 2025.
Unfortunately, the Union took a tumble down the mountain in 2024. After years of being at the top of MLS, the Union failed to make the playoffs. Now, the Union enters 2025 preparing for a new era. The post-Jim Curtin era will tell whether the Union will stick around the top or fall into MLS nobodies.
February 22 @ Orlando
The game most fans are likely looking forward to is an obvious one. That being the opening game of the Union’s 2025 MLS season. While the stakes are never high when the season first gets started, this will be the first look at the Bradley Carnell-led Philadelphia Union.
Fans will be able to get an idea on how much of the playing philosophy has changed. While growing pains are certain to be expected, if the Union comes out looking lost then the season may be one to forget. On the other hand, if the Union comes out hot, fans may buy back into the team. Nonetheless, the first game of a new era is always a must-watch.
March 1 VS Cincinnati
The second game to look forward to, funny enough, is the second game of the season. That would be the Union’s home opener against new rivals FC Cincinnati. Similarly to the first game, this one is a must-watch because we are in a new era of Union soccer.
The Union’s home opener will give a glimpse into what the atmosphere will be like at Subaru Park. It is a very tumultuous time in the Union fandom. Many fans have loudly voiced their displeasure towards many things. After a season where they missed the playoffs, fired Jim Curtin, and refuse to address the roster, it will be interesting to see the fan support.
The Union pose a high sell out rate, albeit in their fairly small home stadium. Should things go south quickly into the season, do not be surprised to see Subaru Park empty along with it.
May 14 VS LA Galaxy
Now, let’s talk about a game without a negative tone. The Union host the LA Galaxy for the first time since July 2018. The Galaxy is the reigning MLS Cup Champions and bring the star power you would expect from a team in Los Angeles.
Now, if the Union continue to slide down the mountain as they did in 2024, this game could get ugly. However, this game could be a huge test to see if the Union can still hang with the top of the league. Nonetheless, it is a high-profile match coming to Subaru Park.
May 24 VS Inter Miami
Love him or hate him, he is a legend of the game. Inter Miami and Lionel Messi are scheduled to come to Subaru Park May 24th. Now, Messi missed his chance to play in Subaru Park last season due to international duty. This season he has a second chance.
Messi played once before in Chester. That was when he and Miami came in and thrashed the Union in the Leagues Cup in 2023. The Union will have a chance to get theirs back and the fans will have a chance to see a legend before their eyes.
March 22 VS St Louis
Finally, the last game that has a chance to be interesting is March 22nd, when the Union face Bradley Carnell’s former team. Carnell helped St Louis explode onto the scene in 2023. He led them to finishing first in the Western Conference in their first season. Ultimately, Carnell was fired because the team was not taking any more steps forward.
The chess match between a coach and his former team is always interesting. Will the team who is familiar with the opposing coach’s playstyle have the advantage? Or will a motivated Carnell be looking to take 3 points from his former team?
Simultaneously, this matchup features two clubs looking for their identity going forward. It is also St Louis’s first trip to Subaru Park.
Pivotal Season for the Union
While these are just 5 games to circle for the Union’s season, 2025 is a pivotal season within the Union organization. Multiple questions stand to be answered.
The fanbase will figure out if firing Jim Curtin was the right choice if the Union and its aging roster can still compete, and if other fans still fully support the Union after the controversial offseason. If the Union continues to slide down the mountain while every other MLS team takes off up it, the fanbase will turn on the ownership and front office.
2025 will be the test if the Union can stay relevant or if they fall back to being mediocre bottom of MLS team. Only time will tell.
Featured Image: Wes Shepherd/PHLSportsNation
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