The Philadelphia Union are shocking everyone in 2025. Currently sitting atop the Eastern Conference, the Union has shown they are a force. However, the club has also struggled to close out the big teams. How long can the Union go at this rate?
Just a few weeks ago, the Union led Columbus at home in stoppage time, just to give up the equalizer and draw. Saturday, the Union led Inter Miami at home in stoppage time, just to give up the equalizer and draw. It is a dangerous precedent this Union team is setting for themselves.
While this team has proven capable of beating the teams they are better than, the club is struggling against the top dogs. The most frustrating part is the Union outplayed Columbus and Miami. If the Union hold on to those 4 lost points, they are 5 points clear the top of the East, and leading the Supporters Shield race.
If the Union keeps faltering against the top teams in the league, how far can they go?
The Road Does Not Get Easier
We are just about halfway through the MLS season. The Union is atop the East now. However, they sit just 9 points above the playoff line. The Eastern Conference is as tight as it has ever been and the Union’s margin for error is thin. On top of MLS play, the Union are also in the midst of a US Open Cup run.
If the Union wants to leave 2025 with a deeper trophy case, then they will need to stop the wheels from falling off. For starters, they face a tough test this week. The Union goes on the road to Toronto on Wednesday, then has to travel to Dallas to play on Saturday. Thankfully, the Union gets a break until the 14th of June. However, this 2 game stretch is a huge tell if this team can keep this going.
This is not Bradley Carnell’s first rodeo at exceeding expectations. The entire league knows he took St Louis to the top of the Eastern Conference in their first-ever season. This Union team has a lot of similar characteristics.
The Biggest Questions
There is no question this team has the talent to make it all the way. Tai Baribo has been the top striker in the league. Quinn Sullivan has proven to be one of the most dangerous playmakers. The questions lay on Ernst Tanner.
The biggest questions have arisen from the defensive side of the ball. Not only is depth a serious issue, but Glesnes and Makanya have proven shaky at times. If Ernst Tanner wants to prove he will do what it takes to win trophies, he will bring in more talent. Not get rid of it.
Another question on top of defense is the Union’s fatigue. Carnell has the team playing high-intensity minutes all game. While it has worked and propelled the Union to the top, history has shown that these teams tend to have the wheels fall off. It is exactly what happened to Carnell’s St Louis team.
The Union have a great chance to shock everyone and bring some hardware home in 2025. Whether it is US Open Cup or the MLS Cup. However, blown games against Columbus and Miami have shown there are indeed cracks in the foundation. All that is left to figure out is if the Union can survive with those cracks. Or if Ernst Tanner is going to open the checkbook in the summer to reinforce the team.
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