On Saturday, the Union’s roller coaster MLS season continued. In a battle for the top spot in the East, the Union would leave Subaru Park with just a draw despite leading with minutes to go. It has become clear that the Union has become a perfect roller coaster.
If you had asked a Union fan that the Columbus Crew and Union would be facing off in May for the top spot in the East, they would have called you crazy. However, those were the stakes when the Union welcomed the Crew to Subaru Park.
The Union would also welcome back the club’s all-time leading goal scorer, Daniel Gazdag. Ultimately, both clubs would play to a 2-2 draw. This means Cincinnati jumped both of them to the top spot in the East.
A Roller Coaster Game
The Union would take the lead just before halftime in typical Union fashion. A long ball over the top and a superb Tai Baribo finish. The Union was taking it to the Crew the entire first half. However, the Crew would be able to level the game in the 61st minute. Just for Frankie Westfield to score his first MLS goal in an absolute rocket in the 64th. Unfortunately, the Crew would steal a point on the road with an Equalizer off a corner kick in the 93rd minute. Just 30 seconds before the final whistle.
This game was a roller coaster of emotions. Daniel Gazdag was honored before the game, the exciting play on the field, only to be ended with a heartbreaking equalizer.
The Union now sits 3rd in the Eastern Conference. However, every point matters in a crowded Eastern Conference race. The Union is in 3rd now, but they sit just 6 points from being below the playoff line.
A Roller Coaster Season
For better or for worse, the Union’s game against Columbus was a perfect metaphor for 2025. The Union has had ups and downs all year. The club started the year on a surprising high note, being one of the last remaining unbeaten teams. Only to trade away Daniel Gazdag, lose Glavinovich to injury, and fall into a lull in MLS play.
However, the Union were able to pull themselves out, win 3 straight league games, and find themselves advancing in the US Open Cup. It is tough to get a read on what this team truly is. The Union has fit about every build so far in 2025. They have looked like MLS Cup contenders, looked like a team fighting for a playoff spot, and a team looking to sell all their players. The craziest part is that we are a third of the way through the MLS season. Unfortunately, we still don’t know what the Union is.
However, the one thing that truly matters is that they are exceeding expectations. This is an entirely new era of Union soccer. Bradley Carnell has the team fighting with heart every single game.
It is fair to say that a roller coaster is a lot more fun than a long car ride where you know where it is headed. The Union was supposed to be fighting to stay relevant this season. Here we are going blow for blow with a top team in the entire league.
With the rest of the MLS season and the US Open Cup to come, fans better strap in. This roller coaster likely isn’t slowing down any time soon.
Featured Image: Wes Shepherd/PHLSportsNation
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