The Philadelphia Union started the first half of 2025 on fire. After leading MLS through the first 20 games, the club has fallen back down to Earth.
With two losses to conference challengers, the Union is looking to steady the ship.
Tough Losses to Conference Challengers
During the Union’s skid, they lost the chance to cushion their lead in the Eastern Conference. The two losses came to Nashville, who sit in 2nd, and Columbus, who are 4th. Coincidentally, the Union now sits in 3rd place.
If the Union were able to pull out both those games, they would have been able to push Nashville and Columbus down in the standings. However, with the losses, they are now in the midst of a heated Eastern Conference race.
There are just four points between 1st-place Cincinnati and 4th-place Columbus Crew. Additionally, we cannot overlook Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. Miami currently sits in 6th. However, with their busy international schedule, they have 4 games in hand to catch up to the Conference leaders.
While the Union losing those games is disappointing, looking at the bigger picture should calm some nerves. The Union entered both games significantly understaffed due to injuries and international duty.
Simultaneously, they were on the road in two of the toughest environments to play in in the league.
While two incredibly frustrating 1-0 losses are disappointing, it does not mean the season is over.
A Double Date with the Red Bulls
The Union and New York Red Bulls get to write another chapter into their storied rivalry. The two get to face each other twice within 4 days. First, the two clubs battle to advance to the semi-finals of the US Open Cup tournament. Then, they run it back for MLS action on Saturday.
Despite the slump in MLS play, the Union have to put the focus on the US Open Cup. With only 8 teams left, it remains the best chance the Union have in 2025 to bring home hardware. However, the quarterfinals will be the last Open Cup game the Union would host. They drew the last priority of hosting, and the Western bracket will host the final.
However, if the Union can take both games from their rivals, it would be just what the doctor ordered. With 4 home games coming up in July, this is the month the Union can cement their place in the Eastern Conference. Questions are still being thrown around on whether they can hang with the big clubs through the rest of 2025.
Staying atop MLS and bringing home the US Open Cup should silence all the doubts.
PHOTO: Wes Shepherd/PHLSportsNation
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