The Philadelphia Union have hit a patch of uncertainty at the worst time. Last Saturday, the Union suffered the worst defeat in club history. A 7-0 defeat to the Vancouver Whitecaps. A team vying to jump the Union for the Supporters Shield. Then, Philly crashed out of the US Open Cup embarrassingly. The Union allowed the MLS Golden Boot winner to net 3 easy goals en route to a 3-1 scoreline.
Just when all hope felt lost, the Union bounced back with a 1-0 home win against their northeastern rival, New England. With three MLS games to go, it is clear that the Union will not simply and easily secure the Supporters’ Shield for themselves.
Extremely Tight Shield Race
MLS fans are being treated to one of the closest Supporters’ Shield races in league history. Five clubs have a realistic shot at bringing home the Shield. The Union, despite its stumble, still leads the way. Unfortunately, two teams control their destiny before Philadelphia does.
Vancouver has 2 games in hand, and should they turn that into 6 points, they can jump the Union. Simultaneously, Inter Miami has 3 games in hand and can still jump everybody as well. Philly is even on games played with Cincy and San Diego, and sits 2 and 3 points in front of the clubs.
Ultimately, the Union is going to have to win the last 3 games to truly put pressure on their opponents. First up is a game in DC. After that, the Union gets NYCFC at home for their home finale. Finally, the Union faces its toughest test left. On the road against a surging Charlotte FC.
For those Union fans who have forgotten, Charlotte cost the Union the Supporters’ Shield in 2022. Ultimately, the Union had to go down to the turf in Charlotte late in the season and suffered an awful defeat. Unfortunately, the loss would cost the Union, as LAFC was able to tie the points and hold the tiebreaker.
Perhaps the Union can purge the demons from 2022 with a huge win down south.
Nothing Will Come Easy
Just a few weeks ago, the Union were cruising in MLS and the Open Cup. Dreams of bringing home 3 major trophies in a year were in the minds of Union fans. Of course, the Union cannot make anything easy. Historically, the Union has fallen short every single time. Take a look back at the 3 lost US Open Cup finals, the loss in the 2020 playoffs after winning their first shield, and, of course, the collapse with 90 seconds to play in the MLS Cup.
The Philadelphia Union has put its fans through some tough times in its short history. Nothing will ever come easy for the Union. However, all the suffering could be worth it if the club can deliver some hardware for its fans in 2025.
While the Union has stumbled, there is still time to correct course and put the pressure back onto their opponents. This last month of the season will show if this Union team is different from years past, or if fans will be leaving with the same disappointment they have had for many years now.
Whether the Union pulls it off or not, it is never going to be easy.
Featured Image: Wes Shepherd/PHLSportsNation
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