The nightmare 2024 season for the Philadelphia Union is over. After taking a monumental step backward, where does the Union go now?
The Union’s season ended fittingly: with an own goal by Jakob Glesnes, a player who regressed further than anyone expected. Glesnes is not the only reason the Union’s season went the way it did. Unfortunately, the Union’s philosophy has left them with an aging roster that can’t compete with the top of MLS.
Where the Union goes now is up to Ernst Tanner and the front office.
The Philosophy is Outdated
In 2022, the Union had one of the best seasons of any team in MLS history. Their philosophy of building around the academy with $1-2 million dollar players was working seamlessly. Unfortunately, the league would change in the next season.
While the Union decided to run it back, every other team in MLS opened up the checkbook. Most notably, of course, the arrival of Lionel Messi. From that point on not only was the league moving forward, but the Union was moving backwards.
Time and time again, the Union is a superstar short of being a great team. Instead, the Union found themselves as the only team in the league to miss the playoffs with a positive goal differential.
Union ownership held a town hall this season, amidst blowback from the fanbase. Unfortunately, they made it clear the Union’s spending habits were not going to change.
An Aging Roster
It feels like an oxymoron that a team that prides itself on the youth is feeling as old as ever. Jacob Glesnes and Jack Elliott are not the oldest players. However, those two seemed to be feeling the weight of father time this season. Stars like Kai Wagner and Daniel Gazdag joined them in regression this season. The Union may not have the oldest roster in terms of numbers, but the talent has certainly been on a decline.
Of course, next season fans figure to see Cavan Sullivan factor into the team. However, a 15-year-old won’t save this team alone. The (likely) sad departure of long-time captain Ale Bedoya may make the average age lower. However, there is no reason to believe players who regressed in 2024 will magically find their footing again in 2025.
The Path Will Be Dictated By Ownership
The man who writes the checks will decide who the Union signs. However, if teams keep bringing in 10+ million dollar players, the Union will be left in the dust. They have been killed by Lionel Messi, Chucho, and Gareth Bale. If that doesn’t wake up the front office to sign a player of that stature then nothing likely will.
This is a rough but pivotal moment in the Union’s history. The Union can either wake up and evolve with the rest of the league. Or they can ride the same road and continue to see an emptying stadium and on the outside of the playoff picture. The progress made over the last 4 seasons will start to unwind. Only with 1 COVID supporter shield to show for it.
All other MLS teams have shown a willingness to evolve with the league. If the Union decides to stay the same, it will reap the consequences of it.
All fans can do now is wait and see how the roster changes over the winter. Who comes in and who goes will indicate if the Union is ready to compete or if they are willing to collapse on an aging philosophy.
Featured Image: Wes Shepherd/PHLUnionNation
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