The Philadelphia Union defense of its Major League Soccer Supporters’ Shield began with a stumble last weekend, losing 1-0 to rivals D.C. United, thanks to a goal from the star striker they just sold.
The team will hope to bounce back this Sunday in the home opener at Subaru Park against New York City F.C.
There were some big changes in the offseason ahead of head coach Bradley Carnell’s sophomore season, so here’s a quick recap of the player changes, and what to look forward to at Subaru Park this season.
Players out
The Union sold striker Tai Baribo to D.C. for a fee that could rise up to $4.6 million. The move immediately came back to haunt the team, with Baribo scoring the winning goal in the regular season opener at Audi Field.
Forward Mikael Uhre also left the club, moving to Danish club Midtjylland on a free transfer.
Other key players who departed included left back Kai Wagner heading to Birmingham City in England’s Championship (second) division for and 2022 MLS defender of the year Jakob Glesnes going to the LA Galaxy,
Players in
The attack was bolstered by bringing in Ghanaian 20-year-old Ezekiel Alladoh for a club-record fee of $4.5 million, along with winger Agustín Anello for a reported $2.5 million.
In defense, 23-year-old Colombian center back Geiner Martínez was signed from Uruguayan club CA Juventud, as well as 25-year-old Danish center back Japhet Sery Larsen from SK Brann in Norway.
The team completed its latest move today, announcing that Gabonese left back Philippe Ndinga had joined.
CONCACAF Champions Cup
Things have gone significantly better in the Union’s continental cup campaign. Philly breezed past Trinidad and Tobago team Defense Force with a 5-0 win in Port of Spain, followed by a 7-0 win in the second leg at Subaru Park last night.
The Chester game was also a record breaking one for teenage prodigy Cavan Sullivan, who scored not only his first goal for the senior team, but also became the youngest American player to score in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, the third youngest of all time.
Sullivan finished the night with two goals and two assists.
The Union will have a tougher test with Round of 16 opponents Club América. The first leg will be at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10 at Subaru Park, with the second fixture in Mexico City at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18.
New historic threads
The Union have new “1776” home kits that they have yet to wear on the field, opting instead for the secondary “Voltage” kit, even in last night’s home game.
But they will be playing in them on Sunday, the team has confirmed.
Celebrating America’s 250th birthday, the kit layers illustrations of local historical references and items like the Declaration of Independence, the Liberty Bell and Benjamin Franklin into the team’s familiar navy and gold colors.
Theme nights
Sunday’s game is also that team’s first theme night, with the fans who show up to the game getting a commemorative Supporters’ Shield.
Here is the full list of other theme night festivities at Subaru Park this season.
