It's been three years since the Philadelphia Union endured heartbreak in the MLS Cup Final against LAFC — a back-and forth contest filled with late drama that ended in a penalty shootout and ultimately sent Philly fans home with a sense of disbelief and agony.
A lot has changed since then. Jim Curtin is no longer the head coach, the starting XI has changed substantially, and a whole new way of team-building has been instilled. Yet to a casual fan, it's almost no surprise that Philadelphia is back on top of the Eastern Conference and fighting for MLS Cup silverware once more.
Most unfamiliar with soccer simply see the 'Philadelphia' name and associate all of the qualities they expect from the other four sports teams in the city. But with the Union hosting a semifinal playoff game this weekend against local rivals NYCFC, the magnitude of this accomplishment simply isn't being talked about enough.
Bradley Carnell joined the Union following Jim Curtin's departure this offseason. Curtin had spent ten years heading up the Union, guiding them to plenty of close calls, and of course, the Supporters' Shield in 2020.
The Union had developed a reputation for developing young talent under Curtin, and signing high-character players to lead the charge. The likes of Brenden/Paxton Aaronson, Quin Sullivan, and even backup GK Andrew Rick all would go on to thrive in the first team under his tutelage.
But after he failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2017, the team decided it was time for a change.
Carnell took over a team that was undoubtedly in a transitional window. The veteran players weren't getting any younger, and big names like Hungarian international Daniel Gazdag were surprisingly moved on from, while the future stars were taking talents elsewhere.
But to maintain stability, Carnell was intent on retaining some key fixtures. GK Andre Blake, now a cult hero, had already signed an extension through 2026, while the team broke their previous transfer fee record in signing electric forward Bruno Damiani, and worked to retain the services of towering CB Jakob Glesnes.
It felt like a long-term project. A subtle rebuild while Carnell could gradually find his footing and build a new system. A team that ranked right at the bottom of the salary table, allocating just $13 million in comparison to Inter Miami's $50 million, was not destined for instant success.
What nobody expected was this Union team to breeze through the season, topping the East once more, winning the Supporters Shield, and finding themselves among the favorites to finally clinch the one trophy that's been evading them since their inception.
Tai Baribo's team-leading 16 goals rank t-6th most in the entire league. Uhre's vision and creativity became crucial, and Kai Wagner's 11 assists also rank t-6th in MLS.
As the wins started to come and the team built confidence, a new hungry identity formed. Just like Philly has come to know, this was a team of hungry underdogs, keen to prove a point. The flair off the ball sparked a real belief from fans, and the chants echoed into the ears of players who began to believe it themselves.
This team could go all the way.
That's who this Union team is — a group that simply believes. Unfazed by the Messi's of the world, the gargantuan salaries that follow them into every stadium. Money doesn't buy unity. It doesn't by execution. That's what this team has done better than anyone else this season.
And now, with a chance to not only play in a Cup final, but to host it down at Subaru Park, this is arguably the teams' defining moment. A game years in the making. Through the heartbreaks, the tumultuous offseasons and the early goodbyes to young prodigies, the Union got up. Every single time, they rose.
So even if you're not a soccer fan, get down to Subaru Park this weekend. Support a team that needs your voice. Your applause, your belief. They've exceeded all expectations up to this point, but it takes a city. Between the players on the pitch, and the roaring fans in the stands, it takes a Union.
Who: Philadelphia Union vs. New York City FC
When: Sunday, Nov. 23, at 7:45 p.m.
Where: Subaru Park
Tickets: philadelphiaunion.evenue.net
