It’s that time again—the Union is back in action, seeking their first win of 2026 in MLS play. Two losses from their first two matches have Philly looking up the table early in the season. They sit in 10th place but are just one win away from a playoff spot. Their opponents in Matchweek three are one of the league’s top teams; San Jose has two wins from two games, scoring five goals and conceding none. Will this be the match where Philadelphia finally earns its first points of the year?
Two teams from different conferences at opposite ends of the table to start the season. Both have excellent coaches—Bradley Carnell and Bruce Arena—who will be strategizing from the sidelines to help their players utilize their respective styles of play. San Jose operates with a 4-2-3-1 to create width in attack and solidity in defense. Philly prefers a narrow 4-2-2-2 to press and counterattack. It should be an exciting clash of tactics.
Carnell highlighted this in his pregame press conference, noting the Earthquakes' ability to use wingers Quessenu Bouda and Jamar Ricketts in attack. They win fouls and generate important corner kick opportunities, which San Jose has exploited so far this season. The Union will need their outside backs to be alert to San Jose’s wide players and prevent those dangerous moments.
Niko Tsakiris has been orchestrating play for San Jose, scoring four of their five goals so far. New DP Timo Werner is expected to make his first start for the club. Is San Jose on track to become a top Western Conference team this year?
Much of Bruce Arena’s success comes from elevating good players to great ones by providing a clear team structure. It appears he's doing just that with San Jose this year. Central midfielders Beau Leroux and Ian Harkes have been outstanding, clogging passing lanes and moving the ball forward. They sit in front of a pair of former MLS draft picks, Daniel Munie and Reid Roberts, forming a stable defensive core.
Looking at their first two games, the stats stand out: two wins, five goals scored, two clean sheets. They average nearly 2.5 goals per game, tied for second in MLS, but their expected goals per game are a league-leading 5.90! Defensively, they’ve been just as impressive; San Jose is one of four teams to have not conceded a goal so far. Their xG against is third-best in the league at 1.30. Just how good is this start for the visitors coming to Subaru Park in Week 3?
San Jose opened their season with two home matches—one against Sporting Kansas City, who have struggled to field a full squad, and the other against Atlanta United, who are still trying to find their footing. While the Earthquakes are performing well and sitting high in the Western Conference, they haven't yet faced a true test. Can the Union be the first to challenge them?
The growing pains of replacing two top goal scorers, a top left back, and a Defender of the Year center back are understandable. However, Philly is known for quick turnarounds, and that hasn't been evident in their first two games of 2026. The attack has struggled, with only one goal scored from a penalty kick. Defensively, they’ve appeared disjointed, and their midfield has been chasing the game more than usual. Part of the problem has been finishing despite playing a man down in both losses. Perhaps fielding all eleven players again is what Philly needs to get their first points.
To do that, their attack must perform better. One goal from an xG of 2.6 over two matches isn’t enough. They rank 14th or lower in all attacking metrics. They do excel defensively in interceptions—12 over two games—and in saves, with Andre Blake averaging four per match. Discipline-wise, they are middling with 14 fouls per game but are top in yellow cards (5 in 2 games) and red cards (2 in 2 matches). Carnell acknowledged these growing pains, emphasizing his team's youth and the need to learn from these early struggles.
So, how can Philly earn their first points against San Jose? They need to move the ball with purpose. Carnell has said his team gets into good attacking positions but doesn’t create quality chances. The attackers must be more decisive. Defensively, the midfield and back line need to choose their moments to press and push forward. Since San Jose can create transitional and set-piece opportunities, limiting those will be key.
Philippe Ndinga, the new signing, is in Chester but isn’t currently viewed as a starter. Carnell wants him available for matchday, but for now, those in the lineup need to show heart and passion to secure a result. Even though Philly isn’t at full strength, a second straight home game should give them a solid chance to secure their first points of the season.
GK: Blake
LB: Westfield CB: Sery Larson CB: Martinez RB: Harriel
DM: Lukic DM: Jean Jacques
AM: Iloski AM: Anello
ST: Alladoh ST: Damiani
The Union kicks off against the Earthquakes tonight at 7:30 pm. Catch the action on Apple TV if you can’t make it to Subaru Park.
