There were many ups and downs this season for the Philadelphia Union as a club, and now that it is over, it is time to reflect.
It was a tumultuous season in Chester. As it ended on a sour note with the Union missing the playoffs for the first time since 2017 and Union II blowing a 2-0 lead in the MLS Next Cup Final, and the ire for many continues in the aftermath of Coach Jim Curtin’s firing, we do need to remember the bright spots as well. In this opinion piece, I give my top 10 highs and lows for the season, and share fan responses as well.
I thought about starting with the “lows” because it would be nice to end this on positives. As an educator and coach of children, when giving feedback, I always do the “sandwich” method. If you know, you know. Start with something positive, give the constructive criticism, and end on a positive… or the “glows and grows.” However, these are, for the most part, grown men playing on a professional club, and as the season kind of began with more positives and was more negative in the end, it seems fitting for this article to follow suit. Without further ado, because I hate to be like those online recipes that have a whole life story filled with minutiae when you just want it to get to the point, here are my highs and lows:
Highs
- Union II winning the MLS Next Pro Eastern Conference Final, or really just Union II’s season in general
They were a breath of fresh air this season. When the first team was struggling, you at least had the energy and tenacity of the young guys on the second team. They were such a likeable group too. How could you not just love their vibes? A Philly kid rapidly making a name for himself in vice captain Frankie Westfield, rising star David Vazquez, team scoring leader Eddy Davis, center back of the future (hopefully) Neil Pierre, wunderkind Cavan Sullivan, “Pickle Rick” in goal, breakout midfielder CJ Olney, and the list goes on. Not to mention, the Bridge Brigade getting more fans on board than ever and having the energy we all wish Sons of Ben had right now. Yes, the team came up short in the end (more on that later), but their season can’t be defined by one game, even if it was the biggest.
2. Raquinho
The trash panda running on the field went viral and brought us all together in appreciation of the little critter. It was a much needed light-hearted moment. Dave Leno had an epic play-by-play of the raccoon running on the field, too, and the incident spawned some great merchandise.
3. José Martínez in Leagues Cup match vs. Mazatlán
Photos courtesy of Philadelphia Union
Even though it was sad to lose “El Brujo” as he was sold to Corinthians shortly after, the much-loved midfielder had the sendoff he deserved (unlike Julián Carranza). He wasn’t expected to play, but nonetheless, he subbed in to a rousing ovation, made his PK in the shootout, and got to bang the drum. It was beautiful.
Jim Curtin had wonderful words to say as well:
4. NYCFC away win and Andrew Rick’s (should’ve been) save of the year
It was a 5-1 drubbing of the rival squad and 18 year old Rick made #2 on SportsCenter’s top 10.
5. Portland away match win with depleted roster
The squad defied expectations and won 3-1 despite missing numerous players. We also got a Jim Curtin all-timer of a quote in the post game presser: “Possession without real penetration is useless.” We love some late night Jim.
6. Late game heroics
You had Alejandro Bedoya’s goal very, very late in Kansas City to equalize and Kai Wagner’s equalizer in Atlanta, but the top has to be what should have been goal of the year when Jack McGlynn scored an absolute BANGER in DC to level the match. Absolutely incredible.
7. BR the Tiny SOB
What more can I say? A kitten rescued from the Union Yards building that became an unofficial mascot, beloved by everyone and in attendance at SOB tailgates and in the stadium at Union II games. The article I wrote about BR is still probably my favorite I’ve written thus far.
8. Dániel Gazdag’s becoming all-time leading scorer record and Kai Wagner becoming all-time assists leader
Photos courtesy of Philadelphia Union
9. Tai Baribo getting hot
He finally got to play, and boy did he. He went on a tear in the summer that the Union so badly needed.
10. Win at Red Bulls
The streak continued even though Red Bulls are actually a good team this year and hadn’t lost at home at that point. The fan support was phenomenal. On a personal note, attending this as media with a fantastic crew covering the Union, getting to experience the press box in Red Bull Arena that will be gone soon, getting to have a board room style presser with Jim Curtin, and some great post game commentary from Alejandro Bedoya made it memorable.
Honorable mention: The Saprissa games in CCC with Carranza’s hat trick at the away match and the home match that featured George Metellus’s commentary
Lows
These really don’t need further explanation.
- Jim Curtin getting fired
- Losing to Miami at home while being up 2 men
- Not making the playoffs for the first time since 2017
- Jakob Glesnes going full circle by scoring own goals as the first and last goals of the season
- Getting blown out by Pachuca 6-0
- Blowing leads… especially the loss at Chicago for the first team and Union II losing the Next Pro Cup after being up 2-0 at halftime
- All the drama with ownership and the fan base/Sons of Ben
- Oliver Semmle being chipped vs. Seattle and Cincinnati
- Andre Blake being injured for half the season
- Cruz Azul fans taking over Subaru Park
Honorable mention: Carranza leaving on a free
Union fans’ submitted highs and lows
And now it’s time for the fan commentary! Thank you to those who contributed to this. For the full report on this, be sure to tune into our podcast where we read your comments.
Highs, in no particular order:
- Raquinho
The critter got the most mentions, including:
“Raquinho (no brainer)” -Joe Oblick
“The squirrel that ran on the field against New York” – Mike V
2. Tai Baribo
“Tai Baribo’s second half of the season” -anonymous
“Baribo’s hot start” -Rene
“Tai Baribo getting a chance and kicking a**” -Evy
3. The kids making their debuts- Cavan Sullivan and Andrew Rick
They were mentioned several times, including Rick’s save vs NYCFC
4. Union II
“UNION 2 winning Eastern Confernece finals vs Crew 2” – Joe Oblick
“MLSNP final where Bridge Brigade founder Kyle Wood walked out the trophy and the group was mentioned by name, Union II comeback vs NYCFC II to win 4-3 and lock in 2 seed” -Vincent Gianfrancesco
“The kids still playing well (go Union 2 as well!)” -Evy
“Getting much needed coverage from Union II from you guys” -anonymous (I swear it wasn’t from one of us- and appreciate it!)
5. And some that just deserve their own attention:
“There certainly wasn’t any top five moments on the field but I guess my first would be the coverage we got from Jose Nunez this season. He’s by far the best reporter covering the team.” -Mike V
“People calling out the sons of frauds. Getting proposed to at a game this season” -anonymous
“I don’t have a top 5 my favorite moment was when the season finally ended!” -anonymous
“Forcing management into the awkward town hall” -Maek
“On the concourse during the Sounders rainout under TRE” -Jeremy Shirvan
Fan-submitted lows
Buckle up, folks! These are mostly in no particular order, except Jim’s firing and ownership were number one… here are a few comments, with some editing for grammar or to keep it PG:
- Ownership failings/firing of Jim Curtin
“Firing of Coach Curtin, Ernst Tanner is a c**t and Sugarman is a cheap b*****d” -anonymous
“Does firing Jim count? If so number 1” -Jordan Wiegand
“So many tough choices for this. First has to be firing Jim Curtin. Second would be Ernst not bringing enough players in during the summertime while selling Carranza and Martinez.” -Mike V
“The town hall meeting that solidified the ownership does not have fans’ best interests in mind.” -Pat
“1. Not spending money 2. Lack of depth 3. Cheapness of updating the stadium bones 4. They read 3 and decide they need premium seats in front of SOB. 5. That end of season presser.” -Maek
“Joke of a town hall that was all lip service. Ernst Tanner/Jay Sugarman- even more joke of a press conference. Firing Jim Curtin – stupid. Not his fault. Not spending money.” -Evy
2. Supporter drama/Sons of Ben
“Sons of Ben selling out to ownership is by far the lowest point of the season. I expect it from this organization to be cheap I never expected the supporters to get on their knees for Jay Sugarman.” -anonymous
“The fan base turning on each other and attacking the SoB during the losing streak.” -Vincent Gianfrancesco
“General state of the SOBs.” -Evy
3. Union Yards curse
“The Union Yards Curse (home losing stream and 10 game losing streak)” -Joe Oblick
“The curse of Union Yards, that place is seriously bad mojo.” -Mike V
“Curse of Union Yards – which is a shame because Reaney St is looking real good lately” – Rene
4. Glesnes own goals
“Jakob Glesnes own goal #1, Jakob Glesnes own goal #2” -Vincent Gianfrancesco
“Glesnes own goals.” -Pat
“The first goal and the last goal” -Jeremy Shirvan
5. Semmle getting chipped
“Semmle getting chipped in Cincinnati” -anonymous
“Semmle getting chipped from half field – twice” -Rene
Also noted: Several of the losses by the Union like Chicago, Miami, Seattle, Pachuca. Blowing leads. Missing the playoffs. Holden Trent’s passing. Martinez and Carranza leaving.
Do you agree with my list? What are your highs and lows for the season? Let me know in the comments or on our socials. Be sure to tune into our podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify for the complete fan mentions and more!
Find me on:
Twitter and Instagram: @silly__jilly
Bluesky @jillianalmoney.bsky.social
or “The One Team We Agree On” accounts
Main article photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union
The One Team We Agree On 
Leave a comment