CHESTER – MLS Match Day One is officially upon us as the Philadelphia Union are on the road for the first time to kick off the regular season since 2021, when they drew 0-0 with the Columbus Crew. This time, however, they travel to Orlando for a showdown with Orlando City SC.

The last time Philadelphia traveled to Exploria Stadium, the club fell 2-1 in October of last year, going behind 2-0 in the second half with goals from Facundo Torres and Duncan McGuire. Quinn Sullivan scored the lone goal for the Union.

Philadelphia will look to get back to their winning ways in Orlando and start off the Bradley Carnell era on the right foot. The Union have only two wins all-time in regular season matches in Orlando, with four draws and three losses in seven matches. Both clubs have scored 18 goals total all-time.

“It’s a competitive team, it’s a robust team, it’s a physical team. They have a mentality, especially at home, so we’re going to have to match up to that and then some,” said Carnell in his weekly press conference when discussing their opponent.

“First and foremost, we’re focusing on us. We’ve had a ton of work to do, making sure we’re ready for what we’re trying to instill and implement. While we’ve had that, we’ve had some good looks against opponents who play in a similar fashion.”

If the Union are to get points on the road, they will have to do it without Nate Harriel, who has been out for most, if not all, of the preseason after suffering a knock earlier this year. Also noted in today’s injury report is Isaiah LeFlore, who missed all of 2024 with an ACL injury. However, Carnell expects both to return soon.

“Those are the two guys at the moment still going through return-to-play protocols, but they’re training in the right direction, and we expect them back pretty soon.”

Another player missing for the Union is Markus Anderson, who split time between the first and second teams last year. Anderson had an injury-riddled season, and when it seemed he was picking up steam, he would suffer a knock. We will have to see what the severity of his latest injury is.

Orlando City is also dealing with key injuries. Duncan McGuire is out with a shoulder injury, and Wilder Cartagena is out for 2025 with an ACL injury.

While Orlando City is without McGuire, they still have several attacking options. Ramiro Enrique, Jack Lynn, Luis Muriel, and newly acquired Marco Pašalić could provide options for Oscar Pareja.

In addition to the key offseason acquisition of Pašalić from HNK Rijeka, the club also added Eduard Atuesta from Palmeiras. During his time at LAFC, Atuesta was a threat in the midfield.

When speaking to the media on Thursday, Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan had these words about the club’s mentality heading into the season:

“We’re going to fight super hard. Everyone wants to win (at home). We know that. Our record at home was unacceptable last year. So, we’ve had a lot of internal talks. We had a player meeting today, and we’ve had meetings with Bradley. There’s been a lot of internal discussion about what the fans deserve and what we want to provide to them.”

“I think with any new coach, you get that new energy, and everyone feels they have to fight for a spot and earn the respect of the coach. Everyone wants to be on the field when the first game comes around. So, I think that’s definitely part of it. But the ideas Bradley’s brought along also come with that energy, and the need to buy in—or it won’t work.”

In other news, the Philadelphia Union have acquired midfielder Indiana Vassilev from St. Louis CITY SC for the 2025 season, with a club option for 2026.

St. Louis CITY SC will receive $1 million in GAM, spread out over two years, with an additional $250,000 if certain performance-based metrics are met, along with a future sell-on/trade percentage.

With four years in MLS, split between Inter Miami and St. Louis CITY SC, Vassilev has registered 10 goals and 11 assists in 108 MLS regular season matches.

In January of this year, Indiana received his first USMNT call-up and played in both matches during the January camp.

“Indiana is an extremely versatile and hardworking player who embodies the qualities we are looking for to enhance our roster,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner.

“At just 24, he brings experience from the Premier League, Major League Soccer, U.S. Youth National Teams, and most recently, his first USMNT call-up. His technical abilities, dedication, and potential for growth make him a valuable addition to our squad.”

So, the season is upon us. After a long and difficult off season, will the Union make a return to the high water mark the club set in 2019-2022? As I say every year, it’s a journey—the car has a full tank of gas, it’s all packed up and ready to go. The only question now is: will it make it to its destination, which is lifting the MLS Cup?

Only the future knows.

Main article photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union