CLEARWATER, Florida — The Philadelphia Union kicked off their final preseason friendly of the 2026 season by hosting MLS Eastern Conference foe CF Montréal, falling 4–2 in a hard-fought match.
A Milan Iloski corner chance early on gave Philadelphia their best look at the goal, but Nate Harriel could not connect at the far post. Iloski’s next opportunity was on target, though a header from Olwethu Makhanya sent the chance over the bar.
Andre Blake was tested early in the 11th minute against Victor Loturi in a one-on-one situation, but the Jamaican goalkeeper stood tall and made the save to keep the match level at nil-nil.
Philadelphia continued their onslaught on the Montréal defense, pushing to find the opening goal. However, each Union chance was denied by the CF Montréal goalkeeper.
Milan Iloski broke the deadlock in the 29th minute after a short pass from Frankie Westfield, putting the Union ahead 1–0.
Iloski added his second goal of the match in the 38th minute, courtesy of an assist from Agustín Anello, making an immediate impact and extending Philadelphia’s lead to 2–0.
Frankie Westfield was called for a penalty after a challenge on Fabian Herbers with arms outstretched in the box. Herbers converted from the spot to pull Montréal back within one, sending the teams into halftime with the Union leading 2–1.
Cavan Sullivan was subbed on at halftime as the second half got underway.
Montréal leveled the match at 2–2 following a Union turnover out of the back. A miscommunication between the Union defense and Andre Blake led to the giveaway, which Victor Loturi finished to equalize.
Montréal took the lead in the 66th minute on a goal by Olger Escobar. Moments later, Efrain Morales was sent off after a violent studs-up challenge on Milan Iloski.
Prince Owusu doubled Montréal’s lead in the 86th minute to make it 4–2, as Montréal scored three second-half goals before the final whistle.
The Union will now turn their focus to the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup next week, when they open the 2026 season against Defence Force FC.
Main article photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union
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