"Why they'll win it: A cohesive vision. No matter how the regular season finishes, the Union's managerial gamble for 2025 paid off. By firing Jim Curtin and hiring Bradley Carnell in his place, sporting director Ernst Tanner fully leaned into his plan for the club and his vision has been realised by a team that favours direct, vertical attacks and a high-tempo style. They boast a go-to striker in Tai Baribo, whose 16 league goals go a long way to explaining Philadelphia's Shield standing."
"Philly are known for beating up on weaker teams, but against playoff-level opponents, they have struggled to impose themselves, a trend encapsulated most brutally by Saturday's 7-0 humiliating loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps. Carnell's squad rotation ahead of the US Open Cup semi-final against Nashville was a factor, but the worst defeat in Union history may have left a mark."
Philadelphia Union currently sit atop the standings with 57 points after a season defined by a managerial change from Jim Curtin to Bradley Carnell. Sporting director Ernst Tanner implemented a plan favoring direct, vertical attacks and a high-tempo style that has produced consistent results. Tai Baribo has scored 16 league goals and serves as the primary scoring outlet. The team struggles to impose itself against playoff-level opponents, highlighted by a 7-0 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps following squad rotation ahead of a US Open Cup semi-final. The club signed Milan Iloski pre-emptively as insurance against a potential drop in Baribo's form.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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