The Philadelphia Union triumphed over the New England Revolution on a brisk Saturday night at Gillette Stadium, securing a commendable 2-0 victory that marks the team’s third consecutive win—an unprecedented feat in the annals of club history for opening a season. This stellar performance solidifies the Union’s position as the frontrunner in the Eastern Conference, amassing a total of nine points.
In an impressive display, forward Tai Baribo etched his name into the league’s record books, joining the likes of Ante Razov as one of the only players to net six goals within the first three matches of a season. With this triumph, Baribo now leads the league in scoring, while the Union collectively dominate in both goals scored (10) and assists (12). Additionally, Kai Wagner celebrated his 175th appearance with the Union and currently tops MLS with four assists to his name. Goalkeeper Andre Blake, back at full health, earned his first clean sheet of the 2025 MLS season, showcasing his reflexes with a stunning save that denied Maximiliano Urruti’s fierce long-range effort.
How The Match Unfolded
The Union trotted onto the field with the same starting eleven that had proven successful in their previous two outings— a rarity since they last employed this strategy over three consecutive league matches back in late May of 2023.
The first half played out in tense silence, each side probing for openings, yet remaining scoreless, with the Union outshooting their rivals eight-to-six. As the match pushed into its critical moments, Baribo finally pierced the veil of resistance, sending a precisely guided header past the Revolution’s defenses in the 76th minute. This breakthrough was courtesy of an exquisite cross from Wagner. Yet, a solitary goal would not suffice; the Union’s unwavering defense clamped down under the sweltering conditions, with Andre Blake making a jaw-dropping stop to uphold the clean sheet.
As the game crept into the 10 minutes of stoppage time, the Union seized the moment with midfielder Jovan Lukic, who punctuated the win with a stunning strike in the 97th minute. Following an intelligent lay-off from Indiana Vassilev, Lukic unleashed a thunderous shot from the edge of the 18-yard box that thundered off the inside of the far post, spiraling into the net. That final flourish ensured the Union claimed all three points as they celebrated their hard-fought road victory.
Lineups
Philadelphia Union (4-2-2-2):
- Andre Blake;
- Kai Wagner, Olwethu Makhanya, Jakob Glesnes, Frankie Westfield;
- Danley Jean Jacques, Jovan Lukic, Quinn Sullivan (Indiana Vassilev 64’), Daniel Gazdag (Chris Donovan 90’);
- Mikael Uhre (Bruno Damiani 64’), Tai Baribo (Alejandro Bedoya 81’).
Substitutes not used: Andrew Rick, Nathan Harriel, Olivier Mbaizo, Jesus Bueno, Cavan Sullivan.
New England Revolution (4-2-3-1):
- Aljaz Ivacic;
- William Sands (Noel Buck 83’), Mamadou Fofana, Brayan Ceballos, Ilay Feingold;
- Jackson Yueill (Brandon Bye 82’), Alhassan Yusuf;
- Ignatius Ganago, Carles Gil, Luca Langoni (Luis Diaz Espinoza 68’);
- Leonardo Campana (Maximiliano Urruti 10’).
Substitutes not used: Matt Polster, Andrew Farrell, Wyatt Omsberg, Tanner Beason, Alex Bono.
Scoring Summary:
- PHI – Tai Baribo (Wagner) 76’
- PHI – Jovan Lukic (Vassilev, Bedoya) 90+7’
Disciplinary Summary:
- PHI – Daniel Gazdag (yellow card) 45’
- NE – Luca Langoni (yellow card) 52’
- PHI – Tai Baribo (yellow card) 78’
- PHI – O. Makhanya (yellow card) 90+2’
- NE – B. Ceballos (yellow card) 90+11’
The match was a masterclass in teamwork and resilience, painting a promising picture for the season ahead as the Union continue to soar high in their quest for greatness.
