Larry Henry Jr
For the first time since 2017, the Philadelphia Union failed to make the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Jim Curtin’s squad were officially eliminated on Saturday night after losing 2-1 at Subaru Park to FC Cincinnati. The result capped a disappointing season for the Union, who took a major step back after key steps forward in each of the last six seasons.
The Union have still only captured one trophy in club history (2020 Supporters’ Shield) despite making MLS Cup in 2022, as well as the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals in 2021 and 2023. Homegrown talents such as Jack McGlynn, Nate Harriel, Quinn Sullivan, and others have continued to blossom in the Union system, but that hasn’t been enough for the Union to truly become a force in MLS.
With the 2024 offseason officially underway for the Union, here is a closer look at what went wrong this season:
Failure to Staying Dominant at Subaru Park
The Philadelphia Union registered nine or more home wins in each of the last seven MLS seasons, but failed to come even close to that in 2024.
Subaru Park only featured four MLS victories this season, as the Union finished its home schedule with a 4-8-5 record. In addition, the Union only picked up five road wins, albeit, they haven’t truly dominated away from home in years past either.
Despite making a deep run in Leagues Cup, the Union ultimately struggled in front of their home fans, which was visibly on display again Saturday night.
If the Union want to get back to the playoffs in 2025, they need to make things tough for opposing teams in Chester.
55 goals conceded, most allowed by Union since 2016
The Union have certainly been one of the more stubborn defensive teams in recent years, but things took a major turn this year.
Their 55 goals conceded in MLS play marked the most under Jim Curtin since 2016, and the first time they’ve conceded 50 or more since 2019. Kai Wagner, Jack Elliott, Jakob Glesnes, and Nate Harriel all ranked in the top six among minutes played for the Union this season, but ultimately they were a shear image of their traditionally consistent selves.
Defensively, the Union took a major step back and getting things back on track will be one of Curtin’s main priorities.
Constant Absence of Andre Blake
Andre Blake is one of MLS’ best goalkeepers when he is healthy. Unfortunately, he missed a large chunk of time in 2024.
The Jamaican international was reduced to only 13 league appearances this season due to multiple injuries. Blake registered a 5-5-3 record in MLS play, as he tried to get back to his best in between the posts.
Oliver Semmle and Andrew Rick also split time in Blake’s absence.
The 33-year-old Blake will certainly go down as a Union legend when his career is over, but first he’ll aim to stay healthy for the entirety of 2025.
Failure to replace Julian Carranza
Losing a rising talent like Julian Carranza will hurt many teams and the Union failed to replace the Argentine on their roster.
Carranza was transferred to Dutch Eredivisie side Feyenoord this summer, with the striker in the final few months of his Union contract. Sure, the Union ultimately did the correct thing by picking up a transfer fee for Carranza’s services rather than let him walk as a free agent this winter, but keeping him for the second half of the season could’ve helped them reach the playoffs.
Carranza netted 34 goals in two-and-a-half seasons with the Union, a great return for a player that Inter Miami gave up on.
Tai Baribo and Mikael Uhre combined for 19 goals and eight assists in Carranza’s absence, so things weren’t too bad, but an extra attacking option certainly could have helped.
Toothless showings against MLS’ best
The Philadelphia Union have normally held their own against MLS’ best, but not this year.
Philadelphia failed to earn many statement wins in 2024, which is a complete 180 from years past. Only four of the Union’s regular season victories came against MLS clubs that are headed to the postseason. A 5-1 beatdown of NYCFC, 2-0 road win over the New York Red Bulls, and 3-1 victory over the Portland Timbers marked the few bright spots for the Union in MLS play.
However, failure to win any of their final four matches this fall ultimately cost them a shot of making the playoffs.
Photo: Michael Pimentel/ISI Photos/Getty Images
You can follow Larry Henry on Twitter (@lhenry019) and e-mail him at [email protected].
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