One week after a disappointing 3-2 loss to CF Montreal, the Philadelphia Union will look to rebound when they host Orlando City on Saturday in Chester, Pa.
The Union were upset following a lengthy video review in the 90th minute, which ultimately allowed the tying goal before Montreal added the winner in the 98th minute.
“Goals change games, and obviously once they scored the goal that was a goal, not a goal, then a goal again, they had some momentum for sure,” Union head coach Jim Curtin said. “It hurts, a little chaotic, much more chaotic than I’d like and we haven’t had many times where we’ve lost leads in the past several years quite like that.”
Since that loss, the Union (2-2-0, six points) have signed defender Jakob Glesnes — the 2022 MLS Defender of the Year — to a new deal through 2025 with an option for 2026 and also extended defender Nathan Harriel through 2025 with options for 2026 and 2027.
It’s unclear if All-Star goalkeeper Andre Blake will return Saturday from an adductor strain. Joe Bendik started against CF Montreal.
In their most recent game, Orlando City fell 2-1 to Charlotte FC.
Orlando (1-1-2, five points) has played well for long stretches but has lacked the type of consistency that produces victories.
“This is going to be a learning lesson,” defender Rafael Santos said. “There’s never going to be an easy opponent and we know that the next one isn’t going to be an easy opponent, either. It’s true. It’s been a tough week. We just came out of the (CONCACAF Champions League) game against Tigres, which was a big tournament, a big team.”
Against Charlotte, designated player Martin Ojeda scored for the Lions for the first time since joining the club in the offseason. The 24-year-old Ojeda was acquired from Godoy Cruz of Argentina’s Primera Division, signing a three-year contract.
Forward Duncan McGuire earned the assist on Ojeda’s goal. McGuire was the No. 6 overall pick by the Lions in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft.
Several players will be away on international duty — goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and midfielder Wilder Cartagena have joined the Peruvian men’s national team and forward Facundo Torres traveled to join Uruguay’s team.
–Field Level Media