Philadelphia Union Kick Off Leagues Cup Campaign with a Victory Against Charlotte FC

For the second consecutive year, Major League Soccer (MLS) has taken a month-long break from its regular season to compete in the Leagues Cup against teams from Liga MX. The Philadelphia Union began their 2024 Leagues Cup journey at Subaru Park in Chester, PA, facing fellow MLS side Charlotte FC. Despite a challenging encounter just over a month ago, where Charlotte FC defeated the Union 2-0, the Boys in Blue were determined to turn the tables.

The Union, under the guidance of Coach Jim Curtin, entered the match with a strong lineup, underscoring their intent to seriously contest the tournament. Coach Curtin's strategy favored experience over youth, reflecting his ambition to secure the trophy. Notably absent were young talents like Cavan Sullivan, though Francis Westfield and C.J. Olney were included in the squad. Leon Flach was sidelined due to injury.

Andre Blake guarded the goal, supported by a solid defensive line featuring Jack Elliott, Jakob Glesnes, Kai Wagner, and Oliver Mbaizo. The midfield saw José Martínez in his usual defensive role, flanked by Alejandro Bedoya and Quinn Sullivan, with Daniel Gazdag in the attacking midfield position. Strikers Tai Baribo and new signing Samuel Adeniran led the offensive efforts.

The match began with an unusual incident as José Martínez received a yellow card for wearing a ring before kick-off. The first half was evenly matched, with neither team creating significant chances until the 33rd minute. Olivier Mbaizo initiated a play down the right flank, connecting with Adeniran, who found Gazdag near the goal line. Gazdag's precise pass to Baribo was expertly finished, giving the Union a 1-0 lead.

Charlotte FC responded with vigor in the second half but struggled to break down the Union's defense. Patrick Agyemang's shot in the 50th minute was the closest they came to scoring, deflected wide by Elliott. The Union maintained their lead, with notable performances from Martínez, who played through several knocks, and the center-back duo of Elliott and Glesnes, who delivered a commanding display.

Curtin's tactical substitutions, including bringing on Mikael Uhre and Jesus Bueno, helped the Union manage the game's closing stages. Despite Charlotte's late attempts to equalize, the Union's defense held firm, securing a clean sheet and three crucial points to lead Group O in the tournament.

Key Takeaways:

• Curtin’s Tactical Choice: The lineup underscored the Union's intent to compete for the Leagues Cup, favoring experienced players over youngsters.
• Defensive Solidity: Jack Elliott and Jakob Glesnes' performance was pivotal, providing a stable foundation for the victory.
• Martínez’s Resilience: Despite early setbacks, José Martínez's determination and influence were instrumental throughout the match.

Lineups:

Philadelphia Union (4-4-2):

• Andre Blake, Jack Elliott, Jakob Glesnes, Kai Wagner, Olivier Mbaizo, José Martínez, Alejandro Bedoya (Jesus Bueno 80'), Quinn Sullivan, Daniel Gazdag, Tai Baribo, Samuel Adeniran (Mikael Uhre 67')

Unused Subs: Andrew Rick, Oliver Semmle, Damion Lowe, Francis Westfield, Jeremy Rafanello, C.J. Olney, Jr., Chris Donovan

Charlotte FC (4-2-3-1):

• Kristijan Kahlina, Joao Pedro (Jere Uronen 80'), Andrew Privett, Adilson Malanda, Nathan Byrne, Ashley Westwood, Brandt Bronico, Iuri Tavares (Tyger Smalls 56'), Ben Bender (Karol Swiderski 56'), Kerwin Vargas (Brandon Cambridge 81'), Patrick Agyemang (Nikola Petkovic 81')

Unused Subs: David Bingham, George Marks, Bill Poni Tuiloma, Jahlane Forbes, Jaylin Lindsey, Brecht Dejaeghere

Referee: Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava

Scoring Summary:

• PHI: Tai Baribo – 33'

Discipline Summary:

• PHI: José Martínez – yellow card (time-wasting) – 1'
• CLT: Tyger Smalls – yellow card (foul) – 60'
• PHI: Daniel Gazdag – yellow card (foul) – 68'
• PHI: Alejandro Bedoya – yellow card (foul) – 75'

The Union's victory sets a promising tone for their Leagues Cup campaign, with the team displaying a blend of tactical discipline and resilience. As the tournament progresses, Philadelphia's focus will be on maintaining their momentum and securing further victories to advance in the competition.