The Philadelphia Union, dead last in Major League Soccer with a dismal seven points at the World Cup break, just pulled off one of the most insane comebacks we’ve ever seen. They’ve clinched a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs, racking up an MLS-best 40 points across 17 matches since that break. Seriously, from the absolute bottom of the Eastern Conference and the entire league to playoff contenders, that’s wild.
Richter’s Risky Bet Pays Off
When the Union parted ways with Supporters’ Shield-winning head coach Bradley Carnell, and handed the reins to 36-year-old Ryan Richter, it felt like a rebuild was on the horizon. Richter, coming from overseeing the Union’s MLS Next Pro side and then assisting Jim Curtin, was a fresh face. But what followed was anything but a rebuild. With the crucial return of Kai Wagner, a key left-back, and a pivotal meeting between Richter and captain Alejandro Bedoya at Two Persons Coffee in South Philadelphia, the team’s trajectory completely flipped. They didn’t just crawl into the playoffs either; they did it in style, battling Nashville SC to a scoreless draw away from home, even without their 17-year-old phenom. That’s a squad with serious grit.
Youth Power and Tactical Genius
A huge part of this insane run? The youth movement, especially 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan. This kid has been an absolute spark plug, netting seven goals and dishing out 11 assists, with most of that production coming after the World Cup break. But it’s not just him. Missing key players like Bruno Damiani and Milan Iloski, who account for 38 of the Union’s 59 league goals, and still grinding out a playoff-clinching draw, speaks volumes about their “next-man-up” mentality. Richter also switched up the tactics big time. Carnell’s high-press system, while effective in MLS games, couldn’t hold up with the added Concacaf Champions Cup demands, especially without Wagner and with Neil Pierre on loan. Richter dialed it back to a more zonal press, giving the midfield the breathing room they needed to keep that intensity going for a full 90 minutes. It’s a masterclass in adaptation.
Since the World Cup, this team has been on fire with 12 wins, four draws, and only two losses. Those 40 points put them five points clear of Nashville SC, who are the second-best team in that timeframe. They’re not done yet, though. There are still two games left in the regular season, and while they’ve clinched, they could still slide into an eight-versus-nine play-in game if they drop both. If the season ended today, they’d be facing Inter Miami in a three-game series, and after their last fiery encounter, you know that would bring some serious fireworks. Get ready for some high-stakes soccer, because the Union are coming in hot!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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