The Union finally gave us something (in MLS play) to cheer in 4-2 win over Toronto

Finally, we got a Union performance that we’d been waiting for all season.

It has been a weird start to the season, to say the least for the Philadelphia Union. Many projected the MLS Cup Runner-ups to return with a vengeance in 2023. They were a trendy pick to win the MLS Cup, many seeing a potential rematch in the final against LAFC.

So far, things haven’t gone according to plan for the Union, at least not by fan expectations. The team has just lacked that oomph, that spark, that was present during their warpath to the MLS Cup Final last year. It’s not like they’ve stunk or have been embarrassed out on the pitch. Moreso, they just haven’t quite turned in a complete performance where they looked like clear contenders yet.

Finally, the Union gave us something to cheer about in their 4-2 win over Toronto FC.

Toronto FC is not a good squad. They currently only have one win through nine games this season. That should be an easy win for a true contender, even if head coach Jim Curtin always proclaims that there are no easy wins in the MLS. It was the perfect opportunity for the Union to figure things out, to the tune of four goals.

Mikael Uhre, the hat-trick hero of the match, proclaimed that “I think we came out looking more like ourselves today than maybe the entire season,” and we would have to agree.

The front three of Gazdag, Carranza, and Uhre finally looked in synch. The team as a whole appeared to win every single 50-50 ball on the pitch, wanting it just a bit more than their opponents. Jack McGlynn had an absolute star-making performance in midfield. This was exactly what we’d all been waiting for all season.

The biggest match of the year is just days away now, their Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals clash against LAFC. Let’s hope the momentum found in this big victory over Toronto can carry into this MLS Cup Final rematch and beyond!