Bold and Not So Bold Predictions for the 2025 Philadelphia Union season

A new Major League Soccer season kicks off today, Saturday, February 22nd, and it’s been anything but quiet for the Philadelphia Union. The off season started with the departure of Jim Curtin, who led the club for 11 years. One of the reasons was because the Union missed the playoffs for the first time since 2017, bringing a disappointing end to an era.

But that’s all in the past. A new chapter begins today with a fresh face on the sidelines, Bradley Carnell. Along with him, several new players have joined the mix, sparking excitement (and maybe a little uncertainty) about what this season could bring.

With so much change, one thing remains the same our Philadelphia Soccer Now contributors are ready to make their annual bold (and not-so-bold) predictions for the season ahead. So, what’s in store for the Union this year?

Bold Prediction
They win U.S. Open Cup
Philadelphia Union are in the top 5 in MLS in goals scored.
The new guy, Bruno will score over 15 goals and lead us to a top 5 in the east finish.
The team looks better situationally (points protected from winning positions/points recovered from losing positions/heavy rotation situations) than it did under Curtin
Indiana Vassilev contributes to at least 10 goals

Provide one not so bold/safe prediction for the team this season
They make the playoffs
Philadelphia Union finish last in mls for all possession stats.
Andre Blake will prove his worth by either saving us several games or getting hurt causing us to go on a slide.
When Andre Blake plays the defensive record will be solid
A healthy Andre Blake keeps the Union in the playoff hunt

What player will be the biggest surprise this season?
Danley Jean Jacques
Danley Jean Jacques has all the tools to be an elite MLS player. I think he can be a star this year.
The new kid Lukic
Danley J

What player has the most to prove this season?
Jakob Glesnes
Danley, Glavinovich, Lukic, and Damiani have work to do as newcomers in a team that hates change. Bueno has a lot to prove as a returning player with a new look midfield.
Uhre
Mikael Uhre

What place do you predict the Philadelphia Union will finish?
Sixth
8th in the East
8
8th-9th in the East
5 – 6 in the East

What is your expectations for the 2025 MLS Season?
I think it will be more competitive top to bottom and more consistent not having a month off for Leagues Cup.
If the Union stay healthy and their newcomers perform, I think they are a bottom level playoff team. My expectations are much higher for 2026, however, I see a path for the Union to be successful at home and be consistent enough defensively to finish 6-8.
I think a mid table finish. Similar to last year fighting for a playoff spot
Completely new style of play, still a relatively large talent gap to the best teams in the league, but an ultimately not-horrible season

Now it’s your turn! What are your bold (or not-so-bold) predictions for the Union this season? Who will be the biggest surprise? Where will they finish in the standings?

Drop your thoughts in the form below or click here to submit your predictions!