Thoughts on the Union’s win over Charlotte FC

The Philadelphia Union left it until late against Charlotte FC in a 2-1 victory at Subaru Park. With several key starters missing, Philadelphia still managed to scrap out a result in a match that tested their depth, character, and grit.

A Needed Bounce Back at Home
After conceding late goals in recent games at Subaru Park, this time it was the Union who got one at the death. The energy was tense for most of the second half, but when the moment came, the Union didn’t fold. Instead, they delivered. Markus Anderson’s goal to win it was spectacular. It was the kind of strike that lifts a stadium and reminds you how unpredictable this team can be.

Still, the attack overall looked light in the second half. Anderson deserves full credit for his finish, but it’s hard to ignore that the lineup resembled an MLS Next Pro side by the end. The Union need help up front, especially when options are thin.

Zaha’s Defining Moment
Wilfried Zaha’s equalizer brought some drama. He shushed the crowd after scoring, which lit a fire under the Union in the second. Up until that goal, Zaha had been quiet the whole match. His strike will probably make his performance seem better than it really was, but in truth, he wasn’t a big factor. Similar to that moment, there was an incident in the first half which he was involved in which also lit a fire under the Union. For the two halves, the engine wasn’t roaring for the Union, until Zaha added some much needed gasoline.

Credit to rookie right back Westfield, who didn’t shy away from the moment. He stepped in for Mbaizo and went up against one of the most dangerous wingers in past Premier league seasons. At one point, he even exchanged words with Zaha. For a young player, that type of fearlessness is impressive and reassuring for fans to see.

Young Talent Shows Up
Westfield wasn’t the only young name who stepped up. Makahnya has continued to look promising this season. He’s young and will make the occasional mistake, but he’s calm on the ball and offers a strong athletic profile. He’s been a solid presence when building out from the back and gives the Union something to build on for the future.

The Academy deserves serious praise. The club keeps producing players who can hold their own in pressure-filled moments. Even though the Union were forced to lean on depth due to missing starters, those younger guys didn’t back down.

Midfield Grit and Bueno’s Consistency
Lukic and Jesus Bueno kept things steady in the middle. Bueno especially rarely puts a foot wrong when he comes into games. He’s not flashy, but he does the dirty work and does it well. His presence helped balance the game and gave the Union a fighting chance, especially when Charlotte started to push. The cherry on top was his outside the box goal, which came from his weak foot. It ended up giving the Union the advantage in the first half.

Still Missing a True Winger
Despite the win, the Union’s need for an out-and-out winger (other than Quinn Sullivan) continues to show. Bender and Vassilev are more traditional playmakers than goal scorers or wide threats. When the bench gets thin, there’s just not enough spark or speed on the outside.

Someone like Latif Blessing, who is currently a free agent, could be a smart pickup. He’s played for top MLS sides, has natural pace and width, and wouldn’t require a big fee. If the Union want to stay true to their business model but still compete, he makes sense.

More Team Than Superstars
This Union team is tough to define. They don’t have a flashy style or big-name talent, but they continue to win because of their mentality. It’s not about the starting eleven but more about the full squad. The group fights for each other, and you can tell they all care about the badge.

The transition from Curtin to Carnell has been a good one. The play style remains rough and direct, but the identity feels stronger than ever. Players like Donovan and Rafanello show grit and determination every time they step on the field. They know they won’t get tons of minutes, but they still give everything.