Philadelphia Union
Baribo goal hands Philadelphia Union first season opening loss since 2020
Tai Baribo’s first half strike handed the Philadelphia Union their first season-opening loss since 2020.
Tai Baribo scoring against the Philadelphia Union in his DC United debut was always a likely possibility and the striker did just that Saturday night, handing his former team their first season-opening loss since 2020 in a 1-0 victory at Audi Field.
Baribo was sold to the Union’s Eastern Conference rivals in the offseason for $4 million and he looked like a breath of fresh air to a DC attack that struggled mightily in a Wooden Spoon-winning 2025 season. His former team looked less the defending Supporters’ Shield winners and more a team trying to find its footing after a midweek trip to Trinidad & Tobago. A banged up team at that.
Jovan Lukic missed his second straight game with injury and Frankie Westfield was a late scratch – his replacement Finn Sundstrom left at halftime after rolling his ankle.
Ezekiel Alladoh, the Union’s record-breaking offseason acquisition was sent off with a straight red card for dissent in the 59th minute. Despite the unexpected setback, the Union were still able to create some chances in the final half hour after Alladoh’s exit. They finished the game with 1.2 xG to DC’s 1.3 but it wasn’t enough to avoid a rare loss to DC, their first at Audi Field since 2021.
Cavan Sullivan had two set pieces into dangerous spots and Alejandro Bedoya nearly set up Agustin Anello on a crafty play in the box but the Union didn’t challenge veteran goalkeeper Sean Johnson enough in his DC United debut. They ended up outshooting the hosts 13-7 but had just three shots on target right at Johnson.
Baribo opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a tidy finish in the left side of the box off a feed from João Peglow. Earlier, he put the ball in the back of the net but the Union back line was bailed out by an offside flag. Baribo also hit the post and forced Andre Blake into a lovely diving save to his right, but that play – and what would’ve been Blake’s only save of the night – was waived off by an offside flag.
The Union will return home for the second leg of their first round Champions Cup match with Defence Force FC before welcoming NYCFC for their home opener on Sunday.
