Union searching for comeback in Mexico City

​The Philadelphia Union is in Mexico City with their Champions Cup life on the line. Club America took the first match in Chester by a score of 1-0. Now, the Union tries to gather any slim moment of success from 2026 to complete their biggest task yet: a two-goal victory in Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes. Let’s break down the late-night matchup tonight.

​

CF America has now won its last three matches. However, the challenge remains scoring. Las Águilas have 57 shots across those three wins, but quality continues to be few and far between. Only 22 of those shots were on target, amounting to five goals across the three matches.

​

While the Mexican side enjoyed possession against Philly, they did not hold to their typical standard. The Union does not like to hold the ball, but they nearly matched America in possession across the 90 minutes, holding 49%.

​

This slowdown of ball control was especially prominent in the second half, where America sat back and allowed Philly to attack. While a bit misleading to the Philly faithful, Las Águilas skipper André Jardine seemed to be playing a conditional game. Once the early beauty of a goal came from Raphael Viega, it was holding the lead to come back to a venue where America is tough to beat.

​

A prominent yet tragic moment for Club America came from the last meeting of these two clubs. Luis Ángel Malagón, who was set to be the Mexican National Team keeper heading into the 2026 World Cup, tore his achilles and was replaced by Rodolfo Cota. Cota subbed on in the 43rd minute, finishing the match and becoming the likely candidate as the starter for tonight’s leg.

​

I would expect Club America to come out as strong as they did in the opening match. The Union posed little threat until late in the 90 minutes, and it only takes one goal from Philly to send the match into extra time. If Las Águilas can capitalize on the likely early fluster of a young squad entering the El Coloso de Santa Úrsula. If Club America can pounce on the U quickly, it will be smooth sailing to the next round.

​

​

Where to start? The Philadelphia Union has gone from bad to worse over the last few weeks. What looked like a step in the right direction with the second 45 against America turned abysmal after dropping a 3-1 match to Atlanta United Saturday afternoon.

​

While offensive struggles persist, it was defending that provided hardship for a club that just cannot seem to put everything together this season. Without Japhet Sery Larsen in the lineup, the youthful back line looked out of place and unorganized, a rare occurrence when being organized by the three time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.

​

To add to the struggles, the Union continued to lack offensive capitalization. A missed penalty from Iloski, a plethora of poor services, and a lack of creativity through the middle of the pitch plague a club that has now scored once in their last 270 minutes of play.

​

But this isn’t a hate piece, Union faithful. Let’s see what we can muster.

​

While Bradley Carnell has yet to produce the same XI in consecutive matches this season, cohesion seems to grow. Agustin Anello netted his first goal in the dying minutes of Saturday’s match. And honestly, the goal was a product of what the Boys in Blue have been trying (and failing) to do thus far this year.

​

Wide spaces continue to open in this narrow formation, and the young outside backs that fill them currently are continuing to progress in positive execution offensively.

​

Additionally, the U’s forwards are also lurking in these spaces, creating additional chances for midfielders and other forwards to get in behind the defensive line. Anello did just this to find a positive in an all but terrible trip to Georgia.

​

Philadelphia is a city that demands results, and recently, they haven’t been great. But Philly is also a town that builds itself up and thrives in its resiliency. The culture of this club remains precisely that. However, the big question is when that response will come?

​

The emphatic answer remains a work in progress that has yet to find its stride, but moments like Anello’s first goal, snippets of quick play through the midfield, and breaks that are just missing that final piece all show glimmers of what is possible with this squad.

​

When you lose weapons, it shows. Although this team might not be as far off as it seems.

​

To survive a bout against Club America, the Union has to first survive the opening 15 minutes of the match. Club America will come with intensity against this inexperienced club, and their danger is inevitable. If the Union can settle in and weather the first half storm, they might just be able to provide a brave showing in one of the toughest venues in the Americas.

​

You can catch the match on FS1 at 9 p.m.