Philadelphia Union
Bueno ‘emptied the tank’ in standout performance against Club America
Some of Jesus Bueno’s best moments in a Union shirt have come during cup competitions and Bueno’s performance Wednesday night in the Champions Cup in Mexico City may have topped them all.
Head coach Bradley Carnell said Bueno has been in top form in recent weeks and he rewarded the 26-year-old Venezuela international with a tough assignment against Club America.
“Credit to him,” Carnell said post-game. “He took this personal tonight. He played like it meant the world to him and he emptied the tank.”
Bueno’s work rate in the first half and his contributions in the final third in the second half – his pass to Frankie Westfield in the box led to the penalty and he converted from the spot – kept the Union in the match and put them a goal away from advancing to the quarterfinals.
“Coming from a different climate and altitude was tough for the team but we showed our mettle,” Bueno said post-game in Spanish (translated by Google Translate). “That’s what’s important and I’m happy for them, for how the team performed.”
Philadelphia draws the penalty and Jesús Bueno converts it 🎯@PhilaUnion pic.twitter.com/hWbPgDj86I
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 19, 2026
Bueno was chosen as the designated penalty kick taker before the game and leveled the score in the 49th minute, then was instrumental in a second half turnaround that led the commentators to ask if the teams had swapped jerseys at halftime. Though Club America isn’t the dominant force of year’s past (they’re currently in 7th), managing the moment and keeping the belief were critical and on a team as young as its ever been Bueno’s leadership was invaluable.
“They’re a top, top team, and I think we learned a lot today, and I think we we can also hold our heads high,” Carnell said. “We have respect for the opponent, but when the whistle blows, we give it a good game and I think that’s what we did tonight.”
