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Chester Today
By the People, for the People
Philadelphia Union Advance in Champions Cup, Face Club América
Union dominate Defence Force in first leg, set for Round of 16 showdown with Liga MX powerhouse
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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The Philadelphia Union are poised to advance to the Round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions Cup after a commanding 5-0 victory over Defence Force in the first leg. The Union, led by striker Bruno Damiani's two goals and a debut tally from record signing Ezekiel Alladoh, will host the second leg at Subaru Park on February 26th. The aggregate winner will face Liga MX club Club América in the next round, with the tournament offering a direct qualification spot to the expanded 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
Why it matters
The Concacaf Champions Cup has grown in prestige, with nine MLS clubs participating this year. The tournament represents a pathway to significant future tournaments like the FIFA Club World Cup, making the Union's advancement a crucial step in raising the profile of North American soccer on the global stage.
The details
The Union's dominant first-leg performance showcased their attacking prowess, with Damiani and Alladoh leading the charge. However, the team suffered a setback in their MLS opener, losing 1-0 to D.C. United. Despite the domestic form, the Union are heavily favored to progress past Defence Force, who face a daunting 5-0 deficit. The winner of the Union-Defence Force tie will take on Mexican powerhouse Club América in the Round of 16.
- The second leg between Philadelphia Union and Defence Force is scheduled for Wednesday, February 26th at 6:00 PM EST.
- The Concacaf Champions Cup final is scheduled for May 30th.
The players
Philadelphia Union
An American professional soccer club based in Chester, Pennsylvania, and a member of Major League Soccer.
Bruno Damiani
A striker for the Philadelphia Union who scored two goals in the first leg against Defence Force.
Ezekiel Alladoh
The Philadelphia Union's record signing, who scored a goal in his debut in the first leg against Defence Force.
Defence Force
A professional soccer club based in Trinidad and Tobago, competing in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Joevin Jones
A former MLS fullback who was sent off in stoppage time during the first leg between Defence Force and Philadelphia Union.
What’s next
The winner of the Philadelphia Union vs. Defence Force tie will face a formidable challenge in the Round of 16 against Club América, one of the most successful and popular clubs in Mexican football.
The takeaway
The Philadelphia Union's dominant performance in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup has put them in a strong position to advance to the Round of 16, where they will face the challenge of Liga MX powerhouse Club América. The Union's success in this tournament could have significant implications for the growth and representation of North American soccer on the global stage.
