Philadelphia Union Seek Answers After Contrasting Performances

The MLS club looks to stabilize after a blowout win and a disappointing loss to start the season.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Philadelphia Union have had a mixed start to the 2026 season, with a dominant 5-0 victory over Defence Force FC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup followed by a 1-0 loss to D.C. United in MLS play. The team is looking to find consistency and answers after the contrasting performances, including the red card ejection of Ezekiel Alladoh in the loss.

Why it matters

The Union are aiming to build on their recent success and challenge for trophies this season, so the early-season inconsistency is concerning. The team will need to quickly find a way to replicate their Champions Cup form in league play to avoid falling behind in the MLS standings.

The details

In their Champions Cup match, the Union easily dispatched the inferior Defence Force FC team 5-0. However, just days later they struggled against D.C. United, going down 1-0 early and then losing Alladoh to a red card on his MLS debut, leading to their first defeat of the young season.

  • The Union routed Defence Force FC 5-0 in the CONCACAF Champions Cup last week.
  • The Union then lost 1-0 to D.C. United in MLS play on Saturday.

The players

Ezekiel Alladoh

A new signing who was ejected with a red card in the Union's loss to D.C. United.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We need to find a way to bring that same intensity and execution we had in the Champions Cup to our league matches. The inconsistency is concerning and we have to address it quickly.”

— Jim Curtin, Union Head Coach (Ground.news)

What’s next

The Union will look to bounce back in their next MLS match against the New York Red Bulls.

The takeaway

The Philadelphia Union have shown they can dominate inferior opponents in cup competitions, but must find a way to translate that form to consistent results in MLS play to achieve their goals this season.