Philadelphia Union Looks to Bounce Back in Home Opener

The team faces changes after offseason departures and new signings ahead of MLS season

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Philadelphia Union will host New York City F.C. in their home opener this Sunday, looking to rebound from a 1-0 loss to D.C. United in their regular season debut. The team saw several key players depart in the offseason, including striker Tai Baribo who scored the winning goal against his former club. However, the Union have bolstered their attack and defense with new signings like Ghanaian forward Ezekiel Alladoh and Colombian center back Geiner Martínez. Teenage prodigy Cavan Sullivan also made history in the team's recent CONCACAF Champions Cup win.

Why it matters

The Philadelphia Union are the defending Supporters' Shield champions and will be looking to get their MLS season back on track after a disappointing start. The team's offseason roster changes, including the high-profile departure of Tai Baribo, will be closely watched as they aim to repeat as league champions.

The details

The Union sold striker Tai Baribo to D.C. United for a fee that could rise up to $4.6 million. Baribo immediately came back to haunt his former team, scoring the winning goal against the Union in the regular season opener. Other key departures included left back Kai Wagner, who joined Birmingham City, and 2022 MLS Defender of the Year Jakob Glesnes, who went to the LA Galaxy. To replace the lost talent, the Union brought in 20-year-old Ghanaian forward Ezekiel Alladoh for a club-record $4.5 million, along with Argentine winger Agustín Anello and Colombian center back Geiner Martínez.

  • The Philadelphia Union lost 1-0 to D.C. United in their regular season opener on February 25, 2026.
  • The Union will host New York City F.C. in their home opener at Subaru Park on February 29, 2026.
  • The Union recently won 5-0 and 7-0 over Trinidad and Tobago's Defense Force in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, with 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan scoring and becoming the youngest American to score in the competition.

The players

Tai Baribo

A former striker for the Philadelphia Union who was sold to D.C. United in the offseason and scored the winning goal against his former team in the regular season opener.

Ezekiel Alladoh

A 20-year-old Ghanaian forward signed by the Philadelphia Union for a club-record $4.5 million fee in the offseason.

Cavan Sullivan

A 17-year-old prodigy who scored his first goal for the Philadelphia Union senior team and became the youngest American to score in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

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What they’re saying

“We must bounce back strongly in our home opener after a disappointing start to the season.”

— Bradley Carnell, Head Coach, Philadelphia Union (billypenn.com)

What’s next

The Philadelphia Union will look to get their MLS season back on track when they host New York City F.C. at Subaru Park on February 29, 2026.

The takeaway

The Philadelphia Union face a pivotal home opener as they aim to overcome key offseason departures and get their MLS title defense back on track. The team's ability to integrate new signings and young talent will be crucial as they look to build on their Supporters' Shield-winning campaign.