Union Return to Play with Road Trip to Charlotte FC

Philadelphia Union look to earn their first points of the MLS season after a two-week break.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:00pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Philadelphia Union soccer match, with the players and field broken down into overlapping planes of navy blue, gold, and white.The Philadelphia Union's search for their first points of the season takes them on the road to face a tough Charlotte FC squad.Philadelphia Today

The Philadelphia Union will return to action this weekend with a road match against Charlotte FC. The Union have yet to earn a point in their 0-5-0 start to the MLS season, but used the recent international break to reset and refocus through training. Head coach Bradley Carnell is optimistic the team will be ready to compete in a tough road environment against Charlotte.

Why it matters

The Union are one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, but their winless start has them near the bottom of the standings. A positive result against Charlotte could help them gain momentum and turn their season around.

The details

The Union took advantage of the two-week break to train intensely and prepare for the match against Charlotte FC. They held an internal scrimmage over the weekend to maintain their competitive edge. Star goalkeeper Andre Blake was away with the Jamaican national team during the break, but has returned to the Union and is ready to contribute.

  • The Union's match against Charlotte FC is on Saturday, April 5th at 7:30 PM.
  • The Union last played on March 18th, losing at home against the Chicago Fire.

The players

Bradley Carnell

Head coach of the Philadelphia Union.

Andre Blake

Three-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and vice captain of the Philadelphia Union.

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What they’re saying

“There's been a lot of reflection, a lot of meetings, a lot of chatting, a lot of executing on the training ground, and a lot of competition.”

— Bradley Carnell, Head Coach

“The boys invested a lot, and this week, the full focus has been on us against Charlotte in a tough stadium, so we're excited for it.”

— Bradley Carnell, Head Coach

“While the team is 'gutted' for Blake, the keeper ensured him during back stateside, that he was 'ready' for what's to come on the MLS stage.”

— Bradley Carnell, Head Coach

What’s next

The Union will look to earn their first points of the season against Charlotte FC on Saturday, April 5th. A positive result could help them gain momentum and climb up the Eastern Conference standings.

The takeaway

The Philadelphia Union have struggled to start the MLS season, but the two-week break allowed them to regroup and refocus. They'll look to translate their hard work in training into a much-needed result against Charlotte FC as they try to turn their season around.