The 2025 Major League Soccer season kicked off with a bang, and if anyone still had doubts about the Philadelphia Union, they were completely buried in the grass at the Inter & Co Stadium. Four goals, an electrifying attack, and a warning to the entire league: the Union is coming with fire in their eyes.
While some teams are still finding their rhythm, Philadelphia rolled into Orlando like they already knew exactly what they were doing. Tai Baribo, Daniel Gazdag, and Mikael Uhre had the home team spinning, showing that this season could be the most dominant in the Union's recent history. If this opening was just an appetizer, MLS better buckle up because something big is coming.
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If you blinked, you missed it. Marco Pašalić opened the scoring for Orlando in the 8th minute, and it looked like the home team was about to take control. But nope, not today. The Union didn’t panic, didn’t change who they were, and like a cold-blooded snake, they waited for the right moment to strike. At 24 minutes, Tai Baribo leveled things up, and from there on, it was a stroll in the park for the visitors.
Baribo showed last season that he could be a lethal striker, but against Orlando, he played like the true protagonist. Two goals, a presence in the box, smart movement... the guy was everywhere! And it wasn’t just about finishing; he was the heartbeat of the Union’s attack, positioning himself perfectly, hunting for the ball, and being involved in every play.
If there’s one thing that separates the good teams from the great ones, it’s the ability to kill the game at the right moment. The Union came out of halftime like they were ready to hunt, and in less than three minutes, they had crushed Orlando's hopes. First, Daniel Gazdag, the team’s maestro, appeared in the right place at the right time to turn the game around in the 48th minute. Three minutes later, Mikael Uhre got in on the action, punishing an embarrassing defensive error with a well-placed goal.
That’s the Union’s recipe for success. They’re not a team that settles for one goal and then sits back to protect the lead. They attack relentlessly, make their opponents pay for their mistakes, and exploit every inch of space left by the defense.
This was Bradley Carnell's first win as Union’s head coach, and honestly, it couldn’t have gone any better. He didn’t try to reinvent the wheel or do anything crazy in his debut. He stuck with what the Union already do well: a well-structured, aggressive team that knows how to capitalize on every weakness of the opposition.
Now, keeping this level of intensity and consistency throughout the season will be the real test. MLS doesn’t forgive mistakes, and the Union still have a tough schedule ahead. If they want to dream big, Carnell will have to make sure his team stays hungry for victory, week after week.
For years, Orlando City prided itself on never losing an opening game in MLS. But as they say, all streaks come to an end, and the loss came in the cruelest way possible: at home, getting steamrolled.
Of course, Marco Pašalić was a bright spot. Two goals on debut, showing that he might be a key signing for the team. But what’s the point of one inspired player when the rest of the team looks lost out there? Orlando’s defense was a disaster, and every time the Union attacked, it felt like another goal was inevitable.
If head coach Óscar Pareja isn’t careful, this could be the start of a rough season for Orlando City. They have talent, they have quality, but they need to get their act together fast before it’s too late.
This victory was just the first step in a long journey, but first impressions count for a lot, and the Union made it crystal clear that they’re here to fight for the top spot in the league. This team has balance, a powerful attack, and a midfield capable of controlling the tempo against any opponent.
The next challenge is right around the corner. On March 1st, the Union will debut at home against FC Cincinnati, and Subaru Park is going to be lit. If they keep up this level of performance, expect another night of celebration in Philadelphia.