Tai Baribo saves Philadelphia Union, keeps dream alive in Leagues Cup

When the rain started pouring over Subaru Park last Friday, the Philadelphia Union fans knew they were about to witness something special. The weather forecast wasn’t promising at all, but who cares about forecasts when it comes to soccer?

The first half kicked off like one of those movies where you already know what's going to happen, but you can’t help but watch. Philadelphia Union took the field in their classic 4-4-2 diamond formation, but there was something different. The last time all the players were available was back in April, and the return of key players like Nate Harriel, fresh off the Paris Olympics, injected new energy into the squad.

Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).

The crowd, though thinned out by the weather, did their part. And despite the slow start, with the visitors from CF Montreal delivering the first scare, Union quickly showed what they were made of. With Andre Blake, the "Wall of Philadelphia," guarding his goal like a true general, the team’s confidence grew. The first flashes of a goal came in the early minutes, with attempts from Nate Harriel and Samuel Adeniran.

Then, at the 45th minute of the first half, just as the referee was signaling extra time, the ball landed at Baribo's feet, and he didn’t waste the chance. It was his eighth goal of the season, but perhaps the most crucial one. Philadelphia Union took the lead, and Subaru Park erupted in a mix of relief and euphoria.

The second half promised more excitement. Baribo and Adeniran kept tormenting the opposing defense, while Blake remained unyielding. The match began to feel like an epic battle, the kind you’d tell your grandkids about. Coach Jim Curtin, known for his strategic mindset, started making precise substitutions at the 60-minute mark. These changes kept the frenetic pace alive, while Montreal desperately tried to equalize.

And then, the VAR, that “friend” everyone loves to hate, decided to make an appearance. Mbaizo found himself caught up in a collision that the referee initially deemed worthy of a red card. But after review, the punishment was lessened.

In the final minutes, with Montreal throwing everything forward and leaving gaps at the back, history repeated itself. Baribo, the unexpected hero, showed up again. With the coolness of a veteran and the precision of a surgeon, he scored the second goal, sealing the victory and securing Union’s spot in the Leagues Cup Round of 16.

Now, riding high on confidence, Union prepares to face FC Cincinnati. Cincinnati, the third-best team in the tournament so far, comes in unbeaten and hungry for revenge. The last time these teams met, back in June, it was a real shootout, with Cincinnati coming out on top 4-3. But if this win over Montreal showed anything, it’s that Union is ready for any challenge.