In partnership with

I never bought into the Debbie Downer Anti-Hype around the Philadelphia Union heading into the 2025 campaign but even I’m surprised at how electric their start to the season has been, something that continued in what was their toughest test yet in a frigid Foxborough against an organized and resilient Revolution side last night. It took Tai Baribo until the 76th minute and it was a chef’s kiss off the back post to do it but even before the goal Baribo’s defensive work and defensive paranoia inducing runs was on display. His goal held up as the winner and equaled a 26-year-old MLS record for most goals scored in the first three games of the season.

In the email today:

1. ⚡️ Kai-Tai Connection Continues to Haunt MLS Defenses

When you tie a 26-year-old record and introduce young MLS fans to one of the league’s early stars (Ante Razov) you’re doing a lot right but for all of Tai Baribo’s early season goal-scoring prowess and the accolades that have come with it, the connection he has with a teammate whose first name rhymes with his own has been an absolute joy to watch.

Call it the Kai-Tai or the Tai-Kai but half of Baribo’s league-leading goals have come from deliveries from Kai Wagner, who leads the team and the league with four assists through three games. All three of the connections have come down to pinpoint passing and timing from the pair but the eventual game-winner in Foxborough also showed the kind of aggressiveness in the final third head coach Bradley Carnell preaches.

How many times have you seen corner kicks that are one and done? Ball whipped in and cleared out, the chance over and the beat goes on. Pretty often but in Carnell’s system when the ball is cleared is the time to shine and Frankie Westfield did just that, winning the ball instead of retreated and recycling it to Wagner who was ready to whip in another curling cross to a waiting Baribo at the back post.

It was a bit of a lucky finish for Baribo to get it to kiss off the post but his instincts and calm under pressure continue to propel him forward as the early leader in the Golden Boot race. Considering where he was just a calendar year ago, languishing on the bench and waiting his time behind Julian Carranza, Baribo’s blistering start to the season is a testament to keeping your head up and plowing forward in the face of adversity. Wagner, meanwhile, isn’t new to the service game but his passes this season have had an add zip and are the stuff of nightmare fuel for defenders.

Looking for unbiased, fact-based news? Join 1440 today.

Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.

Subscribe to 1440 today.

2. 🇿🇦 Makhanya’s Bravery, Carnell’s Trust Paying Off

By Amit Maliik

Three games into the 2025 MLS campaign, Olwethu Makhanya’s play at center back has been one of the secret ingredients in the Union’s golden start.

The 20-year old South African has rapidly acclimated to the speed of the league in his first three outings ever in the league and rarely looked out of place alongside some of his veteran teammates on the backline like Jakob Glesnes, Kai Wagner and goalkeeper Andre Blake. 

Before the season, it might have made more sense for Ian Glavinovich to be the ideal replacement for Jack Elliott in Bradley Carnell’s revamped system. He was loaned in as a touted center back from Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina’s top division with advertised speed, which is needed for center backs to cover space and handle duels in an energy drink soccer set-up.

Makhanya spent all of 2024 on the Union II after joining the club in July of 2023 from Stellenbosch as one of Philadelphia’s first U-22 signings. He was also well-regarded for his athletic explosiveness and in his last season was a finalist for South Africa’s most promising player of the year award. He was an exciting acquisition by the Union’s front office, but not at the same pedigree of Glavinovich.

Makhanya was fine for the Union II, but did not scream out as an breakout candidate. Roster-wise, he was understandably gridlocked behind two of the most reliable center backs in the league in Glesnes and Elliott.

The coaching change alongside Elliott’s departure provided the perfect blank slate for Makhanya to wedge his way into the squad, and his reportedly impressive pre-season warranted a spot in the opening day lineup at Orlando, which he has since not relinquished.

There are a few fortuitous factors in play – first is Carnell’s stated willingness to open every spot in the squad up to competition. It probably also helps Makhanya that Carnell is his countryman. And Glavinovich has been, and might still be, dealing with a hamstring injury. 

But even then, a lot of 20-year old center backs might not meet the moment, especially in two road contests, and against two playoff caliber attacks. Makhanya also has benefitted from the Union’s rekindled attack firing on all cylinders. The Union’s aforementioned veteran defenders have provided a solid foundation to fit into, with Makhanya having built some nice chemistry with Glesnes already. 

Lastly, the double pivot in front of Makhanya has also helped a lot with his structured defending in a deep block, with more protection than he might have had in the previous Union system. 

All of that context is to say that three games of a 20-year old center back for an undefeated team does not crown a superstar. Much of his and the Union’s success are borne out of timing and opportunity. But the fact that he has risen to the moment can signify his new standard, and there are glimpses of potential that could alter the trajectory for the entire franchise. 

3. ⛯ Social Post of the Day: What a Night

4. 💧 Water Cooler: Player Ratings

Weigh in on the individual performances from last night’s win in our Player Ratings Poll.

5. 🔗 Link Roundup

• We aren’t done with New England just yet. Union II kick off their 2025 campaign this afternoon in Foxborough. Brady Ferguson has a preview and we also caught up with new signing Stats Korzeniowski.

• Channel 6 News was over in Bryn Mawr yesterday to do a story on the Philly Police Department team in their CASA Soccer League opener against Sporting Serotonin.

Thanks for reading! Have an item or suggestion for the newsletter? Want to become a sponsor? Email [email protected].

Want to support this newsletter? Upgrade your account 
for $1 per month or $10 per year.