A makeshift Philadelphia Union squad came up short in a game delayed by weather in Columbus, ending a 13-game unbeaten streak on Sunday night but there is little reason for concern thanks to the cushion the team has built for itself, which included a 1-0 win in Chicago Wednesday night to restart the season.

In the email today:

1. 🪄 Union Fall Short in Columbus

By Quentin Hall

The Philadelphia Union came up just short in a gritty 1-0 loss to the Columbus Crew on Sunday night. With a storm delay separating both halves and key players missing, it was always going to be a challenge and Columbus took full advantage.

The tone was set just six seconds into the match when Alejandro Bedoya was beaten for pace and blocked his man to stop a break. The veteran was shown a yellow, and though the free kick that followed didn’t result in a goal, it helped Columbus settle in. They controlled the first half from that point on.

Wilfried Nancy’s Crew moved the ball as best as they could with the Union often breaking up their play and making it difficult. Wing-back Mo Farsi, was constantly involved, popping up all over the pitch. His hard work paid off immediately before the break. In the 46th minute, in additional time, he made a surging run, beat Kai Wagner to the ball, and finished off a low cross that was flashed across the face of the Union goal. Wagner didn’t track him, and Farsi punished him for it. The timing was brutal and it completely changed Philly’s game plan for the second half.

Already short on attacking options, the Union struggled to create chances. The absence of Tai Baribo was especially felt. The Israeli striker leads the team with 13 MLS goals, and his finishing has been key to their success this season. Without him, the Union once again lacked punch up top and looked short on ideas in the final third.

Still, they just about had their moment. In the 66th minute, Olwethu Makhanya won a header off a corner and sent it across the goal. Bedoya got on the end of it, but his shot was cleared off the line by the Columbus defense. That was as close as the Union came all night.

From there, it was a match filled with blocked shots, broken attacks, and frustration. Former Union standout Daniel Gazdag couldn’t find his rhythm. Even after throwing on more attackers, Philadelphia failed to register a single shot that troubled backup Crew keeper Evan Bush.

Columbus stayed composed and kept control throughout. They’ve now gone over a year without losing to the Union and lead the all-time series 18 wins to 13.

Philadelphia still sits in first place in the Eastern Conference, but the gap has narrowed. FC Cincinnati is just one point behind and riding high, especially after the recent addition of Evander from the Portland Timbers.

Up next, the Union head to GEODIS Park to face Nashville SC on Saturday, July 5th.

2. 🇭🇹 Nelson Pierre Transferred to Vancouver

Nelson Pierre’s successful loan stint with the Vancouver Whitecaps’ second team has led to a permanent change in scenery for the 20-year-old from Lebanon, Pa.

The Whitecaps announced on Saturday that they acquired Pierre from the Philadelphia Union in exchange for a $50,000 transfer fee. Pierre is under contract through 2026 with a club option for 2027.

He currently leads MLS Next Pro in goals with 11.

“Last winter, Nelson was looking for a fresh start, and since arriving in Vancouver, he’s hit the ground running,” Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director, said in a news release. “Now at the halfway point of the season, he’s the top goalscorer in MLS Next Pro and has earned this opportunity. Everyone at the club is committed to supporting his continued growth, helping him take the next step in his development, and working on the areas that will elevate his promising young career.”

Pierre signed a homegrown deal with the Union in 2023 but spent much of last season on loan to Skövde AIK in Sweden and Charlotte Independence in USL League One.

3. 🇭🇺 Social Post of the Day: Gazdag

5. 🔗 Link Roundup

• Former Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Matt Freese made three big saves in the penalty shootout to send the USMNT into the semifinals of the Concacaf Gold Cup after a 2-2 draw with Costa Rica.

• Thoughts about an All-Star Game still being a thing aside, Tai Baribo and Jakob Glesnes were both selected to the 2025 team.

• Andrew Baggaley is back in Philadelphia capturing some incredible scenes from the Club World Cup.

• Charles Boehm caught up with Union head coach Bradley Carnell ahead of Sunday night’s game for MLSSoccer.com.

• SJEB FC closed out their regular season with a convincing 9-1 win on Sunday night at Rowan University and head into the conference championship against PA Classics at home with momentum.

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.