Philadelphia Union and Tai Baribo kept up their remarkable starts to 2025 as the Boys in Blue went on the road to New England and nabbed a 2-0 victory.
Like he has all season, Baribo was the goalscorer for the Philly side, scoring in the 76th minute to break the deadlock with a redirected finish set up by Kai Wagner. The goal not only propelled the Union to its first ever 3-0-0 start to a season, it gave the Israeli strike six goals through the first three games of the Major League Soccer season. The goal ties Baribo with Ante Razov who accomplished the feat in 1999.
Ten minutes of stoppage time prsented midfielder Jovan Lukic the opportunity to add an insurance goal and he delivered. Substitue Indiana Vassilev raced provided the setup for the blast from the edge of the 18-yard-box that the Serbian kissed off the post and into the back of the net in the 97th minute.
Baribo and his teammates needed just one goal thanks to stellar defense in blistering conditions. Goalkeeper Andre Blake picked up his 79th career clean sheet, being called upon for a diving stop in the 69th minute to deny a long-range Maximiliano Urruti.
Philadelphia Union returns to Subaru Park for a two-game homestand that begins next weekend against Nashville SC. The match will see the return of the fan favorite Dollar Dog Night with concession locations selling hot dogs for just $1 each. It'll also be U-Serve Night presented by Bimbo Bakeries USA, highlighting the multitude ofvolunteer efforts fans can sign up throughout 2025. Kick off against the Music City side is set for 2PM on Sunday, March 16th, and will be broadcast on FOX and MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
How The Match Unfolded
The saying goes, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,’ and on Saturday evening in 30 degree and windy conditions, Head Coach Bradley sent out an unchanged Starting XI, marking the first time the team’s used the same squad three times in a row since May 2023.
As was the case against Orlando City and FC Cincinnati, Andre Blake started in net, protected by a backline featuring Frankie Westfield and Kai Wagner at right and left back, plus Olwethu Makhanya and Jakob Glesnes at centerback.
Once again, Jovan Lukic, Danley Jean Jacques, Quinn Sullivan, and Daniel Gazdag made up the midfield, while Mikael Uhre and Tai Baribo started up top.
The only changes were on the bench – Ian Glavinovich was missing from sidelines, while Nate Harriel was featured on the matchday 20 for the first time this year, joining back up keeper Andrew Rick, Olivier Mbaizo, Alejandro Bedoya, Jesus Bueno, Indiana Vassilev, Cavan Sullivan, and Bruno Damiani.
10', Early change for the opponent | One of New England Revolution's top talents in striker Leo Campana was forced to exit the match due to apparent injury early -- in the 10th minute, he was replaced by Maxi Urruti.
24', Centerback run creates close chance | Olwethu Makhanya tried to take matters into his own hands on the attacking end midway through the first half first intercepting the ball and taking down Kaisei Korytoski, the powering past both past Carles Gil and Luca Langoni down the left sideline. In the corner, Ilay Feingold picked up his mark, but Makhanya held his own and backheeled it to Mikael Uhre sneaking into the box. Uhres found Daniel Gazdag for the finish, but he sent it over the net. Miss aside, it was a promising moment created by the young centerback in his third-ever start for the first team.
64', Carnell sends on fresh legs | Head Coach Bradley Carnell made his first changes of the night in 64th minute, sending on his two most recent signings in Bruno Damiani and Indiana Vassilev to replace Mikael Uhre and Quinn Sullivan.
76', BARIBO GOAL! | After 76 scorless minutes, Philadelphia Union finally pulled ahead, making it 1-0. Leading assist man Kai Wagner sent a perfect pass into the box to Tai Baribo for a one-time attempt on goal that squeezed inside the post and into the back of the net. The goal not only put the Boys in Blue ahead but tied the Israeli striker for the most goals scored through the first three games in league history.
90+', Lukic gets his first DOOP! | With the Revolution pressing for an equalizer, the Boys in Blue took advantage with a pair of firsts in stoppage time. Newcomer Indiana Vassilev laid off a pass to Jovan Lukic for a blast from the edge of the 18-yard-box and the Serbian delivered with a sweet shot that kissed off the post and clinched the road points for the Union.
