A new lineup but the same high intensity proved a winning combination as Philadelphia Union returned to its winning ways with a 1-0 win over St. Louis CITY SC on Saturday night.
Center back Ian Glavinovich made the most of his club debut, scoring the game's lone goal in the eighth minute with a headed finish set up from a Kai Wagner corner kick in front of the River End.
With seven national team call-ups and another starter suspended due to a red card in the previous match, the Boys in Blue showcased its depth with Indiana Vassilev and Bruno Damiani making their first starters with the club while Nathan Harriel, Olivier Mbaizo and Andrew Rick were put into the lineup and shined as they helped the club to its second clean sheet of the 2025 campaign.
Philadelphia Union wraps up March next weekend with a clash in the Sunshine State against unbeaten Inter Miami CF. Kick off for the March 29th contest is set for 7:30PM ET with coverage on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
How The Match Unfolded
For the first time this season, Head Coach Bradley Carnell changed his starting XI, adjusting his group due to nine first team absences -- seven of which were brought on by national team call-ups.
Three-time MLS goalkeeper of the year Andre Blake is one of five starters away, and he was replaced by Andrew Rick between the posts. The 18-year-old homegrown got the nod for the seventh time in his career – joining the first xi for the first time since September 23rd.
In front of him, the backline featured captain Jakob Glesnes at centerback, this time paired with first-time starter Ian Glavinovich. Olivier Mbaizo and Kai Wagner started at outside back, while Nate Harriel was bumped up from his typical right back to a #10 role, filling Daniel Gazdag’s empty spot alongside Jovan Lukic, Indiana Vassilev, and Quinn Sullivan in the midfield.
Mikael Uhre started up top with Bruno Damiani, who earned his first start since signing with the club in February.
Semmle rejoined the bench for the first time this year as backup keeper, listed with Cavan Sullivan, Isaiah LeFlore, Jeremy Rafanello, CJ Olney Jr, David Vazquez, Nick Pariano, Chris Donovan, and Stas Korzseniowski.
8', First start, first goal! | In his first-ever Union start, Ian Glavinovich put the Union on the board early, connecting on a Kai Wagner corner for his first goal in Blue and Gold. He jumped to find the ball for a header, sending it to the bottom left corner past St. Louis City's backup keeper Ben Lundt for the 1-0 lead. With his goal, Philadelphia Union became the first team in Major League Soccer to score against St. Louis this season.
With his assist, Wagner surpasses Bedoya for most total goal contributions of any active Union with 63.
34', Big Save Rick | On the defensive side of the pitch, homegrown keeper Andrew Rick was needed just once but it was a big moment to preserve momentum for the home side. Simon Becher chased down a long ball that force the Union keeper off his left but the winger opted for a backheel pass to Cedric Teuchert on the delayed run. Scrambling back into position, Rick got his glove up to push the shot wide.
45', Halftime | Philadelphia Union finished the half outshooting by the Western Conference foe by a 12-2 margin. While the opportunities were plenty, the scoreline stayed just 1-0 after 45 minutes. The Union had a few big chances to double their advantage during the opening gambit, with the first coming in the 21st minute when homegrown Quinn Sullivan rang a free kick from 30 yards out off the crossbar. Just after the half hour mark Philly launched a counter attack up the left side with Bruno Damiani forcing a save from Ben Lundt who spilled a rebound chance for Nathan Harriel but the shot on goal was blocked.
66', Loewen gets second yellow | St. Louis City midfielder Eduard Loewen was sent off in the 66th minute after he was shown a second yellow, leaving Philadlephia up a man for the remainder of the match.
71', Both sides bring in fresh legs | With the game on a knife's edge, both managers turned to their benches with Union Head Coach Bradley Carnell bringing in Jeremy Rafanello in place of the goalscoring Glavinovich. The move saw Harriel drop back from his attacking midfield role to center back. Meanwhile on the other sideline, STL turned to leading scorer Joao Klauss to bring an offensive punch while former Union draft pick Josh Yaro took to the pitch.
90', Three Points Secured | After the changes, the visitors produced a few scary chances to find an equalizer with Marcel Hartel firing a shot wide in the 82nd minute after a darting run by Klaoss.
