Union go winless in sixth straight game, lose 2-1 to NYCFC

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

Chester, Pa. — The Philadelphia Union woes continue. The team has gone winless in their last six games.

The Union were defeated by NYCFC on Wednesday night at Subaru Park. The rivals won 2-1 over the Union.

The team has dropped four of their last five games. The team also lost to Orlando City SC, Real Salt Lake, and the Seattle Sounders FC.

During this stretch, the Union also played to two draws. On April 14th, the team played to a 2-2 draw at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

Then, on May 4th, the Union played to a 2-2 draw with the D.C. United at Audi Field.

The Union is currently tied with Nashville SC in the 9-10 spots in the Eastern Conference. Both teams have 14 points.

Philadelphia’s last win came in a 2-1 win over Nashville SC at Geodis Park on April 6th, 2024.

The Union (3-5-4) will look to end this winless streak on Saturday. The team travels to Gillette Stadium to take on the New England Revolution on May 18th at 7:30 pm EST.

NYCFC (6-2-5) is currently in the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference. They have 20 points.

NYCFC has won their last two games. They have won five of their last six games. Their only loss during this stretch came in a 2-0 loss to the Colorado Rapids at Citi Field on May 5th.

Entering Wednesday night’s game, each team had 10 wins. There were two draws. Plus, each team had 32 goals against their opponent.

These two teams also played to a 2-1 score in their last game. However, it was the Union who won at Subaru Park on July 15th, 2023.

The Union will attempt to get revenge in the series on September 18th, 2024. That’s when these two teams will play one another at Yankee Stadium.

This was NYCFC’s first win in the series since December 5th, 2021. That’s when NYCFC won 2-1 over the Union in the Conference Finals at Subaru Park.

NYCFC got on the board first. That’s when Alonso Martínez scored in the second minute.

Then, at 45 +2, Hannes Wolf, who signed with NYCFC in January, scored to make it 1-0.

In the second half, the Union got on the board. Julián Carranza scored in the 47th minute.

Late in stoppage time, the Union netted an equalizer. However, it was called back following an off-side call. Seconds after the off-sides were called, the game ended.

Matt Freese had a good performance against his former employer. The Wayne, Pennsylvania native played for the Union from 2019 through 2022, including stints with the Philadelphia Union II.

Before the 2023 season, Freese was traded to NYCFC for $350,000 in guaranteed General Allocation Money. There is a chance that an additional $400,000 in GAM will be awarded, plus a percentage of future transfer fees.

Union keeper Oliver Semmle has struggled in recent games. He also gave up a questionable goal to Wolf before halftime, but he did make good plays when he needed to in order to keep the score close to give the Union a chance to come back.