Philadelphia Union Secure First Win of 2026 Season Against CF Montréal

The Philadelphia Union ended a six-game losing streak to start the 2026 MLS season with a 2-1 comeback victory over CF Montréal on Saturday, April 11, 2026. The win, secured at Stade Saputo, marks the first victory and the first points of the season for the Union.

Philadelphia struggled in the opening half of the match, which featured numerous fouls and two VAR reviews. CF Montréal took the lead in the 23rd minute when Iván Jaime dribbled around Olwethu Makhanya and finished past goalkeeper Andre Blake. The goal followed a first-time pass from Efrain Morales that caught the Philadelphia defense during a transition.

Earlier in the first half, the Union’s defense narrowly avoided a penalty in the 13th minute. After Jovan Lukić was dispossessed by Wiki Carmona, a through ball to Iván Jaime was intercepted by Andre Blake. While the referee initially awarded a penalty to Montréal, VAR overturned the decision after confirming Blake had touched the ball.

Second-Half Rally

The Union shifted momentum in the second half to overturn the deficit. The equalizer came via a header from center back Japhet Sery Larsen, who finished a ball delivered by Milan Iloski. This marked Larsen’s first goal with the club.

Philadelphia secured the lead in the 77th minute when midfielder Jesús Bueno scored the game-winning goal. Andre Blake contributed to the defensive effort with four saves throughout the match, while Philadelphia maintained an expected goals (xG) margin of 1.8-0.8.

Roster Changes and Strategic Shifts

Head coach Bradley Carnell utilized a new lineup for the match, starting Ben Bender for the first time in 2026. The starting backline consisted of Nathan Harriel, Frankie Westfield, Olwethu Makhanya, and Japhet Sery Larsen. In the midfield, Jesús Bueno earned his third start of the year, playing alongside Jovan Lukic, Indiana Vassilev, and Bender.

The attacking duo featured Milan Iloski and Bruno Damiani. Danley Jean Jacques, who had started the first six games of the season, was listed as questionable on the injury report and was ultimately omitted from the matchday roster.

The early-season struggles follow a period of significant roster turnover during the offseason. The club saw the departure of key contributors including Mikael Uhre, Tai Baribo, Jakob Glesnes, and Kai Wagner, who moved to other MLS clubs or abroad. This turnover contributed to an early exit from the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup and a difficult start to the domestic season.

Today was the performance of a team, and I’m really happy for them. We’re in a tough moment as a club, as players and coaches and staff and everyone. But it shows what it means now, going down to the locker room and seeing the joy and relief on faces. I know it’s only three points, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Bradley Carnell

The victory lifts the Union out of the basement of the Eastern Conference and prevents the franchise from extending its worst-ever start to a season. This result comes after the club won the 2025 Supporters’ Shield with a total of 66 points during the regular season.

Upcoming Schedule

The Philadelphia Union will return to Subaru Park for their next match on Saturday, April 18, 2026, where they will face D.C. United.