Enemy Scouting Report - Philadelphia Union
(image via Philadelphia Union)
The Houston Dynamo are coming off a humbling 3-0 defeat to the Vancouver Whitecaps in midweek action at Shell Energy Stadium. Vancouver overwhelmed Houston with relentless high pressing and clinical finishing, exposing defensive vulnerabilities and handing Ben Olsen’s squad a second straight loss. With little time to dwell on the result, the Dynamo must now prepare for another major challenge ahead.
Next up is a surging Philadelphia Union team that currently sits atop the Eastern Conference. Now led by Bradley Carnell—formerly of St. Louis CITY SC—Philadelphia has evolved into a more refined version of its aggressive self. Since parting ways with longtime head coach Jim Curtin at the end of 2024, the Union have fully embraced Carnell’s pressing system while adding more tactical structure and balance across the pitch.
At the heart of their attack is Tai Baribo, who has been in sensational form this season with 14 goals in 19 appearances. His movement off the ball and ability to finish with precision make him one of the most dangerous forwards in the league. In midfield, Quinn Sullivan has taken a big leap forward in 2025, showcasing vision, creativity, and maturity well beyond his 21 years. On the defensive end, Kai Wagner continues to be a game-changer at left back—combining smart positioning with dangerous crosses and a tireless engine.
For Houston, the task is clear: regroup, regain defensive shape, and rediscover the energy that’s been missing. The question is—can the Dynamo right the ship against the league’s best team, or will the Union hand them a third straight defeat?
Philadelphia Union Record: 14W-4D-5L
Results in the last 30 days:
June 25 - Chicago 0-1 Philadelphia
June 29 - Columbus 1-0 Philadelphia
July 5 - Nashville 1-0 Philadelphia
July 12 - Philadelphia 2-0 New York Red Bulls
July 16 - Philadelphia 2-1 Montreal
Last Match Staring XI (from fotmob.com)
2025 Roster
Goalkeepers: Oliver Semmle, Andre Blake, Andrew Rick
Defenders: Ian Glavinovich, Jakob Glesnes, Isaiah LeFlore, Olivier Mbaizo, Nathan Harriel, Kai Wagner, Olwethu Makhanya, Frankie Westfield, Neil Pierre
Midfielders: Jovan Lukić, Cavan Sullivan, Jesús Bueno, Alejandro Bedoya, Jeremy Rafanello, Ben Bender, CJ Olney, Indiana Vassilev, Danley Jean Jacques, David Vazquez, Nick Pariano, Quinn Sullivan
Forwards: Mikael Uhre, Tai Baribo, Bruno Damiani, Chris Donovan, Markus Anderson, Sal Olivas, Eddy Davis III
Can Houston rebound from midweek disappointment to get a result against the Supporters Shield leaders?
