In this edition of Oppo Research, Hudson River Blue spoke to José Roberto Nuñez of Jose's Union Substack to learn more about the Philadelphia Union, New York City FC's opponent on Sunday evening. Here is your NYCFC vs Philadelphia preview.
• Record: 20W, 6D, 8L | 66 points, 1st place
• Scoring Leader: Tai Baribo, 18 goals
• Assist Leader: Kai Wagner, 10 assists
1. Philadelphia lost key players
Hudson River Blue: Philadelphia Union had a busy winter, losing key players such as Tai Baribo, Jakob Glesnes, and Kai Wagner. The Union brought in four signings — two strikers and two center backs — to make up for the departures. Overall, how do you assess the Union’s offseason after winning the Supporters' Shield last season?
José Roberto Nuñez: I think the Philadelphia Union’s offseason recruitment was successful in accomplishing its primary objective: getting younger and cheaper from a contract standpoint. By moving on from players like Jakob Glesnes and Tai Baribo, the Union cleared both a large guaranteed contract (Glesnes) and a potentially significant future one (Baribo) from the wage structure. Those minutes and roles are now being filled by players such as Sery Larsen and Ezequiel Alladoh. While exact salary figures are not yet public, it is hard to imagine either coming close to what Glesnes or Baribo were slated to earn in 2026.
In Kai Wagner’s case, the Union did well to honor their gentleman’s agreement with the German, allowing him to move on after many years of service to the club. Philippe Ndinga is on his way, per my sources, and serves as a replacement of sorts. That said, no one is likely to replicate Wagner’s production anytime soon.
2. What went wrong against DC United?
HRB: Starting your season with a loss to last year’s Wooden Spoon winner is never a good way to defend a Supporters' Shield title. What were some things you learned about the Union from that defeat to DC United?
JRN: It is fairly obvious that the Union needed to address the left back position, and they have done so with Ndinga, who has yet to arrive but is on his way. Having a natural left back should make the team less predictable, something that clearly hurt them against DC United.
Additionally, the absence of Jovan Lukić due to a rib injury was glaring. The way he and Danley Jean-Jacques cover ground and feed off one another, pivoting effectively in midfield, is arguably one of the best pairings in the league when healthy.
3. Ezekiel Alladoh is expected to play a big role
HRB: One of those winter additions was 20-year-old striker Ezekiel Alladoh from Swedish top-flight side IF Brommapojkarna, who signed for a club record fee. He was sent off in his MLS debut after he “directed an obscene gesture and language” at DC United’s Lucas Bartlett. Outside of that, what did you see from Alladoh’s 58-minute performance? And do you think he can be a true replacement for Tai Baribo?
JRN: Alladoh was, in many ways, a victim of a predictable attacking approach against DC, with he and Damiani often isolated while waiting for service up the right flank. DC smothered that channel early, allowing them to grow in confidence. That said, before his dismissal, Alladoh did find himself in dangerous positions and showed flashes of what he can offer, using his strength to hold up play and lay the ball off for teammates.
4. The X-Factor: The starting left back
HRB: What’s the X-factor that could decide this game?
JRN: This next match may come down to who starts at left back. Against DC, Frankie Westfield was a late scratch, forcing Bradley Carnell to turn to Finn Sundstrom, a young player making the jump from USL to MLS. Sundstrom then had to come off due to injury, which led to further reshuffling, including minutes for Genier Martinez, another new signing. That is far from an ideal scenario, especially early in the season.
5. Predicted score, Starting XI
HRB: Prediction time: Starting XI? Final score?
JRN: I think a 1–0 Union win for Philadelphia is likely, given how strong the club has historically been at home. Carnell played Thursday’s CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Defence Force with a rotated side. The priority was getting through it healthy, as no one wants to see a league match played short-handed.
