Football Season Guide

Philadelphia were seconds away from winning the 2022 MLS title. In the end their hearts were broken after dramatic penalty shoot-out loss. Apart from that Union had an excellent 2022. They easily won the Eastern Conference. Had both the best attack and the best defence in the entire league. Coach for 8 consecutive seasons now Jim Curtin retained the main core of the team during the off-season. The only notable departure was that of the young prospect Aaronson. To replace him, added Perea and Torres to the squad, so if anything Philadelphia’s depth looks even better. Coach Curtin favours 4-3-1-2 formation. In this shape the top goalscorer from last season Gazdag (22 goals) operates right behind the 2 main strikers Uhre and Carranza. In his first year at the club Carranza netted 14 goals. The expectations are that he will better this tally in 2023. In the heart of the midfield the Venezuelan duo Martinez-Bueno play key roles in most matches. The depth for this area of the pitch is impressive with lots of options. Spoiled to have 2 experienced goalkeepers – Blake and Bendik. Also, the back 4 is masterfully orchestrated by the Norwegian centre-back Glesnes. All important defenders stayed put. In 2022 Union conceded just 26 goals in 34 matches during the regular season. The expectations are that their defensive stats in 2023 will be similar. With the squad pretty much the same as last season Philadelphia hope to make a fast start and quickly establish themselves near the top of the Eastern Conference.