The Philadelphia Union were not bothered by negative predictions. After losing Jim Curtin and with some pessimists predicting an instant disaster, the club simply ignored the statistics, got on the field, and won. With a razor-sharp attack and a name on every tongue, the Union has become one of the hottest teams in MLS to begin the campaign.
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Baribo on fire
If there were still any questions regarding Tai Baribo's impact, it's time to reconsider. The Israeli forward is ablaze, and last Saturday, he once again demonstrated why he needs to be in the spotlight. His goal in the 2-0 win over New England Revolution was simply another page in an already impressive streak. He has now scored six goals in three games, tying an MLS record that had stood since 1999.
Baribo's goal surge isn't merely about personal statistics. Not only is he leading the Golden Boot race, but he also has more goals than 21 entire MLS teams thus far. It's a dream start that testifies to the weight he's carrying in the Union's attack.
The Union's release
Even against a fancied Revolution side, the Union did not flinch. Baribo opened the scoring in the 76th minute, making way for Jovan Lukic to add icing on the cake soon afterward. Aside from the result itself, the compact and composed nature of the team's performance showed that they are growing increasingly comfortable under Bradley Carnell.
The coach, who took over from Jim Curtin amidst a cloud of uncertainty, is starting to leave his imprint. His side is far from perfect, but it's already taking on a clear personality. As he explained.
"Clean sheets are always a bonus, especially for a team away from home. How do we learn to dominate the game? I think we only let them have one shot on target, if I'm not mistaken, so they bent us and stretched us a bit, but we didn't break."
His words were equaled by what happened on the field. The Union weathered the Revolution's pressure, stayed disciplined, and when the chance came, they pounced with clinical efficiency.
Silencing the critics
The Union were meant to finish mid-table, out of the spotlight. But three games in, the truth is a little different. Three wins in three games, a lethal attack, a tight defense, and, most importantly, a team that genuinely believes in itself.
Carnell referred to the team effort for their positive start: "There's a determination to work as a group and as a collective, and we can slowly see the puzzle pieces coming together. But we can only do this if all 11 guys are locked in and connected to the game plan."
The coach is aware that the season is still in its infancy, but the early indications couldn't be more encouraging. If there is a team upsetting the applecart and proving doubters wrong, it is the Philadelphia Union.