The Philadelphia Union got another win and sent a message that they're anything but joking when it comes to their 2025 MLS campaign. They defeated Charlotte FC 2-1 on a goal on the final play of the match, in the 98th minute, and extended their unbeaten streak to 10 matches, a team record in an inaugural league season.
The victory sees Union extend its advantage at the top of the Eastern Conference to 37 points. Charlotte drops to ninth position, with 25 points.
Return in the final seconds
Frankie Westfield and Cavan Sullivan initiated the decisive play with Charlotte's build up under pressure from the attacking third. It was near the end of the match, and all players were fatigued, yet still, they persisted. Westfield received a pass from close to the defense and to Anderson. The striker took control and crossed it at the corner. Union took a game slipping from them and issued a message no team desires to face them right now.
Bueno's goal and emphasis on the pitch
Before the dramatic finale, Union had already made their presence felt in the first period. Jesus Bueno tried an out-of-the-box attempt in stoppage time and broke the deadlock with a stylish goal. Jesus struck it sweetly at a time when the team was hoping for a reaction after an evenly-contested first period.
Zaha narrows the gap and raises the heat
Charlotte returned from halftime better organized and sealed it on an equalizer in the 78th minute when Wilfried Zaha was left unmarked inside the box to finish a deep cross. It was a flash of brilliance for an uneven game, and there were many fouls and interruptions. In total, there were 27 fouls and six yellow cards. It was no normal round of the regular season. It was an eyeball-to-eyeball affair for contenders already eyeing the playoffs. Zaha's goal looked like it sealed the draw, but Union wouldn't buy into it.