MATCH DAY IN PHILADELPHIA

September 5, 2026 | Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania

Writing by Jack Hollida
Images by Tolu Oliwo

In a vital game for Philadelphia Union, Union faced off against bottom of the table CF Montreal at Subaru Park to find themselves in a playoff spot after a dominant 2-0 win. The home fans waved their mini flags in the stands as fireworks lit up the sky prior to kick off.

Just a minute into the game Fabian Herbers is found in behind and squares it for Prince Osei Owusu who taps it into the net. However, after a VAR check the goal was called offside because of an early run from Herbers.

In the 12th minute Cavan Sullivan receives the ball inside the box and rifles a left footed shot towards goal, but a great save prevents Union from taking the lead.

Late in the first half Union conjured up an intelligent free kick tactic starting from Milan Iloski, who plays it to Bruno Damiani that lays it off for a one-time shot from Kai Wagner that just barely goes wide from range.

In the dying moments of the first half Union have a golden opportunity to take the lead after Francis Westfield played a low cross into Bruno Damiani who does not keep his shot on target, and the Union players will be disappointed not to be leading at the half.

After a dull start to the second half, Union grabs the lead they have been searching for following a scuffle in the box from a set piece that ends up at the feet of Danley Jean Jaques who volleys it at close range in the net. The Union fans set the stadium ablaze as they know how important that goal is.

Shortly after Union defender Niel Pierre uses too much force in the box and knocks down Gennadiy Synchuk and concedes a penalty. Owusu steps up to take the penalty after his disallowed goal, but a rather tame effort from the spot sees it easily scooped up by Union keeper Andre Blake.

Later in the half Iloski runs in behind the defense and faces the keeper one on one in which he attempts to take it around, but Montreal keeper Sebastian Breza attacks the ball. However, to Breza’s disappointment Cavan Sullivan is there to fire it far post to extend Unions lead.

Union fans are exhilarated with the 16-year-olds goal, and blue and yellow flares set off above the goal. Sullivan celebrates with a handful of chalk that he throws in the air, and he'll be happy to now have 7 goal contributions this season.

Union close the game out at 2-0 and although just a few months ago they were bottom of the table, they have now found themselves in a playoff spot due to some great performances against some of the best teams in the MLS.

A Field of Vision Story
Writing by Jack Hollida
Images by Tolu Oliwo
Philadelphia Union vs CF Montréal
September 5, 2026
Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania