The 2025 Season and Home Opener Had Some Good and a Good Bit of Bad.
Before an announced crowd of 22,689 at Inter&Co Stadium, the Philadelphia Union overwhelmed Orlando City to earn a well-deserved 4-2 win. Taking your chances was never more profound last night as the Union converted all four of their shots on goal. Here are some short takes on last night's match:
Let's start off with some positives from last night. First and foremost, the debut of newly acquired Designated Player Marco Pašalić quickly paid dividends. Brought into the squad to help fill the Facundo Torres departure, Pašalić took a pass from Martin Ojeda and scored in the eighth minute. The Croatian showed his poise on the ball with a desire to get forward from his inverted flank positioning and cut the ball in to his left foot. While Pašalić is not a perfect like-for-like replacement for Facundo Torres, he may bring some of the direct play and finishing we enjoyed from the past. Pašalić's second goal of the evening earned him a brace on his Orlando City debut.
Similar to the start of the 2024 season, glaring errors by the Lions in the middle and defensive third led to Union goals. Orlando had trouble with the Philadelphia's counter pressure, with errant passes and decision-making. While newcomer Eduard Atuesta worked hard with midfield counterpart César Araújo, it will obviously take a few games for both players to learn how to lock down the center midfield. The loss of Wilder Cartagena to a season-ending Achilles injury was very unfortunate - with Atuesta now having to fill the void of one of the best ball-winners in Major League Soccer.
The player pool. I have often praised the work of the Orlando City front office and manager Oscar Pareja. I will do the same to start off the year as Pareja and Vice President Luiz Muzzi have moved on from many players. My concern is no different than others as the Lions are thin with the 'spine' of the team. Additional quality is going to be needed (maybe quickly) at center back, in the midfield, and at the striker position. In the defense, center back Robin Jansson anchors the back four in front of goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. Jansson was a last minute scratch last night leaving David Brekalo and Rodrigo Schlegel to pair together. In midfield, the departure of Nicolas Lodeiro could be problematic, especially if Araújo or Atuesta are unavailable to injury. Up front, Duncan McGuire's recovery from shoulder surgery leaves striker Ramiro Enrique as the lone wolf. Thankfully, Enrique's supporting cast including Martin Ojeda, Marco Pašalić, and Ivan Angulo provide a threat to any opposing defense.
This was match day one of 34 regular season games. We learned a few things last night. For one, newcomer Marco Pašalić looks like a great addition and youngster Alex Freeman may soon be an impact player. We will find out more this Saturday night with another home match against Toronto FC.
Gary Levitt @gary1123 justmytake.net
Comments