Tai Baribo returned to the scoring column and Olwethu Makhanya got his first DOOP as first-place Philadelphia Union defeated CF Montreal on Wednesday night.
Despite the difference in the standings, Wednesday's contest was a physical affair with both sides pushing for three points. The Boys in Blue jumped out to the lead in the 37th minute with Tai Baribo scoring his team-leading 14th goal. The visitors swiped an equalizer before the halftime break off on a goal from their leading scorer Prince Owusu to give CF Montreal the lead going into the break. Head Coach Bradley Carnell stuck with his starters and it paid dividends with the club netting its 16th set piece goal of 2025 as Kai Wagner connected with Olwethu Makhanya for his first-ever Union goal. Montreal didn't go down quietly, forcing Andre Blake to make three saves including a leaping reaction stop in the 84th minute.
Philadelphia Union is back in action this weekend as they make a trip to the Lone Star State for a showdown with Houston Dynamo FC on Saturday, July 19th. Kick off from Houston is set for 8:30PM ET with coverage on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
How The Match Unfolded
Lineup notes
Head Coach Bradley Carnell sent out the same lineup that defeated New York Red Bulls 2-0 on Saturday night at Subaru Park, using an identical xi in back-to-back matches for the first time since mid-May.
After recording his 10th all-time New York Red Bull clean sheet, Andre Blake returned between the posts, protected by a backline featuring Jakob Glesnes, Olwethu Makhanya, Kai Wagner, and Nathan Harriel.
Danley Jean Jacques, Indiana Vassilev, Jovan Lukic, and Quinn Sullivan made up the midfield while Tai Baribo and Bruno Damiani were the attacking duo paired up top.
There were just two players listed on the availability report as Ian Glavinovich and Jesus Bueno were both absent from the matchday roster. Off the list, however, was Mikael Uhre, who appeared on the bench for the first time since suffering an injury in the team's 0-0 draw in Dallas at the end of May.
1', Philly takes first shot | Philly was aggressive on the attack early, with Jovan Lukic attempting to rip a shot from distance in the first minute. Former Philadelphia Union Homegrown Brandan Craig stifled his effort, however, blocking the Serbian's left footed shot.
15', Montreal makes early moves | In the opening 10 minutes, Montreal found two of their own chances. Hennadii Synchuk's took the first shot for Montreal in the fourth minute but it was blocked by Kai Wagner, while Fabian Herbers's missed his left in the sixth. Synchuk took another in the 15th, but the backline stood tall again with Olwethu Makhanya making the blocked.
16', Baribo tries a backheel | Tai Bairbo tried a backheel shot in the box in the 16th minute, and his attempt unfolded into three corner opportunities in quick succession. Despite shots from Indiana Vassilev and Makhanya, they were unable to capitalize.
21', Brick Wall Blake | After a Jakob Glesnes yellow card, Montreal found a strong shot from the top of the box, but the Blake stepped up in a big way, diving left for the stop.
37', Baribo makes it 1-0! | Baribo found Philly's first goal of the night in the 37th minute after a strong run up the middle of the field from Danley Jean Jacques. It took multiple Montreal players stop him in the box, and when he was taken down, Quinn Sullivan found the loose ball and tapped it toward Baribo who made the finish.
45+2', Montreal goal | Just before stoppage, Montreal made it level, with Prince Owusu scoring his eighth goal in seven games.
46', Early aggression in second half | Following an unfortunate end to the first half, the team emerged from the locker room and began the second 45' with an early chip from Sullivan that nearly went over Sebastian Breza's head.
50', Union goal! | Philly reclaimed their lead in the 50th minute, scoring their 16th set-piece goal this season by way of a header from the center of the box from Olwethu Makhanya. The goal marked the South African centerback's first since signing with the club in 2023.
60', Union subs | For the first time since the team's May match against Dallas, Mikael Uhre subbed on for the Philadelphia Union, returning from injury to replace Baribo. Carnell also sent on Frankie Westfield, bumping Nate Harriel to centerback, and giving Jakob Glesnes a rest with another match on the horizon this weekend.
77', Montreal hits the post | With momentum at the backs of the Eastern Conference leaders, the Canadian side sent a reminder just how quick they can respond with Owusu sending a header off the post from close range.
84', Blake does what? | Shortly after the Union brought on Alejandro Bedoya and Chris Donovan, Montreal was once again on the attack with a counter that presented a 3 on 1 attack. Dante Sealy shot a pass to Owusu but the striker fell as he tried to stretch for the ball just behind him. Laying on the ground, he still attempted a blind shot that forced a diving stop from the Union keeper.
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