Eastern Conference leading Philadelphia Union concluded its nine-game May without a loss after battling to a scoreless draw at FC Dallas on Saturday night.
Despite another road result, Philly could have returned the City of the Brotherly Love with three points after finishing the final 50 minutes with a man advantage after FC Dallas’ defender Lalas Abubakar was sent off with a pair of yellow card challenges in the first half. Jovan Lukic turned in the best scoring chance for the Boys in Blue, blasting a shot off a volley that was denied by a diving effort from the keeper.
With the results around the league heading into the FIFA International Break, the Boys in Blue not only continue to top the East but lead the Supporters’ Shield at the halfway mark of the 2025 MLS season.
Philadelphia Union is back in action next weekend as they kick of June with an international friendly with Liga MX side Altas FC. Tickets for the match at Subaru Park cna be purchased online by clicking here.
How The Match Unfolded
Lineup notes
Philadelphia Union used their seventh unique lineup in their seventh MLS match this month, shaking up their starting crew to take on FC Dallas on Saturday night.
19-year-old Homegrown Andrew Rick made his fifth MLS start, taking over between the posts, while Oliver Semmle made it back on the bench as a backup keeper. Frankie Westfield returned to the starting XI as a right back opposite Kai Wagner on the left, shifting Nate Harriel to centerback where he was paired with Olwethu Makhanya. Jesus Bueno, Alejandro Bedoya, and Danley Jean Jacques were joined by Ben Bender, the team's newest signing, in the midfield, marking his first start in Blue and Gold.
After not dressing against Toronto FC, Chris Donovan made the start up top, joining Mikael Uhre who came in as a sub on Wednesday.
9', Close chances for both sides | Philadelphia Union found their first chance on the night in the ninth minute, when Chris Donovan attempted to capitalize on Frankie Westfield throw-in with a header,but the ball landed on top of the net. On the following possesion, FC Dallas had a shot from Patrickson Delgado go just wide as well, marking the start of a back-and-forth opening 20 minutes.
31', Dallas yellow, Union free kick | Lalas Abubakar took down Mikael Uhre near centerfield, earning himself a yellow card and Philadelphia Union a free kick. They tried another unique set piece with team captain Alejando Bedoya darting ahead to take on the Dallas keeper Maarten Paes 1v1, but his attempt went wide.
37', Union forced into substitution | Head Coach Bradley Carnell was forced to make his first change of the match in the 37th minute when Mikael Uhre couldn't continue after going down again. After a conversation with medical staff on the field, Uhre headed to the sidelines, and Carnell replaced him with Bruno Damiani.
39', Dallas down to 10 men | The Boys in Blue grabbed a numerical advantage on the pitch in the first half when Abubakar was sent off before the break. Already on a yellow card, the defender mistimed a tackle Chris Donovan broke down the sideline with the ball. The referee was quick into his pocket flashing the second yellow card and then the red
Halftime | While the first half finished scoreless, Philadelphia Union outshot Dallas 10-4 and entered the locker room with another 45 to go against a shorthanded host. During the break, Carnell made his second change of the match, swapping Jesus Bueno for Jovan Lukic.
51', Strong five minutes to open the second half | Philadelphia Union opened the first five minutes of the second half with three shots, including one powerful headers from a determined Damiani that hit the post.
57', Rick called upon | After the first half saw neither side unable to break through on the scoreboard or even place a shot on goal, homegrown Andrew Rick was ready for whatever test the Texas side would present. FC Dallas's Julio chased down a clearance and rifled a shot from close range that Rick turned aside.
63', More Union changes | Carnell made two more changes to his XI in the 63rd minute, sending on frequent starters Indiana Vassilev and Tai Baribo to replace Danley and Donovan.
67', Lukic denied by Paes | With a man-advantage, the counter attacking Union were forced into a possession based system with Dallas conceding space to defend their goal. With limited freedom, scoring chances were difficult to find but substittue Jovan Lukic found an inch of space to blast a volley on frame. that was denied on a reation save from Maarten Paes.
72', Union make their final change | Looking to snatch all three points on the road, Carnell's final change of the night saw playmaker Quinn Sullivan replace Alejandro Bedoya.
90', Union continue to push for a winner | Over the final 20 minutes the ball didn't leave Dallas defensive third of the pitch with Philly taking seven shots but unable to break the stalemate.
