Football Season Guide

Philadelphia moved from missing out on the post season altogether in 2024 to lifting the Supporters’ Shield last season after a 20-win campaign D6 L8. The main strength was the great defending. Had the best defence in the entire MLS, only 35 goals conceded. The season ended in disappointment though. Beat Chicago Fire 2-0 wins to start the playoffs but then in the semis lost 0-1 at home vs NYCFC. The main weakness all campaign was the lack of goals and this proved to be Philly’s undoing in the post season. Tai Baribo scored lots of goals, the only reliable striker, but he was surprisingly sold this winter. Uhre and Donovan also left so the front line will have a new look. The replacement signed is young but very fast striker Ezekiel Alladoh. He is expected to team up very well with Damiani up front, while Iloski should be a great weapon off the bench. Clearly for his 2nd year in charge coach Carnell focuses on much younger and mobile attack. Unhappy with the static and predictable actions up front last year he wanted these younger players so he can implement his desired counter-pressing style. It is much more concerning that several of the key pieces of the best defence in 2025 are gone. Star LB Wagner moved to England, CBs Glesnes and Glavinovich departed too. The latter got hurt in May and that was the season over for him so he won’t be missed that much but the other 2 were arguably the best players at the back. Japhet Sery Larsen and Geiner Martínez are the new CBs to replace Glesnes and Glavinovich. They arrived from abroad so it might be challenging for them to be effective from day 1 as they adapt to the MLS. Yet to sign a new LB. It seems the gaffer might mull formation with 3-man defence. Alternatively, after a breakthrough 2025 Frankie Westfield (20) could be set for a starting role this season.