The Philadelphia Union’s 2026 MLS season looked close to lost at the World Cup break. With just seven points, they sat last in the Eastern Conference and at the bottom of the league. But a coaching change, tactical adjustments and a surge from young players transformed the club’s season—and helped Philadelphia secure an MLS Cup playoff berth.
After the break, the Union collected 40 points in 17 matches, winning 12, drawing four and losing once. That was five more points than any other MLS team managed over the same stretch.
# The key factors behind Philadelphia’s MLS turnaround
The Union’s revival began under interim head coach Ryan Richter, who took charge after the club moved on from Bradley Carnell. Richter had worked with Philadelphia’s MLS NEXT Pro team and as a first-team assistant, giving him familiarity with the organization and its players.
The turnaround also reflected contributions from across the squad. Philadelphia clinched a playoff place with a scoreless draw against Nashville SC, despite being without 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan and key attackers Bruno Damiani and Milan Iloski. With 38 of the Union’s 59 league goals scored by players unavailable for that match, the result highlighted the team’s improved resilience and depth.
## A more measured defensive approach
Under Carnell, Philadelphia relied on a high press designed to force opponents into mistakes. That approach became difficult to sustain as the schedule grew more demanding, particularly with the Concacaf Champions Cup adding matches and the squad dealing with absences.
Richter adjusted the system, dialing back the constant pressure in favor of a more zonal press. The change gave the midfield more opportunities to recover while helping the team maintain its intensity late in matches.
Defenders Neil Pierre and Nathan Harriel have been important to the approach. Pierre’s size and ability to defend one-on-one give the Union confidence to press higher up the field. Behind the defense, three-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Andre Blake provides another layer of security.
## Cavan Sullivan’s growing influence
Sullivan has become one of the most exciting young players in MLS and a major creative force for Philadelphia. He has recorded seven goals and 11 assists, with much of that production arriving after the World Cup break. Since the break, his nine assists have trailed only Evander’s total in the league.
The 17-year-old’s ability to find space and create chances has given the Union attack a new dimension. His progress also reflects a strong work ethic: Sullivan chose to continue training during the World Cup break rather than take time off.
Already set to join Manchester City when he turns 18 next year, Sullivan has emerged as one of the most promising American soccer prospects. Playing alongside his older brother, Quinn, has helped ease his transition, but Cavan has increasingly made the role his own. The MLS playoffs will offer another opportunity for him to make an impact with his hometown club.
## Milan Iloski and Bruno Damiani deliver goals
Philadelphia also found reliable production from its forwards. Milan Iloski has scored 19 goals and added seven assists, putting him among the league’s leading contributors. After the Union moved Tai Baribo to D.C. United, questions remained about where the goals would come from. Iloski answered them with consistent finishing, backed by an expected goals total of 18.77.
Damiani has added another important threat, scoring 12 goals. His contribution could be especially valuable in the playoffs if opponents focus on limiting Sullivan and Iloski.
New signing Ezekiel Alladoh has had a quieter season, with one goal and one assist in 26 appearances. Unless injuries create an opening, his opportunities in the postseason could be limited.
## Philadelphia’s playoff challenge
The Union have moved from last place to the MLS Cup playoffs by combining tactical flexibility, improved defensive organization and a productive attack. Their result against Nashville showed that they can still compete when several major contributors are missing.
Philadelphia’s final regular-season matches remain important. With two games left, the club could still fall into the eighth-versus-ninth playoff play-in round if it loses both. A potential three-game playoff series against Inter Miami would bring added intrigue, particularly after the tension surrounding the teams’ previous meeting.
The Union’s turnaround does not guarantee a deep postseason run, but their form gives them a legitimate chance to challenge stronger opponents. After starting the season at the bottom of the standings, Philadelphia enters the playoffs with momentum—and the belief that it can keep surprising the league.