Philly Leader

For the first time in 2025, Philadelphia Union will host fans at Subaru Park for their home opener against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, March 1st. The event marks a significant occasion for Union supporters who have observed numerous changes during the offseason from afar. The club has undergone a transformation with a new head coach, new signings, and enhanced premium areas within the stadium.

Bradley Carnell, the new Head Coach, is eager to experience matchday at Subaru Park. “Playing here, I'm excited. As an opponent, coming here, for many, many years, I always hated the DOOP song. Now I can't wait for the DOOP,” Carnell stated. He hopes to reward the fans and showcase their style of play.

This match will be the team's first in front of home fans in over four months following a strong start to their campaign with a 4-2 victory against Orlando City on the road. In that game, Frankie Westfield, Olwethu Makhanya, Jovan Lukic, and Ian Glavinovich made their debuts.

Carnell revealed that Nate Harriel, Bruno Damiani, and Indiana Vassilev will be available for selection in this home fixture. If they play, it would mark Damiani's and Vassilev's first minutes as Union players.

Philadelphia's next opponent also finished high in last season’s Eastern Conference standings. Cincinnati ended third but was eliminated by New York City FC in Round One of the playoffs. Former Union assistant turned Cincinnati Head Coach Pat Noonan brings his revamped squad to Chester after making notable acquisitions like Brazilian midfielder Evander and striker Kévin Denkey.

Cincinnati recently advanced to the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 after competing midweek against FC Motagua. They began their regular season with a win over New York Red Bulls.

“They have Evander and Denkey... It's a real quality team,” said Carnell regarding Cincinnati's lineup challenges. Denkey has been particularly impactful by scoring in all three recent matches he played.

“He's strong... The biggest danger is when we have the ball and we lose it... That's going to be our main objective is to stop Denkey.”

The Philadelphia Union’s home slate commences Saturday night at Subaru Park with limited tickets still available for purchase.