Philly Leader

Philadelphia Union players Tai Baribo and Quinn Sullivan have been recognized with MLS Team of the Matchday honors following their contributions to a 4-1 victory over FC Cincinnati. This match was the Union's home opener, and both players played pivotal roles in securing the win.

Baribo achieved his second career MLS hat trick, marking the first of its kind in the 2025 regular season. He has now scored five goals across two matches, leading the league. His performance places him among a select group of players who have scored at least five goals in their club’s first two matches, joining Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández (2021), Ayo Akinola (2020), and Brian Ching (2006). Additionally, Baribo is noted as the fifth player in league history to score multiple goals in each of his first two games of a season.

Baribo opened scoring six minutes into the match with an assist from Kai Wagner. He added another goal in the 30th minute after receiving a pass from Dániel Gazdag. The duo connected again post-halftime when Gazdag assisted Baribo for his third goal in the 52nd minute.

This marks Baribo's second time being named MLS Player of the Matchday presented by Michelob Ultra, having previously received this honor last season on Matchday 27. He joins Julián Carranza, Dániel Gazdag, and Sébastien Le Toux as Union players who have earned this recognition multiple times.

Sullivan contributed significantly to both offense and defense during the match. He provided two assists; one for Baribo’s opening goal and another that led to Bruno Damiani scoring in his debut during stoppage time. Sullivan currently shares the league lead for assists with teammate Kai Wagner.

The Philadelphia Union aims to maintain their strong start as they prepare to face New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium on March 8.