Philly Leader

Philadelphia Union returned to form with a narrow 1-0 victory over St. Louis CITY SC on Saturday night, thanks to a decisive goal from Ian Glavinovich. Making his club debut, Glavinovich scored in the eighth minute with a header from a Kai Wagner corner kick.

The Union faced several lineup changes due to seven national team call-ups and one suspension. This led to first starts for Indiana Vassilev and Bruno Damiani, while Nathan Harriel, Olivier Mbaizo, and Andrew Rick were also added to the starting eleven. These adjustments helped secure the team's second clean sheet of the season.

Head Coach Bradley Carnell had to adapt his strategy due to nine first-team absences. Andrew Rick replaced Andre Blake as goalkeeper, marking his seventh career start. The backline included captain Jakob Glesnes and debutant Ian Glavinovich at center back, with Olivier Mbaizo and Kai Wagner as outside backs. Nate Harriel took on an attacking midfield role alongside Jovan Lukic, Indiana Vassilev, and Quinn Sullivan.

In attack, Mikael Uhre was joined by Bruno Damiani. The bench saw Semmle listed as backup keeper along with Cavan Sullivan, Isaiah LeFlore, Jeremy Rafanello, CJ Olney Jr., David Vazquez, Nick Pariano, Chris Donovan, and Stas Korzseniowski.

The game began positively for Philadelphia Union when Glavinovich scored early from a corner by Wagner. "With his assist," noted the club's release, "Wagner surpasses Bedoya for most total goal contributions of any active Union with 63."

Andrew Rick made a crucial save in the 34th minute to maintain momentum after Simon Becher set up Cedric Teuchert for a shot that Rick managed to deflect wide.

By halftime, Philadelphia had outshot their opponents 12-2 but remained just one goal ahead despite several chances.

St. Louis City's Eduard Loewen received a second yellow card in the 66th minute, leaving them down a player for the rest of the match.

Both teams made substitutions in response to tactical needs; Union Head Coach Bradley Carnell brought on Jeremy Rafanello for Glavinovich while St. Louis introduced Joao Klauss and Josh Yaro.

Despite late pressure from St. Louis City SC looking for an equalizer—highlighted by Marcel Hartel's missed shot—the Union secured all three points by maintaining their lead until full time.

Philadelphia Union will conclude March with an away match against Inter Miami CF next weekend at 7:30 PM ET on March 29th. Coverage will be available on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.