Philadelphia Union & FC Cincinnati Post-Season Analysis: What's Next?

The End of the Road: Union and Cincinnati's Playoff Exit

The MLS season concluded with disappointment for the Philadelphia Union and FC Cincinnati, both falling short in the Conference Semifinals. This article delves into their seasons, analyzes their shortcomings, and explores what each team needs to do to contend for the MLS Cup in 2025.

Philadelphia Union: A Season of Dominance and Tournament Troubles

The Union's 2024 season was marked by a significant coaching change, bringing in Bradley Carnell to implement a higher-pressing style and integrate younger players. This shift proved largely successful, culminating in a second Supporters’ Shield – a testament to Tanner’s gamble. However, their regular season dominance against weaker opponents didn't translate to playoff success.

Regular Season Strengths & Weaknesses

The Union excelled against non-playoff teams, boasting a 13W-1L-2D record and a +24 goal differential. Even against “less structured” playoff teams, they maintained a strong 6W-1L-2D record. Conversely, they struggled against teams with strong players and well-defined structures, going 1W-6L-2D with a -12 goal differential. This pattern highlighted a vulnerability against the league's elite.

Key Winter Moves & Player Watch

• DP #9 Departure: Expected to leave the club.
• Andre Blake: A potential trade candidate, given his proven reliability and defensive skillset. Learn more about player valuations
• Paxten Aaronson: A promising young talent with exceptional potential, expected to see significant minutes as an attacking midfielder. Explore youth player development strategies
• Center Back Reinforcements: Potential transfer market activity to bolster the defensive line.
• Academy Integration: Continued development and potential integration of academy products like right back and goalkeeper.

FC Cincinnati: Talent vs. Team Chemistry

FC Cincinnati's season was a paradox of individual brilliance and collective underperformance. Significant investments in players like Evander and Denkey yielded impressive individual statistics, but the team as a whole often felt disjointed. Despite narrowly missing out on the Supporters’ Shield, their underlying numbers painted a concerning picture.

The Evander & Denkey Dilemma

While Evander (18g/15a) and Denkey (15g/2a) were individually productive, they struggled to find synergy on the field. Other key acquisitions, like Brenner, also faced challenges, contributing to a lack of overall team cohesion.

Statistical Concerns

Despite their scoring prowess, Cincinnati’s underlying statistics revealed a concerning reality. They ranked 11th in the East on expected goal differential and 22nd in the league in the more granular differential, indicating an over-reliance on individual brilliance and a lack of consistent game control. Analyze team performance metrics

What Needs to Change

• Chemistry Building: Prioritizing team chemistry and player integration through targeted training and tactical adjustments.
• Staff Evaluation: Considering potential staff changes to introduce fresh tactical perspectives.
• Midfield Stability: Addressing the midfield instability and finding a way to better support Evander and Denkey.

Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond

Both the Philadelphia Union and FC Cincinnati face crucial offseasons. The Union must address their struggles against elite teams and integrate their young talent effectively. Cincinnati needs to foster better team chemistry and address their underlying statistical weaknesses. The 2025 MLS season promises to be another competitive battle, and these two teams will be aiming to learn from their 2024 experiences and contend for the MLS Cup.