Union’s 2025 Home Opener: Five Talking Points from Bradley Carnell’s Press Conference

Coming off an impressive 4-2 away win against a team that finished 8 places above the Union in the Eastern Conference last season, coach Bradley Carnell addressed the press ahead of his home opener against Cincinnati at Subaru Park. The availability of the club’s record signing, coupled with the return of key players from injury, are extra portions of fortune in a team that looks to flip the narrative from last season’s 12th-place finish.

Here are five talking points from Bradley Carnell’s press conference ahead of the clash with FC Cincinnati

1. New Availabilities

With an understanding of the calibre of opponents in front of him, Carnell began with updates on player availability, especially the ones whose appearance had been in doubt in the buildup to this match. The first was an injury boost from Nathaniel Harriel, who had missed all of the Union’s preseason games due to a quadriceps injury, but will now make his needed return on Saturday.

“Nate’s trending in the right direction,” Carnell said when asked about the defender. “He’s been training with us this week, full-go, so he definitely belongs to the available roster.”

Next was club record signing Bruno Damiani, who completed his visa paperwork during the week and hopes to make his full debut at Subaru Park on Saturday.

While Carnell talked about ‘’tolerance and a couple of maintenance issues’’ regarding Ian Glavinovich’s recovery, he also confirmed his availability for the home opener.

2. Review of the Orlando Game Ahead of Another Tough Opponent

Despite maintaining a gentlemanly demeanor, Carnell reemphasized the team’s game model and how the Orlando game wasn’t an accidental victory but an imposition of his team’s playing style against a dominant opponent.

He pointed out the team’s 80% passing accuracy in transition and 45% overall ball possession as statistical proof of the improvements his arrival has induced in the team.

“I was happy with our ball retention and where we were retaining it. I think some of our phases of play and some of our progressions were awesome. We have a game plan, and we hope to roll it out and that it goes according to that game plan.”

Union, MLS — Image Credit: Philadelphia Union

3. The Task of Defeating Pat Noonan and Cincinnati

With the added spice of rivalry since 2021 – when Pat Noonan and Chris Albright switched sides – this fixture has become more action-packed, with Cincinnati edging the Union in recent years. Thankfully, having faced them at St. Louis himself, Carnell isn’t oblivious of the Herculean task ahead of him, acknowledging the threat the opposition has always posed and the bigger threat this resurgent Cincinnati side could come with on Saturday.

The additions of Kevin Denkey and Evander have only made them a bigger force to reckon with in the league, and the Union is also ready to execute this task while giving it their best shot.

“It’s a really good team with really good individuals and now, the team that was then is not the team that it is now,” Carnell admitted.

4. Bradley Carnell’s First Home Game as Union’s Coach

For Carnell, it’s the delight of having a new home in a place that was formerly an enemy zone. The former St. Louis manager looks forward to a win-win situation with the fans: they show up with the kind of energy that electrifies the atmosphere and demoralizes the opposition, while the team rewards them with an entertaining display.

The new manager anticipates the home opener in excitement, believing the club will keep treading on winning ways this weekend.

“Playing here, I’m excited. As an opponent, coming here for many years, [I’ve] always hated the “doop” song. Now, I can’t wait to hear the “doop” and I’m hoping that we can reward the fans that come out and hopefully, we can show them our signature.”

5. Carnell’s Reunion with Indiana Vassilev

Having previously coached the American international at St. Louis, Bradley Carnell had high praises for Indiana. His understanding of Carnell’s philosophy has helped him blend into his new team with ease.

‘’He arrived here like he’s been playing with the team for 6 months already. So, he’s easy to integrate within a new group and he’s a good player within the philosophy and he’s available, ready to go.’’

It’s been an interesting two weeks of Major League soccer for the Union, who get to play back-to-back games against the fourth and third-placed teams from the previous season. The Union will be hoping to dent another revengeful blow this weekend, as Orlando and Cincinnati were two opponents that handed the Union 2-1 home defeats last October. While Carnell has chosen a relaxed stance in his conferences, the 4-2 home victory at Orlando has set the team on course for another revenge this weekend.