Philadelphia Union’s 3 Stars of the Match in 4-1 rout of FC Cincinnati

What a start to life under Bradley Carnell for the Philadelphia Union. 2 games, 2 wins, 8 goals scored, and a growing sense of togetherness and confidence in what the team is building after a 4-1 Home Opener win against FC Cincinnati on Saturday night thanks to some strong performances from members of the Blue and Gold. Here are my 3 Stars of the Match against FC Cincinnati.

3rd Star – Daniel Gazdag

We know he can score goals, but can Daniel Gazdag find ways to impact the game when he isn’t? Against FC Cincinnati Gazdag did just that, registering 2 unselfish assists, both to Tai Baribo, and bringing himself within 1 of his total for the entire 2024 MLS season (3) just 2 games in.

Daniel Gazdag looks like he’s ready to play provider and help spread the scoring a bit more in 2025 under Bradley Carnell’s system, and hopefully the big performance at home will boost him and the rest of the team moving forward

“It was really important for us to show up for our fans, [to show] what we’re about to do this season, and the first home game was a perfect occasion to do that. We’ve been really motivated before the game and it worked out well today, we scored a lot of goals and we played with intensity. I think that’s all what our fans needed today” – Daniel Gazdag on Philadelphia Union winning their Home Opener

2nd Star – Quinn Sullivan

Quinn Sullivan is off to a strong start to the 2025 season, registering another assist in Saturday’s win over FC Cincinnati with a perfect cross into the penalty area for Bruno Damiani to put away his debut goal in stoppage time. Sullivan also played a big part in Union’s opening goal, sending the ball out wide to Kai Wagner, who then put the ball into the box for Tai Baribo to slam home.

In addition to his assist and game-high 6 completed dribbles, Quinn Sullivan also logged the most Duels Won of any player on Saturday night (12), making it difficult for Cincinnati’s midfield to find rhythm in the game. Two games into the season, Quinn Sullivan is tied for the most assists in MLS play with 3 and currently ranks amongst the best midfielders in the league in attacking stats.

Sullivan’s work rate and creativity were on display last season, but the quality of the final ball often was lacking and failed to translate to goals. In the early stages of life under Bradley Carnell, it looks like Quinn Sullivan has the freedom and confidence he needs to make an impact for this Union team on both sides of the ball.

Sullivan was named on the bench of MLS’ Matchday 2 Player of the Matchday roster.

1st Star – Tai Baribo

He’s off to a blazing hot start. The guy continues to score goals and in bunches for the Philadelphia Union. After netting the first hat-trick of the 2025 MLS Season, Tai Baribo has moved his goal-total to 21 goals scored in his previous 24 games for the Philadelphia Union across all competitions, and was voted as Major League Soccer’s Player of the Matchday for Matchday 2.

Baribo seems to enjoy playing against FC Cincinnati more than anyone else. With the first two goals of his career coming against FCC last June, Baribo has continued to torment their backline almost every time they’ve met, netting seven goals in four games against The Orange and Blue.

Baribo’s 5 goals have him as the current leader in Major League Soccer’s Golden Boot race and have the Union top of the East 2 weeks in, which might come as a surprise if you read what MLS pundits said about the Union in their pre-season predictions. But not Tai Baribo. He’s kept all of that out of his mind and remains focused on the things most important to him

”I just dont read the media, I put myself outside from everything. The coach told us that people disrespect but if you don’t say it I don’t know. I don’t really care what people say, I believe in myself, I believe in the team, I believe in God, this is the most important thing, and just continue like this” – Tai Baribo on the media’s perception of Union