Unlucky Philadelphia Union held to goalless draw by Orlando City

A sad reality is beginning to dawn on Philadelphia Union, as their purple patch is becoming overshadowed by a red sign, indicating stoppage. After a historic start to the season that saw them bag three wins in their first three games, Philly has had a tough time both on the road and at Subaru Park. Their goalless draw on Sunday against Orlando City–one of the teams they dismantled during their run of victories–was their first draw of the season and one that has seen them drop further below the Eastern Conference table.

Philadelphia Union plays to a frustrating draw at home

At Subaru Park on Sunday, Philadelphia Union and Orlando City met for the second time this season and battled to a goalless draw following their 2025 opening fixture; Philadelphia surprised Orlando with a 4-2 victory that day and followed that performance with two wins against Cincinnati and New England Revolution.

This time, despite the hosts’ dominance, with 21 shots and 63% ball possession, Bradley Carnell’s men were unable to score a goal for the first time this season. Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallesse was instrumental in frustrating Philadelphia Union’s attackers, making four saves on the night, with his two back-to-back saves in the first half being the most outstanding.

He wasn’t abandoned by the Orlando defense, who blocked eight of Philly’s shots and defended against eight corner kicks. The draw against Philadelphia Union was Orlando City’s fourth consecutive game without defeat, with three of those games coming on the road.

Is Philly faltering as the season solidifies?

Orlando and Philadelphia are heading in opposite directions at the moment. While Orlando City has bounced back from a disappointing home loss in their first game of the 2025 season to an unbeaten run of two wins and two draws in their last four games, Philadelphia Union has misplaced the magic wand that earned them their position as the Eastern conference league leaders after grabbing three wins in their first three games and has now managed just one win in their last four games.

Andre Blake was helpful in ensuring that his team’s efforts didn’t result in defeat, as he saved all four shots on target from Orlando. Also, the Philly attack that found the back of the net 10 times in their first three games has performed below expectations ever since, managing just four goals over the last four games. And despite still being the league’s top scorer, Tai Baribo has not found the net since matchday 3.

Up next, the Union travel to New York City in search of their fourth win of the season. However, Carnell must find a solution to the team’s low output in front of goal and must work towards ensuring the team returns to the form that saw them receive special mentions as early-season title contenders.