Philadelphia Union x CF Pachuca

In their Concacaf Champions Cup opener, the Philadelphia Union battled CF Pachuca to a resilient 0-0 draw on Tuesday night. With key starters missing, Coach Jim Curtin devised a crafty Starting XI, adopting a 4-3-2-1 formation. The makeshift defense, led by Nathan Harriel and Jakob Glesnes, held strong, while Andre Blake, returning from injury, manned the goal. Captain Alejandro Bedoya marked his 125th MLS start, guiding a midfield diamond that saw Quinn Sullivan and Daniel Gazdag exploit Pachuca's aggressive play. Despite opportunities on both ends, including a VAR-overturned penalty decision, the match concluded in a hard-fought stalemate.

The Union dominated possession in the first half, with Sullivan and Gazdag orchestrating attacks. Defensive lapses and VAR intervention prevented Pachuca from capitalizing on opportunities. The second half saw a physical contest, with yellow cards and substitutions influencing the dynamic. Despite late attempts from the Union, including efforts from Mikael Uhre and Gazdag, the match ended in a goalless draw. The strategic lineup and determined performance showcased the Union's resilience and ability to compete at a high level in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

The Union's performance in their Concacaf Champions Cup opener sets a promising tone for their campaign in the prestigious tournament. With a makeshift lineup, they demonstrated defensive solidity, tactical acumen, and determination against a challenging opponent. As the tournament progresses, the Union will look to build on this foundation and navigate their way through the competitive Concacaf field.

[Photography by Trey Madara]