Philadelphia Union 2023 MLS season preview: Tactics, predicted XI, predictions
By Chris Smith
The Philadelphia Union will look to go one better this season after coming so close to glory in 2022.
Jim Curtin's side convincingly topped the Eastern Conference with the best offensive and defensive records in MLS during the regular season. They then swept away everything in front of them in the Playoffs and came within minutes of winning the MLS Cup, before Gareth Bale sent the match to a penalty shootout, in which LAFC emerged victorious.
But that shouldn't take the shine off what was an incredible campaign for the Union, and one which could set them up to go take that next step in 2023.
So, here's everything you need to know about the Philadelphia Union ahead of the new MLS season, including tactics, key players, and predictions.
How did Philadelphia Union perform in 2022?
- Regular season: 1st in Eastern Conference
- MLS Cup Playoffs: MLS Cup runners-up
- US Open Cup: Round-of-32
Philadelphia Union transfer activity
Transfers in
Player | Former Club | Fee |
|---|---|---|
Andres Perea | Orlando City | $750k |
Joaquin Torres | CF Montreal | $800k |
Damion Lowe | Inter Miami | $225k |
Ben Martino | Virginia Tech | Free transfer |
Holden Trent | High Point | SuperDraft |
Transfers out
Player | Club Joined | Fee |
|---|---|---|
Paxten Aaronson | Eintracht Frankfurt | $4m |
Matt Freese | NYCFC | $350k (rising to $750k) |
Ben Martino | Nashville SC | $50k |
Cory Burke | New York Red Bulls | Free transfer |
Cole Turner | Loudoun United | Free transfer |
Abasa Aremeyaw | - | Released |
Jim Curtin: Tactics and style of play
Anybody remotely familiar with Jim Curtin won't need us to break down his tactical setup. In short, it's a 4-4-2 diamond that focuses on high-pressing and high tempo, coupled with ruthless transitions and direct forward passing.
The Union often don't have the ball and they don't really care, all you're doing by keeping possession is moving them into a position to strike once they inevitably win it back. And if they have it in their own half? Well, Philly have no problem hitting a direct ball to their physical strikers, Mikael Uhre and Julian Carranza. Either they'll win it, or the midfield will be on hand to pick up the second balls.
Philadelphia are one of the most defined teams in Major League Soccer and it showed in 2022. Jim Curtin deserves far more credit than he gets and will surely be eyeing a job in Europe soon enough.
Philadelphia Union predicted XI (4-1-2-1-2): Blake; Mbaizo, Glesnes, Elliott, Wagner; Martinez; Flach, McGlynn; Gazdag; Uhre, Carranza.
Who is Philadelphia Union's key player?
Daniel Gazdag
On paper, the Philadelphia Union don't have the 'star players' that other MLS clubs boast, but they don't need them. The team as a whole is their star, with every single player working perfectly in tandem to carry out Curtin's instructions to the letter.
However, in Daniel Gazdag, they have a player made for Europe.
The Hungary international is everything Curtin would wish for in a No.10. He can press like nobody else, he's quick, skillful, has an eye for a pass, and scores goals - 24 of them across all competitions last season.
Despite now being 26 years old, there will be a line of clubs looking to sign Gazdag if he can replicate those performances again in 2023.
Philadelphia Union 2023 season prediction
The Union have, so far, kept hold of all their key pieces from last season, while adding great depth in the likes of Andres Perea, Joaquin Torres, and Damion Lowe.
Last season, if we're being honest, the Union were the best team in the league, even if they ended up finishing second to LAFC in both the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup.
This time, with all the extra experience these players have and that extra depth? They really could go all the way.
Will the Philadelphia Union qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs? Yes (and they'll win MLS Cup)