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Match Recap: FC Dallas 0-0 Philadelphia Union – Union’s Unbeaten Run Continues Despite Missed Opportunities

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02
Jun

Match Recap: FC Dallas 0-0 Philadelphia Union – Union’s Unbeaten Run Continues Despite Missed Opportunities

Date: May 31, 2025
Location: Toyota Stadium, Frisco, TX
Competition: MLS Regular Season

In their final clash before the international break, the Philadelphia Union were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw against FC Dallas, extending their 11-game unbeaten run but missing a golden chance to widen their lead at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference.

Heading into the match, the Union were flying high, sitting three points clear atop the East, while FC Dallas languished in 11th in the West, winless in their last five. Despite the form advantage and a man advantage for over 50 minutes, Philadelphia couldn’t break the deadlock, and their winless streak in Frisco, Texas, stretches into a sixth year.

First Half: Union Struggle to Capitalize on Early Momentum

Philadelphia started with a rotated lineup as head coach Bradley Carnell managed a congested May schedule. Notably, goalkeeper Andre Blake was absent from both the squad and the bench. Youngster Andrew Rick started in goal, while Ben Bender earned his first MLS start in midfield.

The first 20 minutes were slow and tactical. Both teams tested each other, looking for openings without taking big risks. In the 9th minute, Alejandro Bedoya flicked on a header that Chris Donovan just pushed wide — one of several early half-chances.

However, the match took a dramatic turn in the 39th minute when Lalas Abubakar, already on a yellow, was shown a second and sent off after hauling down Donovan as he broke toward goal. The red card gave Union a numerical advantage they could not turn into goals, despite controlling possession.

Second Half: 62% Possession, 23 Shots, No Goals

FC Dallas dropped deep in the second half, switching to a low block defense, with 10 men behind the ball. Philadelphia responded with a series of attacking substitutions. Jovan Lukic replaced Jesus Bueno at halftime, while Indiana Vassilev and Tai Baribo joined the fray in the 63rd minute. Quinn Sullivan added more energy in the 72nd.

Despite having 62% possession, 23 shots, and 28 crosses, the Union failed to seriously test Dallas keeper Maarten Paes until Lukic’s strike in the 67th minute, which became their first shot on target. Philadelphia’s lack of clinical finishing, a theme from their previous match against Inter Miami, reared its head again.

Kai Wagner continued to deliver quality crosses from the left, linking up well with Bender, but none found a decisive connection in the box.

Post-Match Reflection: Missed Chances and Tactical Questions

Coach Bradley Carnell voiced his frustration post-match, highlighting the team’s “wastefulness in the final third”. Despite dominating most statistical categories, the Union couldn’t unlock a disciplined Dallas side, who deserved credit for their resilient defensive display.

This match highlighted three key themes heading into the international break:

1. Finishing Woes Cost Valuable Points

The Union create chances — a lot of them. But converting those chances remains a pressing issue. Dominance without goals doesn’t move the table.

2. Squad Depth Shows Promise

With injuries and rotation, Carnell continues to lean on young talent. Andrew Rick, Frankie Westfield, and Ben Bender all saw significant minutes, and while the end product was lacking, the experience will serve them well long term.

3. Beating the Low Block

As one of the top teams in MLS 2025, the Union will face more teams sitting deep. Finding tactical solutions — whether faster ball movement, more creative central play, or sharper finishing — will be key to staying ahead in both the Supporters’ Shield and Eastern Conference races.

Match Stats:

  • Possession: Philadelphia Union 62% – 38% FC Dallas

  • Shots: Union 23 – 7 Dallas

  • Shots on Target: Union 3 – 1 Dallas

  • Corners: Union 9 – 2 Dallas

  • Crosses: Union 28 – 8 Dallas

Starting Lineups

Philadelphia Union:

Andrew Rick; Nathan Harriel, Olwethu Makhanya, Kai Wagner, Frankie Westfield; Alejandro Bedoya (Quinn Sullivan 72′), Jesus Bueno (Jovan Lukic 45′), Ben Bender, Danley Jean Jacques (Indiana Vassilev 63′); Chris Donovan (Tai Baribo 63′), Mikael Uhre (Bruno Damiani 37′)
Substitutes not used: Oliver Semmle, Jakob Glesnes, Jeremy Rafanello, Cavan Sullivan

FC Dallas:

Maarten Paes; Marco Farfan, Lalas Abubakar, Patrickson Delgado, Shaquell Moore; Luciano Acosta, Ramiro, Kaick da Silva Ferreira, Sebastien Ibeagha; Anderson Julio (Bernard Kamungo 83′), Petar Musa (Logan Farrington 87′)
Substitutes not used: Sebastian Lletget, Katlego Ntsabeleng, Pedrinho, Show, Álvaro Augusto, Michael Collodi, Nolan Norris

Disciplinary Summary

  • DAL – Abubakar (Yellow) 31’

  • DAL – Abubakar (Second Yellow/Red) 39’

  • DAL – Kaick da Silva Ferreira (Yellow) 75’

  • DAL – Sebastien Ibeagha (Yellow) 90+1’

Final Word: A Missed Opportunity for the Union

Despite dominating every major statistic, the Philadelphia Union leave Texas with just one point, remaining top of the Eastern Conference heading into the June international break. For head coach Bradley Carnell, the draw will feel like a loss — not because of the result, but because of what could have been.

The Union’s blueprint for success in the second half of the 2025 MLS season is clear: turn domination into goals.

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