Philadelphia Union erased a two-goal deficit to defeat LA Galaxy 3-2 at Subaru Park, with Tai Baribo netting a stoppage-time winner in a dramatic MLS clash. Full match recap, player stats, and highlights.
A Night to Remember: Union Rally from Behind to Shock the Galaxy
CHESTER, PA (May 14, 2025) – On a fog-laced night at Subaru Park, Philadelphia Union delivered one of the season’s most breathtaking comebacks, overturning a 2-0 halftime deficit to defeat LA Galaxy 3-2. Tai Baribo emerged as the hero, scoring a brace, including a 96th-minute winner that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
The win marks only the second time in Union history that the team has come back from two goals down at halftime to claim all three points — the last being in 2019’s legendary comeback against the Red Bulls.
First Half: Galaxy Strike Twice Against the Run of Play
Despite a strong start by Philadelphia, it was the Galaxy who struck first. In the 31st minute, Mauricio Cuevas capitalized on a swift counterattack engineered by former German international Marco Reus, slotting home past a helpless Andrew Rick. Six minutes later, Reus again turned provider, this time finding Diego Fagundez, who coolly finished with the outside of his foot to double LA’s lead.
The home crowd’s frustration was palpable, with chants urging the team to wake up echoing from the River End.
Second Half Surge: Union Flip the Script
Manager Bradley Carnell opted not to make any halftime changes — and it paid off.
Just three minutes into the second half, Nathan Harriel redirected a header from Jakob Glesnes off a Kai Wagner corner to bring Philly within one. Before the Galaxy could regroup, Tai Baribo rose to head in a pinpoint cross from Danley Jean Jacques, leveling the match in the 50th minute.
The Union dominated possession and chances for the rest of the half, with substitutions including Mikael Uhre and Alejandro Bedoya adding fresh legs and creativity.
Stoppage Time Heroics: Baribo Completes the Comeback
As the match seemed destined for a draw, a dramatic twist arrived in the sixth minute of added time. A recycled corner fell to Bedoya, who fed Uhre down the right. His low cross found an unmarked Baribo, who rifled in the match-winner at the back post — his second goal of the night and a moment that sent Subaru Park into raptures.
Final Whistle Thoughts: What This Win Means
🔹 Never Say Die
Philadelphia showcased immense character, overcoming early defensive lapses with relentless second-half intensity.
🔹 Baribo’s Breakout
After limited minutes in 2024, Tai Baribo is emerging as a top offensive weapon for the Union — both clinical and clutch.
🔹 Defensive Concerns
Despite the result, Philly must address sloppy individual errors that allowed LA’s early goals — especially as tougher matches loom.
Match Statistics
| Stat | PHI | LAG |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 54% | 46% |
| Shots | 25 | 4 |
| Shots on Target | 10 | 2 |
| Pass Accuracy | 80.6% | 74.3% |
| Total Passes | 422 | 347 |
| Corners | 3 | 2 |
| Crosses | 17 | 3 |
| xG (Expected Goals) | 3.0 | 1.2 |
Scoring Summary
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31′ LAG: Mauricio Cuevas (assist: Marco Reus)
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37′ LAG: Diego Fagundez (assist: Reus, Cuevas)
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48′ PHI: Nathan Harriel (assist: Glesnes, Wagner)
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50′ PHI: Tai Baribo (assist: Jean Jacques)
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90+6′ PHI: Tai Baribo (assist: Mikael Uhre)
Lineups
Philadelphia Union (4-3-3):
Rick; Glesnes, Harriel, Wagner, Westfield (Makhanya 85′); Vassilev (C. Sullivan 85′), Jean Jacques, Quinn Sullivan (Bedoya 58′); Lukic, Baribo, Damiani (Uhre 58′)
Unused: Semmle, Bueno, Rafanello, Mbaizo, Donovan
LA Galaxy (4-2-3-1):
McCarthy; Nelson, Yoshida, Yamane, Garces (Zavaleta 90+4’); Parente, Wynder (Ramirez 61’); Sanabria (Lepley 71’), Cuevas (Aude 71’), Fagundez; Reus
Unused: Micovic, Marcinkowski, Nascimento, Berry
What’s Next?
The Union continue their packed May schedule with a trip to Atlanta United this weekend. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
