Overview
- Former Union top scorer Tai Baribo struck in the 23rd minute from João Peglow’s through ball after an earlier finish was ruled offside.
- Philadelphia played the final half-hour with 10 men after 20-year-old debutant Ezekiel Alladoh received a straight red card in the 59th minute.
- Veteran goalkeeper Sean Johnson made three saves in his D.C. debut, and $7 million-plus signing Louis Munteanu entered for his first MLS appearance in the 70th minute.
- The defeat marked the Union’s first opening-day loss since 2020 after sweeping D.C. in last year’s regular-season meetings.
- The Union return to Subaru Park on Feb. 26 for the Concacaf Champions Cup second leg against Defence Force holding a 5-0 aggregate lead, with Alladoh available because it is a separate competition.