Orlando City vs Philadelphia Union Picks and Predictions February 22nd 2025

Union, Orlando City Enter Opener Boasting High-Priced Newcomers

Orlando City and the Philadelphia Union will open their 2025 MLS campaigns with a clash on Saturday, each showcasing new talent acquired during an active offseason. Both clubs aim to rebound from contrasting finishes last season—Orlando narrowly missed a spot in the MLS Cup final, while Philadelphia looks to bounce back after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

Orlando Adjusts to Life Without Torres

Orlando City’s offseason was headlined by the departure of club icon Facundo Torres, who joined Brazilian side Palmeiras after scoring 47 goals in purple. Replacing Torres’ productivity will be a challenge, but head coach Oscar Pareja is confident that a combination of high-profile signings and returning talent will keep the Lions competitive.

Leading the new arrivals is Croatian international winger Marco Pasalic, acquired from Rijeka for a reported $5 million. The 24-year-old brings speed and creativity to the attack, alongside former LAFC midfielder Eduard Atuesta, whose experience in MLS could be pivotal.

“We are excited,” Pareja said. “The boys have been training well and they’re excited to be in front of our fans here in the stadium on Saturday. I think it’s time for us to compete again, and we will be ready.”

Returning to bolster Orlando’s attack are forwards Ramiro Enrique, Ivan Angulo, and Martin Ojeda, who combined for 22 goals last season. However, the team will be without midfielder Wilder Cartegena, sidelined for the year with an Achilles injury, while forward Duncan McGuire, who scored 10 goals in 2024, is recovering from shoulder surgery

Union Looks to Bounce Back Under Carnell

Philadelphia enters the season with a fresh approach under new head coach Bradley Carnell, who takes over after Jim Curtin’s departure. Carnell’s tenure begins with heightened anticipation around 15-year-old sensation Cavan Sullivan, whose rapid rise has captivated fans and scouts alike.

Complementing Sullivan’s arrival are key acquisitions like Bruno Damiani, signed from Uruguay for a club-record $3.4 million, and Serbian midfielder Jovan Lukic. Both players are expected to play crucial roles in reigniting an offense that struggled with consistency last season.

“They’ve embraced the longer meetings, more meetings, and they’ve really been curious,” Carnell said. “That’s what I like about this group. They’re curious to learn, even though you have some experienced guys who’ve been around a while and done it all before.”

Veteran midfielder Alejandro Bedoya, a fixture at the club since 2016, returns on a one-year contract. Meanwhile, defender Ian Glavinovich arrives on loan from Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, adding depth to the backline.

Key Matchup to Watch: Pasalic vs. Philadelphia’s Defense

All eyes will be on Marco Pasalic as he looks to make an immediate impact in front of Orlando’s home crowd. His ability to break down defenses will test Philadelphia’s backline, which struggled at times last season. Conversely, the Union’s attack, led by Daniel Gazdag (17 goals), Kai Wagner (13 assists), and Mikael Uhre (10 goals), will look to exploit any vulnerabilities in Orlando’s defense.

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A Battle With Playoff Implications

While it’s only the season opener, both teams know the importance of a strong start, especially in a competitive Eastern Conference. For Orlando, a win would set the tone for a season focused on returning to the playoffs and competing for their first MLS Cup. For Philadelphia, a victory would signal a return to form under new leadership, with the added excitement of Sullivan’s debut adding to the narrative.

With star signings on both sides and playoff aspirations in the air, expect a high-intensity clash as these two Eastern Conference contenders kick off their 2025 campaigns.