Philadelphia strike early and often
Philadelphia Union wasted no time. Two goals inside the opening 12 minutes set up a 3-1 win over Necaxa at Subaru Park on Sunday night and handed the hosts their first points of the 2026 Leagues Cup.
Nathan Harriel opened the scoring on Philadelphia’s first attacking move. Kai Wagner, Indiana Vassilev and Cavan Sullivan combined down the flank, and Sullivan’s pass left Harriel with a finish he did not miss. Less than 10 minutes later Bruno Damiani doubled the lead, racing onto a direct move that traveled from Philadelphia’s own half to the Necaxa box in two passes.
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Sullivan caps the win
The 16-year-old Sullivan added his own goal in the 53rd minute, striking with his left foot to beat Luis Jiménez and make it 3-0. It was his second goal for the club, and paired with his assist it marked a full performance from one of the youngest players on the pitch. Coach Ryan Richter said afterward that Sullivan will score plenty of goals at this level.
Damiani’s strike carried its own note. The forward had gone 16 games without scoring before this run, and Sunday’s goal was his second in five matches. Philadelphia will take the sign that his finishing is returning at the right time.
Necaxa out, Philadelphia alive
Necaxa improved after the interval and pulled one back through Matías Espíndola with 11 minutes left, the shot leader of the match finding a consolation. It changed nothing of importance. The Liga MX side exit the tournament after back-to-back defeats to MLS opposition, their road struggles continuing at Subaru Park.
For Philadelphia, the win keeps their quarterfinal hopes alive in a fixture that marked the first ever meeting between the clubs. They bounced back from a home defeat in the opener with the fast start their coach wanted, and a teenager gave them the headline. The group is still there to be won.
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