A More Philly Union

With a few noteworthy exceptions, all's quiet on the Union front.  But with national teams from all over the world converging on our North American home, two-thirds of the AMPU crew return to the studios to revel in the flawed but glorious spectacle that is the World Cup.  Without the sage guidance of Paul this week, C and E make a valiant go of things as they wish Mbaizo a sunnier future, celebrate Union announcer, Kevin Casey, living a World Cup dream, and dare to hope in a USMNT that could surprise the world.  May this World Cup unite us...

It's a bit of down time at the AMPU studios this week, so we're allowing ourselves a little leeway in our topics of conversation.  Join Paul, C, and E as they wonder: What could have been if the Union had taken other paths?  If Bedoya ran for public office?  If Indy went into acting?  If Gritty was actually a secret weapon?  Ah, the world may never know.

When you come to a fork in the road, take it.

Like, share, and find us here:
Website: www.amorephillyunion.com
Email: pod@amorephillyunion.com
YouTube...

Things get a little philosophical at the AMPU studios this week as we come to grips with what was all but inevitable.  Join Paul, C, and E as they weigh in on one of the most record setting games for the Union that resulted in an Iloski hattrick, an actual Damiani goal, and still a loss for the Union.  And of course it was the final straw that broke the camel's back for Bradley Carnell's time as manager.

The only true wisdom is in knowing we know nothing.

Like, share, and find us here:
We...

Things are getting repetitive around the AMPU studios this week.  Once again, the Union lose/draw another game and the AMPU crew try to come up with something original to say about the Groundhog Day time loop we seem to be trapped in.  Join Paul, C, and E this week as they ask the profound questions: Have we've witnessed Carnell's last home game for the Union?  Is the 50/50 raffle an accurate fan support metric?  What is the worst haircut in MLS?  And in honor of Stephen Colbert (and to shamelessly steal his IP), Paul and C take the AMPU Quest...

There's no sugar-coating the Union's performance at the AMPU studios this week: Injuries, mistakes, PK's, ridiculous Apple win probabilities. It's bad. It's real bad. Join Paul, C, and E as they celebrate firsts for Bender and Cavan, lamentably start the countdown clock on Carnell's tenure, and discuss the sense of freedom that comes when you're at the bottom.

Zulu Foxtrot Gamma.

Like, share, and find us here:
Website: www.amorephillyunion.com
Email: pod@amorephillyunion.com
YouTube: amorephillyunion
Instagram: amorephillyunion
Threads: amorephillyunion
Bluesky: amorephillyunion

Check out that Chaos En...

Food discussions abound at the AMPU studios this week.  Join Paul, C, and E as they discuss the delicious tidbits from the most recent game against Nashville, from Sery's early game injury, to Iloski's many attempts for a goal, to the goal post keeping Nashville in the game.  Also, Damiani was there.

Wouldn't Wawa look great on a Union jersey?  Two words: snake sauce.

Like, share, and find us here:
Website: www.amorephillyunion.com
Email: pod@amorephillyunion.com
YouTube: amorephillyunion
Instagram: amorephillyunion
Threads: amorephillyunion
Bluesky: amorephillyunion

Check out t...

Gritty and the Flyers provide some comfort this week around the AMPU studios, but it's not enough to keep the gloom at bay.  Join Paul, C, and E as they try to recover from the Columbus game by reaffirming Blake's bona fides, echo Carnell's call to 'trust the plan', and in a moment of tough-love, C goes Mean Girls on Damiani.  And finally, the AMPU crew offers a way out of this slump: the Union shouldn't focus on being as good as they can be, they should focus on being as Philly as they can be.

Have yo...

It's hard to describe the vibe in the AMPU studios these days.  The Union aren't losing, so that's good, right?  But with the 0-0 draw against DC United that felt like a win, and the 3-3 draw against Toronto FC that felt like a loss, we're having a hard time figuring out if we're even moving in the right direction.  Join Paul, C, and E this week as they cheer on Iloski, wonder if Damiani will ever score, take joy in Danley's goal celebration, and compare the Union's on-field performance to a soft-boiled egg.

Like, share, and fin...

Whew, we're breathing a little easier this week at the AMPU studios.  Everyone is back in good health and home from traveling, and most importantly, the Union finally get their first win of the season! (Much obliged, Montreal.)  Join Paul, C, and E as they witness E enjoying a big slice of humble pie, celebrate Sery's birthday goal, revel in US Open Cup upsets, try to workshop sayings that don't end in natural disasters, and recommend a new anthemic song for the SoB's to incorporate into their repertoire.

'cause me heart is in Blue and Gold, I st...

It's getting so dark at the AMPU studios lately that we're making references from the movie, The Crow.  And to top things off, it's C's turn to be under the weather, so it's only Paul and E making a go of it this week.  Yikes.  But stick with us, dear listeners, we do spot some silver linings, like Harriel's new contract and the leaked description of the Union's retro 3rd kit.  Plus we're pretty psyched for the return of Artemis II.

Now, let's all gather around that Ted Lasso burn barrel.

Like, share, and find us h...

It's been a hell of a March.  The Union are defeated in their first five regular season games.  The AMPU studios are scrambling to deal with travel, illness, and lost episodes.  Italy fails to qualify for their third consecutive World Cup.  Is there no end in sight to the madness?  Jump into the pilot seat with Paul, C, and E this week as they try pull out from this nose dive as they discuss the now-obvious effect of trading away several senior players, indulge in time-traveling fantasies, celebrate Reading getting into the World Cup, and play a game that's sure...

Is it a coincidence that this episode length is 12:02?  Like the namesake (and not so famous) error code on the Apollo 11 mission - a lot of stuff is going wrong and now we have a lot to worry about: downed by Atlanta, knocked out by Club America, and then there's the Ernst Tanner stuff.  Is time to worry?  Is it time to hope?

We're so relieved and grateful that you're ok, Jack.

Like, share, and find us here:
Website: www.amorephillyunion.com
Email: pod@amorephillyunion.com
YouTube: amorephillyunion
Instagram: amorephillyunion
Threa...

Spirits are a little down at the AMPU studios this week.  Well, it's mostly E whose spirit is down.  But for Paul, C, and E it's nothing that Groundhog Day, time-traveling wizards, and the Cricket World Cup can't fix.

Like, share, and find us here:
Website: www.amorephillyunion.com
Email: pod@amorephillyunion.com
YouTube: amorephillyunion
Instagram: amorephillyunion
Threads: amorephillyunion
Bluesky: amorephillyunion

Check out that Chaos Engine mug and other AMPU merch: https://www.zazzle.com/store/a_more_philly_union

Check out our Spotify playlist! https://spotify.link/H...

One strand at a time, that's what it takes to build something complex and beautiful, like a successful season for the Philadelphia Union.  That goes triple for us here at the AMPU studios. Join Paul, C, and E this week as they recap the Union's home opener against perennial buzz killers, NYC FC.  Of course the AMPU crew digresses into other topics like: The 2026 Union feel like how 2025 Union should have been, referees and uncomfortably long VAR checks, Stas as the Union's Gronk, and most importantly, the Union absolutely, without any doubt, need to host escape rooms at Subaru Pa...

There are matchups aplenty this week at the AMPU studios: DC United versus Philadelphia Union, Philadelphia Union versus Defence Force FC, poutine versus Swedish meatballs.  Join Paul, C, and E as they review what the Boys in Blue have been up too, squeeze in some Winter Olympics news, uncover a conspiracy theory to bring CR7 to MLS, and introduce the World Cup of National Foods.

The sooner we get behind, the sooner we can get caught up.

Like, share, and find us here:
Website: www.amorephillyunion.com
Email: pod@amorephillyunion.com
YouTube: amo...

Even though we've entered the season of self-denial, it feels like Fat Tuesday hasn't ended at the AMPU studios.  First, C is back!  And second, the Union square off against Defense Force FC in their first CONCACAF Champions Cup match.  Join Paul, C, and E as they drink the Flavor-Aid and discuss the upcoming reunion with Tai Baribo's DC United, record the first Replacements reference of the season, bypass the Winter Olympics and go straight for the Cricket World Cup, and celebrate the genius and poetic soccer commentator that is Ryan Davis.

Like, share, and find us her...

Hey, everyone, Trevor the Intern here.  Man, I completely dropped the ball this week on one of my primary tasks around the AMPU studios: post the episode on time.  I blame the complete break down of competency on the absence of C this week.  Wait, wait, wait, don't just skip this week's episode!  Paul and E really did try their best and it's going to look really bad on my performance review if this episode gets poor download numbers.  So, why don't you listen as the guys dive deep about all the latest Union news, like...umm...ok, you know...

With the new Union season less than two weeks away, it's time to rub the winter sleep out of eyes, start brewing the coffee, and get the AMPU studio up and running.  Join Paul, C, and E as they return to the studio for the start of Season 4 of the podcast!  A lot has happened during the off season and the AMPU crew jump right in as they can as they mourn the loss of core players like Jakob Glesnes, Tai Baribo, Kai Wagner, and Mikael Uhre (as well as one of our favorite Drexel Dragons, Chris Donovan), take a...

We're getting into the holiday spirit here at the AMPU studios.  And beside decking halls and trimming trees, that also means wrapping seasons.  Join Paul, C, and E as they reflect on how far the Union have come in only one year and on all the great things to be festive about: the Kai-Tai, Dave Leno, the Larimer, and 100+ episodes!  And finally, the AMPU crew concludes the season with a possible rival to the Christmas classic, Die Hard.

Happy Holidays, everyone!  We wish you all the best in the New Year!  We truly appreciate you all and we'll...

Hallo und willkommen!  With St. Nikolaus Day falling on the same day as the MLS Cup Final, things are getting a little Germanic at the AMPU Studios.  Without the invaluable guidance of Paul this week, C and E try to hold the fort (and set up a Whamageddon-safe space) as they ponder the pressing questions at the threshold of the conclusion of the 2025 MLS season: With the signing of Ezekial Alladoh, is Damiani finally free from the dollars/goal stat?  Who are the Golden Girls equivalents on Inter Miami?  And: Do they know it's MLS Cup at all?

Ha...

Well, here we are.

We're working through the five stages of grief at the AMPU studios this week.  And wherever you are in the process, join Paul, C, and E as they reflect on the Union's unceremonious end to their otherwise stellar season, explore the hypothesis of the 5th-Game Theory, and ask the question, "Is anyone really afraid of the Union?"

Let's be sad now.  Let's be sad together.  And then we can be a gosh-darn goldfish.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

Like, share, and find us here:
Website: www.amorephillyunion.com
...

Nate is back!  The long-time FOTP returns to the AMPU Studios this week, bringing the swagger!  Join Paul, C, E, and Nate as they reflect on what lies behind and what lies ahead for the Union, wonder how NFL-y the new MLS season schedule might become, and delve into the connection between the local game commentators and the Dark Side of the Moon.

Our newest motto: Rarely confident, often hopeful.

Like, share, and find us here:
Website: www.amorephillyunion.com
Email: pod@amorephillyunion.com
YouTube: amorephillyunion
Instagram: amorephillyunion
Threads: amorephillyunion
...

Hey.  How's it going?  With no games to report on and with a little too much time on our hands, things get a little Funky Bunch-y at the AMPU studios this week.  Join Paul, C, and E as they celebrate Carnell's well-deserved honor, ponder the potential season schedule change, and review the best-named derbies in MLS.

Say hi to your mother for us.

Like, share, and find us here:
Website: www.amorephillyunion.com
Email: pod@amorephillyunion.com
YouTube: amorephillyunion
Instagram: amorephillyunion
Threads: amorephillyunion
Bluesky: amorephillyunion

We have merch...

Things get a little Shakespearean this week at the AMPU studios, much to the chagrin of the resident (but absent) literary expert, Christy.  Join Paul and E (as they manage without the sage guidance of C) as they talk about the Union's efficient winning playoff strategy, empathize with Jeff Gal and his "Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Vey Bad Day", and suggest a new approach when it comes fan taunts and chants during games: Don't be crude, be creative.

Like, share, and find us here:
Website: www.amorephillyunion.com
Email: pod@amorephillyunion.com
YouTube: amorephillyunion
...

It's the season of fun and frights, goodies and ghoulies!  And at the AMPU Studio, we're making sure our pumpkin patch is as sincere as possible as the Playoffs are officially underway!  Join Paul, C, and E as they discuss why Indy is an artist both when scoring and when celebrating, C's ability to affect the Space-Time continuum, and why Jack Elliott still makes Philly proud.  Also: a special post-credits stinger where the AMPU crew deep dives into the Ocean's Trilogy, sequels in general, and C's possible new podcast.

Like, share, and find us here:
Website: www.a...

If a tree falls in the woods and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?  If a team loses a game and it doesn't change anything, is it really a loss?  We're venturing ever-so-slightly out of the shallow end of pool this week at the AMPU Studios.  Join Paul, C, and E as they reflect on Ale's possible last start and captainship with the Union, recount the fun-to-say clash of Chu Chu v. Zaha, and discuss how this season's MLS Playoffs are just as MLS-y as previous ones.

Like, share, and find us h...

We're spanning space and time at the AMPU studio this week as we reflect back on the regular season while looking forward to what the playoffs may have in store.  And what better way to help Paul, C, and E in their retrospection than to welcome back to the pod two of our favorite fellow Union fans and podcasters: Jillian and Kyle from The One Team We Agree On!  Join the AMPU crew and TOTWAG as they reflect on the rocket ride that has been this past season, celebrate the young Union 2 players who've contributed to the team's success, ev...

Five years later and the Philadelphia Union earn their second Supporters' Shield.  And even though this technically isn't new territory, this victory feels somehow more special, more monumental.  Join Paul, C, and E  as they revel in a season of accomplishments that, like Ale Bedoya, they couldn't imagine eight months ago.  Also: Carnell embodies the Philly ethos, the Union players blaze new trails with the first MLS Gatorade dousing, and the gang discusses what are C's quotable movies.

"We're not the superstars.  I'm not the supercoach.  We don't care.  We like it this way."

Like, share...

The past few weeks have been an exercise in extremes. From the humiliating lows of the 7-0 loss in Vancouver to euphoric heights of the 0-6 shellacking of DC United, it almost feels like accounts have been settled and we're back in a familiar Supporter Shield-leading, MLS Cup-hoping place.  And yet it did not come without a cost.  Join Paul and E as they play down a woman (C's traveling this week) as they celebrate the embarrassment of riches that is the Union's attacking front half, assess Quinn's season-ending injury, and breakdown the new dance craze that's sure to sw...

It's a bit behind-the-scenes at the AMPU studios as the crew rushes to get this week's episode posted.  And what happens when we're in a time crunch?  That's right - no edits!  Join Paul, C, and E as they perform without the safety net of the editing room as they discuss the Union's redemptive win last week and look ahead to the remaining few and critical games of the regular season.  Will the Union manage to win the Supporters Shield?  Will they be positioned well for the playoffs?  Will the Union be able to convince the MLS writers not to bum...

The Union suffer their single largest lopsided loss ever.  The Union get knocked out of USOC.  Two separate players in two separate games score hattricks on the Union.  Things seem to be coming undone faster than we can cancel our Paramount+ subscription.  Join Paul and E (with a quick appearance by C) as they discuss the "Mega-Loss", propose the JP Dellacamera Academy of Soccer Commentating, and introduce a new segment: the Crant.

Like, share, and find us here:
Website: www.amorephillyunion.com
Email: pod@amorephillyunion.com
YouTube: amorephillyunion
Instagram: amorephillyunion
Threads: amorephillyunion
Bl...

There's a crisp coolness in the air, leaves are just starting to turn color, and the Union are about to commence with their final push for the season.  Cozy up with Paul, C, and E as they enjoy a little downtime this week, weigh strategies for the Union's drive for the US Open Cup, size up the remaining 5 regular season games, and face off in Union Dome IV!

Indy...how could we have forgotten Indy?

Like, share, and find us here:
Website: www.amorephillyunion.com
Email: pod@amorephillyunion.com
YouTube: amorephillyunion
Ins...

We're back!  The AMPU crew returns to the studio in full force this week, rested, relaxed, and ready to tackle the Union-Cincinnati game.  Join Paul, C, and E as they marvel at the progress of Andrew Rick, happily recalculate Damiani's dollars/goal quotient, and breathe easier after making it through the transfer window.

Also, who HASN'T Kei Kamara played for? 

Like, share, and find us here:
Website: www.amorephillyunion.com
Email: pod@amorephillyunion.com
YouTube: amorephillyunion
Instagram: amorephillyunion
Threads: amorephillyunion
Bluesky: amorephillyunion

We have merch! https://www.zazzle...

Like any summer-time school assignment, we're waiting until the last minute!  It's frantic back-to-school mode at the AMPU studios as C and E scramble to record and release this week's episode!  There's a lot of catching up with very little time to get it done!

Five more minutes, please? 

Like, share, and find us here:
Website: www.amorephillyunion.com
Email: pod@amorephillyunion.com
YouTube: amorephillyunion
Instagram: amorephillyunion
Threads: amorephillyunion
Bluesky: amorephillyunion

We have merch! https://www.zazzle.com/store/a_more_philly_union

Check out our Sp...

Vacation time is upon us here at the AMPU studios!  In order to squeeze in as much fun-in-the-sun in the remaining summertime, the AMPU crew put together this week's episode before taking a much-needed break.  But don't fret, Unionverse.  We'll be back quicker than Ale Bedoya can get a yellow card after the starting whistle.  In the meantime, join Paul, C, and E as they explore Philadelphia's sister cities, shamelessly shill for Duolingo, and welcome Milan Iloski.  Also, you won't want to miss Paul's amazing post-end-credits, cinema-worthy, rallying call to Baribo, the Union, and all the Union faithful.

See...

We're celebrating returns this week at the AMPU studios: the return of the Kai-Tai, the return of Uhre back to scoring form, and the return to first place!  Join Paul, C, and E as they celebrate Union firsts at the MLS All Star game, ponder how to cash in on Kickin' for Chickin', and illustrate how Bedoya is the Team Dad.

200 wins and counting!

Like, share, and find us here:
Website: www.amorephillyunion.com
Email: pod@amorephillyunion.com
YouTube: amorephillyunion
Instagram: amorephillyunion
Threads: amorephillyunion
Bluesky: amorephillyunion

We hav...

There's an air of contentment at the AMPU studios this week as we reflect on the 4 out of 6 points the Union brought home from their recent visit to the lands of poutine and barbeque.  Join Paul, C, and E as they praise Prince and Benny, weigh in on McGlynn's goal celebration, and wonder about the referees' arm day routine.

Sorry, all I can think about right now is poutine and barbeque...

Like, share, and find us here:
Website: www.amorephillyunion.com
Email: pod@amorephillyunion.com
YouTube: amorephillyunion
Instagram: amorephillyunion
Threads: amo...

Hello, Unionverse.  Let's pretend E had good time management skills and wrote a humous description for this week's episode.  And then we all would have a good laugh. Ah, that's better.  Much appreciated.

As an apology gift: https://youtu.be/z5rRZdiu1UE

See you next week!

P.S. This episode was recorded before the Montreal game on Wednesday.

Like, share, and find us here:
Website: www.amorephillyunion.com
Email: pod@amorephillyunion.com
YouTube: amorephillyunion
Instagram: amorephillyunion
Threads: amorephillyunion
Bluesky: amorephillyunion

We have merch...

Like the Union's recent performance, along with the postponed US Open Cup game*, there's a feeling of listlessness hanging over the AMPU studios this week.  Fight through the malaise with Paul, C, and E as they discuss the Kai Wagner Team Attitude Rating system, experience Trevor the Intern's first attempt at sketch writing, and ask the profound question: Is losing necessarily a bad thing?

* this episode was recorded before Wednesday's Open Cup game

Like, share, and find us here:
Website: www.amorephillyunion.com
Email: pod@amorephillyunion.com
YouTube: amorephillyunion
Instagram: amorephillyunion
...

We're back!  After taking an unscheduled week off, the AMPU crew returns to the studio and is ready to catch up on all the soccer!  But something seems...different.  Did Bedoya play in the midfield once?  Has the Union never won the Open Cup?  Wasn't the USMNT in shambles a month ago?  Is Trevor the Intern actually an AI?

Paul, C, and E get to the bottom of things as they celebrate the selection of Baribo and Glesnes to the MLS All-Stars, reflect on Paul's time as a FIFA volunteer, and pitch a new buddy cop show starri...