Carnell snaps losing streak

After being beaten in their first six matches of the Major League Soccer season, Bradley Carnell on Saturday saw his Philadelphia Union side win their first game to end a losing streak and take pressure off their South African coach.

Last season, former Bafana Bafana fullback Carnell took the club to top place in the regular season standings, but from the start of the 2026 campaign, they have had a horror run.

But on Saturday night, Union won 2-1 away at Montreal with Jesus Bueno scoring the winning goal in the 70th minute.

Ivan Jaime had given the Canadian hosts a 25th-minute lead as defender Olwethu Makhanya fell down, but Japhet Sery Larsen equalised 10 minutes into the second half.

“It's been a long seven weeks, and we showed strength today in the face of a bit of adversity, going a goal down, but the group figured out a way during the game to find a way to bring success in the key moments,” said Carnell.

“I'm really happy for them after a tough moment as a club, as players and coaches and staff and everyone, but it just shows what it means now, just going down to the locker room and just seeing the joy and the relief on the faces.

“I know it's only three points, but it's a step in the right direction,” he added.

At the other end of the MLS Eastern Conference table, both Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Puso Dithejane played as Chicago Fire won 1-0 at home to Atlanta United to move into second place.

Bongokuhle Hlongwane was also in action, coming on as a late substitute as Minnesota United won 2-1 at San Diego.