Richter: Sporting KC comeback proved Philadelphia are far from perfect

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Ryan Richter described the Philadelphia Union’s thrilling comeback against Sporting Kansas City as “outrageous”, but said it was a warning sign to not get complacent. 

Philadelphia’s unbeaten run in MLS extended to 11 matches at Sporting Park last weekend, despite finding themselves three goals down against Sporting KC. 

Andre Luiz’s brace and a goal from Wyatt Meyer blew the Union away in the opening 16 minutes, with their sensational stretch under interim boss Richter looking set to end. 

However, Philadelphia turned the game on its head in the space of four second-half minutes, with Bruno Damiani, Cavan Sullivan and Milan Iloski hauling their team level. 

The turnaround was complete thanks to an own goal from Zorhan Bassong, with the result helping Philadelphia move up to sixth in the Eastern Conference. 

And while he was pleased with the mentality of his players to complete the turnaround against Sporting KC, Richter acknowledged that better sides in the division will punish them should Philadelphia hand them an advantage like that again.

“The mentality of this group is outrageous,” Richter said. “It would have been easy for us to quit at half-time. We’re on the road, long journey, down 3-0, guys going away with their national teams after the game. 

“But the way the guys responded in the second half was fantastic. I am proud of them and congratulations to them for showing again the way they believe in each other right now and what is possible with this group. 

“It’s fun to be a part of, and it’s fun to watch, but we have to keep going. We got a reminder that we’re not perfect and when we’re not at our best, any team can beat us.”

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) September 20, 2026

Philadelphia’s next MLS outing sees them welcome Orlando City SC to Subaru Park this weekend, with the Lions also in the hunt to secure their spot in the playoffs. 

Just two points and one place separate the two sides in the standings after Orlando fell to a 4-2 defeat against the New England Revolution last time out. 

Martin Perelman’s side saw their three-match winning run in the league come to an end, with late goals from Peyton Miller and Carles Gil sealing the win for New England. 

“Very frustrated, of course, with the result. It was a big challenge for us because we came here after the game on Wednesday and were facing, of course, a team that is doing well in the league,” Perelman said of Orlando’s defeat to the Revolution. 

“The context of the game was difficult. We knew that. Taking that into account, I think we made a very big effort. We made some mistakes, especially in the first half.

“And then we were able to come back in the second half, compete, tie the game, and then, I think there we have some gaps to improve as a team. I think we grew a lot during this season in many things. We are competing. We are up there. Everybody knows how we started.

“I think the process of the team is there, but if something we need to improve is this. We need to close these kinds of games. So, that’s the frustration, but I also need to recognise the effort of the players. I have to do it because it was there.”

Philadelphia Union – Bruno Damiani

With the in-form Sullivan away on international duty with the United States, the emphasis will fall on Damiani to continue Philadelphia’s excellent run of form under Richter. 

Only Iloski (13) has scored more MLS goals for Philadelphia than Damiani’s eight, though the Uruguayan does have five goals in his last three league appearances. 

The goal that started the comeback pic.twitter.com/ds0xH84YeQ

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) September 20, 2026

Ojeda recorded his team-leading 12th MLS goal of the season and his 46th across all competitions this year against New England last time out.

The Argentine has recorded three goal contributions in his last four matches across all competitions (two goals, one assist) and he is now just one goal short of tying Facundo Torres’ club record of 47 goals across all competitions.

MATCH PREDICTION: PHILADELPHIA UNION WIN

As predicted, Philadelphia are the clear favourites in the Opta supercomputers pre-match simulations. The Union are now 11 games unbeaten in the MLS, tying the club record. 

However, wins at Subaru Park against Orlando have proved hard to come by in recent years. Indeed, Philadelphia have failed to win their last three home league matches against the Lions (D1 L2) since a 5-1 victory back in September 2022. 

But they come up against an Orlando side that have managed just three away league wins all season, though prior to their defeat to New England in their last such match, had drawn against Minnesota United and beaten Atlanta United. 

MLS News

Noonan wants to build on Cincinnati’s ‘deciding moment’ against Houston

MLS News

Nashville ‘completely aligned’ after securing playoff berth, says Callaghan

MLS News

Clark relishing ‘best experience’ despite Seattle Sounders’ long winless run

MLS News

‘Our goalkeeper saved us’ – Miami boss Gonzalez concerned about defensive shortcomings

MLS News

Inter Miami are built to win trophies, claims owner Mas

MLS News

Collective effort propelling Dallas’ playoff push, says Quill

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.