Jesus Bueno Ends Philadelphia's Nightmare Start: Union Snaps 6-Game Losing Streak in Montreal

Philadelphia Union fans can finally breathe. After opening the season with one of the worst stretches in franchise history, the Union grabbed a 2-1 road win over CF Montreal on Saturday and snapped a six-game losing skid that had the whole organization in crisis mode.

Jesus Bueno was the hero, finishing a go-ahead goal in the 70th minute that sent Philadelphia to victory. The Union improve to 1-6-0 with 3 points, but more importantly, they're no longer looking at the worst season start since 2017 when they opened 0-4-4. That's the kind of monkey off your back you feel immediately.

How Bueno Finally Put One Away

The goal itself was pure relief. After Bruno Damiani's right-footed shot was stopped by Montreal keeper Thomas Gillier, the Union kept the pressure on. Following a throw-in by Nathan Harriel, Bueno collected a pass from Ezekiel Alladoh and charged straight through the middle of the field. He beat Montreal defender Dawid Bugaj for space and fired a right-footed shot from the right side of the box that found the lower left corner. Bueno's fifth career MLS goal came at exactly the right moment, 15 minutes after Japhet Sery Larsen had just equalized with a header off a set piece.

Montreal Started Strong, Couldn't Hold On

Montreal came out with an early lead when Ivan Jaime finished a 2-on-1 with Prince Owusu in the 23rd minute. On a counterattack, Jaime received a pass from Efrain Morales at midfield, faked left to get defender Olwethu Makhanya to fall, then flicked a shot from the center of the box past the keeper into the bottom right corner. It looked like Montreal might steal one at home.

But Sery Larsen's header equalized things, and then Bueno put Philadelphia ahead for good. Union goalkeeper Andre Blake made four saves to secure the victory, and Philadelphia controlled the final stretch. Montreal (1-6-0, 3 points) got home for their opener but couldn't seal it, dropping their second straight match.

This is the kind of win that saves seasons. Philadelphia gets another chance next, and momentum suddenly matters again.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.