Jesus Bueno Ends Union's Nightmare Start: 2-1 Win Snaps Six-Game Losing Streak in Montreal

The Philadelphia Union finally caught a break on Saturday, and they needed it badly. After opening the season by losing six straight games, the Union traveled to Montreal and scraped out a 2-1 victory at Saputo Stadium to avoid their worst start since 2017. Jesus Bueno scored the go-ahead goal in the 70th minute, and that's all Philadelphia could muster, but it was enough.

A Goal That Felt Like Oxygen

Bueno's tiebreaking finish came right after a chaotic sequence in the middle of the field. Bruno Damiani's right-footed shot was stopped by Montreal goalie Thomas Gillier, but the rebound stayed alive. Following a throw-in from Nathan Harriel, Bueno collected a pass from Ezekiel Alladoh and drove straight through the heart of Montreal's defense. He beat Dawid Bugaj with his movement, then finished with a right-footed shot from the right side of the box that found the lower left corner. It was Bueno's fifth career MLS goal, and it couldn't have come at a better time. The Union, now sitting at 1-6-0 with just 3 points, had been absolutely brutal through their opening matches. This was their first lead of the entire season.

Montreal Came Back, But Not Far Enough

The hosts had taken an early lead through Ivan Jaime in the 23rd minute. On a counterattack, Jaime received a pass from Efrain Morales at midfield, faked a left-footed shot that sent defender Olwethu Makhanya tumbling, and slotted it home from the center of the box into the bottom right corner. But Montreal couldn't hold the advantage. Japhet Sery Larsen equalized with a header off a set piece in the 85th minute after Bueno drew a foul from Fabian Herbers. Philadelphia's defense held tight down the stretch. Andre Blake made four saves to secure the win, while Montreal's Gillier finished with three. The Union attempted 15 shots total and finally converted when it mattered. Montreal, playing their home opener after an absolutely brutal 1-6-0 start of their own, couldn't find an answer and fell to 1-6-0 as well.

Next up for Philadelphia: a chance to build on this momentum and prove Saturday wasn't just a mirage. After six games of pure agony, even one win feels like a turning point.

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