Philadelphia Union Take Control With Damiani Double In 5-0 Win Over Defence Force

Philadelphia Union and FC Cincinnati take strong first-leg leads in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, after heavy away wins that move both MLS clubs close to the last 16, while Vancouver Whitecaps face a far tighter contest following a goalless draw in Costa Rica against Cartagines.

Across the two comfortable victories, Union and Cincinnati shared nine unanswered goals, showed clinical attacking play and limited opponents’ chances. Both clubs now return to North America with major advantages, and with their key forwards already finding form early in the 2026 campaign.

Philadelphia restricted Defence Force to one shot on target during the 90 minutes, underlining the control. The late double from Bruno Damiani appears likely to finish the tie, given the five-goal cushion. Damiani had ended last MLS season strongly, scoring four of eight league goals across the final 10 games.

Frankie Westfield produced another important display for Philadelphia Union in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Westfield created a match-best five chances, including the cross that led to Ezekiel Alladoh’s header. That creativity supported a dominant team performance, which leaves the second leg at Subaru Park looking close to a formality.

Union’s 5-0 victory at Defence Force put the MLS side in full command of their first-round tie. The deadlock finally broke on 29 minutes, when Milan Iloski struck a well-placed free-kick. Club-record signing Alladoh and Olwethu Makhanya then added headed goals either side of half-time, extending the advantage.

Substitute forward Damiani completed the scoring in Trinidad & Tobago with two strikes after coming on. The second goal arrived from the penalty spot and removed any realistic hope for Defence Force. The hosts’ problems increased late on when Joevin Jones received a red card and will now miss the return match on February 26.

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CONCACAF Champions Cup: FC Cincinnati clinical display against Universidad O&M

FC Cincinnati also look well placed to move on in the CONCACAF Champions Cup after beating Universidad O&M 4-0 away. First-half goals from Tom Barlow and Kevin Denkey put the visitors two ahead at the break. Cincinnati controlled the tempo for long spells and rarely appeared troubled defensively.

After half-time, Ayoub Jabbari delivered an influential cameo for Cincinnati. Jabbari missed a penalty with 10 minutes left but quickly responded, scoring twice in the final four minutes. Cincinnati’s attack looked sharp overall, with 11 of 17 attempts hitting the target and several creative players standing out.

Denkey contributed both scoring and playmaking for FC Cincinnati in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Denkey assisted Barlow’s opener before adding a goal, while Obinna Nwobodo supplied two assists. Gerardo Valenzuela created a game-high three chances despite featuring only 30 minutes, highlighting Cincinnati’s depth in attacking positions.

CONCACAF Champions Cup: Vancouver Whitecaps held by Cartagines

The tie between Cartagines and Vancouver Whitecaps in the CONCACAF Champions Cup remains balanced after a 0-0 draw in Costa Rica. Neither side managed to convert limited opportunities into a breakthrough, leaving everything open before the second leg. The cautious contest contrasted with the more one-sided matches involving Union and Cincinnati.

With Union and FC Cincinnati already building sizeable advantages in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, attention now turns to how they manage the second legs. Philadelphia carry a 5-0 lead and a player advantage after Joevin Jones’ suspension, while Cincinnati’s four-goal margin should allow controlled approaches, as Vancouver and Cartagines prepare for a far closer decider.