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Union Fires Coach Carnell After 1‑10‑4 Collapse

ESPN Soccer •
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Philadelphia Union severed ties with head coach Bradley Carnell on Wednesday, ending a tenure that began with the club’s best MLS record. The decision followed a 1-10-4 start, the league’s lowest performance as the season heads into a World Cup break. Union president Jay Sugarman praised Carnell’s professionalism during the shake‑up.

With Carnell gone, the Union promoted assistant Ryan Richter to interim head coach, a move that keeps a familiar face at the helm. Richter, who guided the developmental side since January 2025, had served as the first team’s assistant head coach from 2022‑24. His familiarity with the squad is expected to stabilize the club’s shaky start.

Meanwhile, Jon Scheer steps into the role of sporting director, a position he has occupied in various capacities since 2018. Scheer’s experience spans academy oversight and professional development, positioning him to steer the Union’s long‑term strategy. His appointment signals an intent to rebuild after a season that fell far short of last year’s playoff run.

Union’s drastic coaching overhaul comes as the club sits at the bottom of the 30‑team league, a position that jeopardizes its playoff aspirations. The change aims to halt a downward spiral and restore competitiveness before the World Cup hiatus. With Richter and Scheer now in charge, the Union faces a critical period of restructuring ahead.