Defence Force 0-5 Philadelphia Union: Damiani double puts MLS side in complete control

Philadelphia Union put one foot in the last 16 of the CONCACAF Champions Cup after cruising to a 5-0 away victory over Defence Force in the opening leg of their first-round tie.

It took 29 minutes for the MLS side to get themselves in front, which they did in impressive fashion through a Milan Iloski free-kick.

Club-record signing Ezekiel Alladoh and Olwethu Makhanya both scored headers either side of half-time to put Union in full control of the contest.

The tie was then all but ended by forward Bruno Damiani, who came off the bench to net twice in Trinidad & Tobago, with his second effort coming via a penalty.

On a poor night for Defence Force, Joevin Jones was sent off in the closing stages and will therefore miss the second leg at Subaru Park, which takes place on February 26.

UNION WIN pic.twitter.com/u3mZGUwZxs

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) February 19, 2026

FC Cincinnati are also looking good to progress in the competition after they eased to a 4-0 away victory over Universidad O&M.

Goals from Tom Barlow and Kevin Denkey had the American visitors two goals clear by half-time.

Ayoub Jabbari then had a lively substitute appearance for Cincinnati after the break, missing a penalty with 10 minutes to go but then scoring twice in the last four minutes of the game.

The tie between Cartagines and Vancouver Whitecaps, meanwhile, is more evenly poised after the teams played out a 0-0 draw in Costa Rica.

Data Debrief: Union dominate as Cincinnati’s creative stars impress

Philadelphia completely dominated against Defence Force, conceding just one shot on target over the course of the 90 minutes.

The late strikes by Damiani will surely be enough to send them through to the last 16.

Four of the Uruguayan’s eight MLS goals last season came in his final nine appearances of the season, so he was carrying momentum into the new campaign and has made an impressive start here in continental action.

Frankie Westfield also made a strong case to be seen as the Union’s standout performer, though, creating a game-high five chances including the assist for Alladoh’s goal.

For Cincinnati, meanwhile, there were positive signs from their attack. They managed to get 11 of their 17 shots on target in a game where many of their creative stars impressed.

Denkey had already set up Barlow’s goal before netting himself, Obinna Nwobodo recorded two assists, while Gerardo Valenzuela ended with a game-high three chances created despite only spending 30 minutes on the pitch.