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Kai Wagner delivers "excellent" performance in final potential home match

October 29, 2023

Oct 28, 2023; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union defender Kai Wagner (27) passes the ball away from New England Revolution forward DeJuan Jones (24) during the first half in game one in a round one match of the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Kai Wagner might be playing in his final playoff matches as a member of the Philadelphia Union, and if he truly is, he began that slate with an impressive performance on Saturday night.

Wagner played a key role in two of the Union’s three goals in Saturday’s 3-1 MLS Cup Playoffs victory over the visiting New England Revolution. The 26-year-old entered MLS as an unknown from German third-tier side Wurzburger Kickers, but since has evolved into arguably the best left back in the league.

Whether or not the Union can lock down Wagner later this year remains to be seen, but Saturday’s showing against the Revs was a reminder of what he brings to the club on a consistent level.

“Kai was excellent,” Union head coach Jim Curtin said postmatch to reporters. “He played a great game, got forward, gave them problems, the one-touch ball on the goal [the Union’s second of the first half, scored by Mikael Uhre] that he sets up was really, really good. Defended well.”

Wagner Imagn e1697149575118 — Sep 23, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Union defender Kai Wagner (27) dribbles the ball against Los Angeles FC during the second half at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Wagner’s dangerous cross in the 26th minute allowed Mikael Uhre to pounce in the Revs box and extend the Union’s advantage to 2-0. Veteran Revs defender Dave Romney tried to poke Wagner’s cross away from danger, but instead redirected the ball onto goalkeeper Jacob Jackson.

Jackson was unable to fully gather possession, allowing Uhre to bundle the rebound over the goal-line. Although Wagner’s cross won’t go down in the stat sheet as an assist, it was crucial moment on the play itself.

The German was at it again in the 39th minute, sending a long free-kick cross towards the back post of Jackson’s net. Homegrown right back Nathan Harriel was able to get back his defender and power a header into the back of the net for a then 3-0 Union advantage.

It marked Wagner’s 41st assist in 147 career league appearances for the Union.

https://x.com/PhilaUnion/status/1718385041644917006?s=20

His strong two-way abilities will sorely be missed by the Union and their fanbase if the club does indeed let him walk this winter, but a successful MLS Cup triumph could be the trade off to letting the German experience a return to Europe.

Wagner and the Union will travel to Gillette Stadium on November 8 in the second head-to-head showdown with the Revs in playoff action.