No narrative in sports is more pervasive than that of the star player, who bears not only the weight of expectation but almost singlehandedly affixes relevance to competitions of their choice. The bigger star, the larger they loom – MLS marked the eve of the first round of the playoffs by celebrating Lionel Messi’s contract extension with Inter Miami, the World Cup winner once again positioned to be the central focus of the postseason.

The league’s most fascinating quirk, though, is that stars have a spotty track record. It is not just that Messi has yet to win the MLS Cup in his third season with Miami; in recent years, MLS’s top distinction has mostly been won by teams without globally-recognized talent leading the way. Gareth Bale was the last to do so with LAFC in 2022, eight years after Robbie Keane’s LA Galaxy combined star power with trophies. This sets the stage for less flashy teams in MLS to surpass their more famous counterparts, leveraging strategic decision-making.

This more complicated approach has proven effective, making the MLS Cup playoffs a prime testing ground for a data revolution in the sport, enabling teams with perceived disadvantages to exceed expectations. Most eyes may be on Messi’s Miami, Son Heung-min’s LAFC, and Thomas Muller’s Vancouver during the postseason, but teams like the Philadelphia Union, having claimed the Supporters’ Shield, offer a counterbalance in the ongoing stars versus system discussion.

“Underlying [the Union’s success] are a couple other ideas that differentiate us from clubs with different philosophies,” Union chairman and majority owner Jay Sugarman, a self-described contrarian, stated. “We enjoy challenging conventional thinking. Show us what others are doing, and we will likely pursue a different route. We must maintain this mindset to stay ahead.”

The Union’s Strategic Philosophy

Philly is not among MLS’s wealthiest teams, usually ranking in the middle regarding team valuations and expenditures on player transactions. Nevertheless, their success is evident, having won the Supporters’ Shield in three of the past six seasons and leading MLS in total points since the start of the 2020 campaign. This accomplishment includes a close encounter with the MLS Cup, reaching the final through a thrilling penalty shootout with LAFC, one of the most exciting matches ever witnessed in league history. Their achievements stem from an approach focused on small yet impactful steps.

“I have always loved the idea of kaizen in both business and sports—continuous improvement,” Sugarman expressed. “We’re not going to reach our goals in a single leap, but through many small efforts. If everyone improves their segment of the puzzle, we will realize significant progress over time, which has been our guiding principle for the past six to eight years.”

The Union regards their tactical framework as their cornerstone, an essential on-field presence usually occupied by prominent players, directed by the experienced sporting director Ernst Tanner and implemented by rookie head coach Bradley Carnell. Sugarman presents this tactical method as countercultural, yet it aligns with evolving tactics in the sport as off-the-ball movements and set piece strategies gain prominence. The Union prioritize “dangerous possession” near the opponent’s goal, ranking last in touches within their own half and pass completion rates.

“We might not deliver the easy passes, but we take the tough ones,” Sugarman mentioned. “We place immense pressure on the opponent to challenge their defensive capabilities.”

They compensate for this by leading in tackles, interceptions, and counterpress recoveries, employing various tactics. The Union ranks high in crosses, throw-ins, and corners, which has contributed to them being the league’s top defense, conceding only 35 goals this season. Their data-focused strategy emphasizes youth development and pragmatism, transforming distinct statistics into tangible outcomes.

“This statistic fascinates me: 40 to 80% of players in leagues are domestic,” Sugarman noted. “So recruiting the best domestic players gives us a significant advantage. This strategy not only aids winning but also nurtures the sport’s development in the United States. Player development is crucial for us; we want it to be an ongoing focus.”

The Union’s backdrop is enriched by a culture Sugarman describes as a mixture of having “players who enhance their teammates” and a coach like Carnell, whose high emotional intelligence is quite rare among coaching candidates. This synergy allows Sugarman to dismiss the stars versus system dialogue and not merely because it works within MLS.

“You also see that in the Premier League,” Sugarman remarked. “Manchester United can splurge, but if the systems and culture aren’t right, spending doesn’t guarantee success. Look around at our owner’s meetings—half the teams are backed by NFL franchises or large corporate entities. That model isn’t sustainable for us; success hinges on our daily commitment to gradual improvement.”

Stars, Playoffs, and MLS’s Constant Balancing Act

While the few star players who have captured the MLS Cup in the past decade are notable, an essential distinction is necessary—those teams generally outperform in securing the Supporters’ Shield. Teams like the Union frequently achieve the best regular season results, as seen with Messi’s Miami in 2024, Bale’s LAFC in 2022, and Carlos Vela’s LAFC in 2019. The main challenge for all those teams, star-studded or otherwise, is whether they can convert regular season successes into playoff victories, and which method truly leads to reaching the pinnacle.

The Union have branded themselves as a system-centric team, and Sugarman has hinted at a mutual relationship between them and the star-rich teams, coexisting harmoniously in a league characterized by its diverse contrasts.

“Messi’s been outstanding for this league; so has Son and Muller, and we don’t want to undermine their impact,” Sugarman affirmed. “It’s beneficial for the league and ultimately good for us; however, we don’t want the league to be focused solely on three cities and three stars. Our goal is for the league to flourish extensively, continuously invest, and enhance its stature, which won’t happen overnight, but we acknowledge the strides made and strive for acknowledgment globally as a favorable destination for talented players.”

Thus, Messi’s new deal with Miami may represent positive news for the Union and other teams. While Sugarman acknowledged that MLS’s fresh stars showcase all 30 teams, numerous leading clubs remain unaware of the progress the league has made in recent years.

“I wouldn’t say we’ve reached universal acceptance that MLS is an exciting, evolving league to play in,” Sugarman concluded. “There’s still work ahead, and every ambassador saying this league is impressive, without exception, tends to share a sentiment of ‘this is better than expected,’ setting a positive trajectory for our aspirations of becoming one of the world’s premier leagues.”

Sugarman believes that incremental improvements might be critical to MLS’s long-term success, especially with the forthcoming World Cup approaching.