Carnell Amid MLS Struggles: ‘You Can't Feel Sorry For Yourself Now’

After suffering another league defeat on Wednesday, Bradley Carnell responded to Philadelphia Union's latest setback as the side's Major League Soccer struggles continue.

The Union suffered a dramatic 4-3 defeat against Orlando City SC after mounting an impressive second-half comeback. Orlando raced into a two-goal lead before Milan Iloski pulled one back in the 54th minute.

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The hosts restored their advantage, but Philadelphia fought back once more through youngster Cavan Sullivan, who scored his first MLS goal, before Ben Bender levelled matters at 3-3. However, Orlando struck late to secure all three points in Florida.

The result leaves Philadelphia rooted to the bottom of the Eastern Conference table with just six points from 13 matches. The side has managed only one victory so far this season, while drawing three and losing nine.

Speaking after the game, Carnell praised his side's fighting spirit despite the disappointing result.

“But we dig deep, get back to 3-3. And unfortunately, we just couldn't shut out the game. But credit to the guys for digging deep in that second half,” the South African tactician said as per the club website.

“We hit the post, I think, twice again tonight. But it's just where you are. And the plea at halftime was you can't feel sorry for yourself now. There's still a game to play. Give everything, and then we'll see where we are at the end of 90.”

Carnell also insisted that his players must continue believing despite the difficult run of form.

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“We knew coming into the game, they do give up a lot of goals, and they are a bit fragile in the defensive transition. We exploited that, then we started playing with a bit of momentum and confidence. But we've got to believe. We shouldn't just do things; we have to believe it.

“This is the plea for the guys, just to continue to believe. It's disappointing that we can't get over the hump.”