The Philadelphia Union secured the 2025 Supporters’ Shield after a 1-0 victory over New York City FC at Subaru Park on Saturday night. The win improved the team’s record to 20-6-7, setting a new club record for total wins in a season.
The Union will conclude their Major League Soccer regular season with an away match against Charlotte FC on October 18, as part of MLS Decision Day.
Head Coach Bradley Carnell fielded a strong lineup for the match. Andre Blake, who has won MLS Goalkeeper of the Year three times, started in goal. The defensive line included Jakob Glesnes and Olwethu Makhanya at center back, Nathan Harriel on the right, and Kai Wagner on the left. The midfield featured Jovan Lukic, Danley Jean Jacques, Indiana Vassilev, and Milan Iloski. Up front were Bruno Damiani and Mikael Uhre.
On the bench were Andrew Rick (backup goalkeeper), Neil Pierre, Chris Donovan, Ben Bender, Olivier Mbaizo, Alejandro Bedoya, Tai Baribo, Jesus Bueno, and Cavan Sullivan.
As the match began, supporters group Sons of Ben unveiled a new TIFO. The Union created several early chances; by the 17th minute NYCFC keeper Matt Freese had made four saves. Danley Jean Jacques received a yellow card in the 19th minute. Andre Blake made an important save in the 20th minute to keep the score level.
Philadelphia continued to press forward but could not find another goal before halftime despite having only 41% possession in the first half. In the 40th minute Jovan Lukic assisted Mikael Uhre for what would be the game’s only goal.
During the second half Bruno Damiani was shown a yellow card in the 55th minute. Head Coach Carnell made substitutions throughout: Tai Baribo replaced Uhre in the 58th minute; Jesus Bueno came on for Damiani in the 73rd; Olivier Mbaizo and Alejandro Bedoya entered late for Iloski and Vassilev.
With this result Philadelphia clinched its place atop Major League Soccer’s regular season standings ahead of its final fixture against Charlotte FC.
