Philadelphia Union secured a 1-0 victory over FC Cincinnati on Saturday night at TQL Stadium, ensuring their place in the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. The match remained scoreless through the first half until forward Bruno Damiani scored in the 49th minute, assisted by Milan Iloski. Homegrown goalkeeper Andrew Rick contributed five saves and achieved his sixth clean sheet of the season.
The game was officiated by Sergii Boiko, with Jeremy Kieso and Andrew Bigelow as assistant referees. Elton Garcia served as fourth official, Shawn Tehini as VAR, and Eric Weisbrod as AVAR. Weather conditions were reported as sunny with a temperature of 71 degrees.
Disciplinary actions included cautions for Dominik Marczuk of Cincinnati and Olwethu Makhanya of Philadelphia in the 21st minute. Makhanya received a second caution and was ejected in the 60th minute. Other yellow cards were issued to Jakob Glesnes (45+4’), Nathan Harriel (51’), Frankie Westfield (85’) for Philadelphia, and Kévin Denkey (90+1’) for Cincinnati.
Philadelphia’s starting lineup featured Andrew Rick; Jakob Glesnes, Kai Wagner, Olwethu Makhanya, Nathan Harriel, Jovan Lukic, Danley Jean Jacques, Milan Iloski (replaced by Jeremy Rafanello in the 84th minute), Quinn Sullivan (Frankie Westfield 63’), Tai Baribo (Indiana Vassilev 63’), and Bruno Damiani (Mikael Uhre 74’). Substitutes not used included George Marks; Olivier Mbaizo, Alejandro Bedoya, Jesus Bueno, and Cavan Sullivan.
FC Cincinnati started Roman Celentano; Lukas Engel (Kei Kamara 89’), Matt Miazga, Nick Hagglund, Dominik Marczuk (Luca Orellano 64’), Tah Brian Anunga (Gerardo Valenzuela 64’), Evander Da Silva Ferreira, Pavel Bucha, Ender Echenique (Ayoub Jabbari 74’), Brenner Souza, and Kévin Denkey. Their unused substitutes were Evan Louro; Alvas Powell, Teenage Hadebe, Stiven Jimenez, and Gilberto Flores.
According to Philadelphia Union Communications: “The Union clinched an Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs berth and advanced to the postseason for the seventh time in the last eight seasons. Homegrown goalkeeper Andrew Rick earned his 6th clean sheet of the MLS season. The Union have conceded the fewest goals on the road this season (11). The Union hold the highest goal differential in the league (+23).”
The Union will next play against Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place on Saturday, September 13th at 9:30 p.m. ET.
