Union

Union Season Ends In Heartbreak To NYCFC

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David Malandra Jr
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David Malandra Jr Sports Editor

I am Sports Reporter that covers Pro & College Sports in Philadelphia & any other events that are featured in Philadelphia

All posts by David Malandra Jr
Sports Editor

Published23 Nov 2025

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Chester, PA: A new chapter in the rich sports rivalry between Philadelphia & New York took place as the Philadelphia Union battled NYCFC in the East Semifinals at Subaru Park in Chester, PA.

The Union had not played a game since November 1, when they swept Chicago in the first round. Meanwhile, NYCFC came into the game off a three-game winning streak over Charlotte.

Lineup:

How the game went:

Early on, both teams would have their chances to make plays.

Andre Blake would make a save in the 14th minute, but NYCFC scored in the 26th minute thanks to Maxi Moralez for the 1-0 lead. It was just a costly mistake by the Union on defense.

There were a couple of times in the first half that the Union just did not look themselves and some might say the 22-day layoff between games could have been a factor.

The Union would be down 1-0 at halftime.

Going into the 2nd half, what could the Union do to get the crowd at Subaru Park back in the game, making it loud for NYCFC?

In the 53rd minute, Andre Blake would make a diving save & would get hurt:

A few minutes later, Blake would leave the match in the 59th minute after the save. It’s unclear if he may have reinjured something.

Frankie Westfield would come into the game & would have not 1, but 2 golden scoring chances that would have woken the crowd at Suabru Park up, but he just could not finish. The first one was in the 74th minute off a nice pass:

The other golden scoring chance from Westfield was in the 87th minute and that missed the net by inches.

During stoppage time, Millan Iloski would have a quality scoring attempt, but NYCFC goalie Matt Freese would make another diving save:

The final whistle blew & the crowd at Subaru Park was stunned as NYCFC came into Subaru Park and took down the Union, ending their season.

Postgame:

Union Coach Bradley Carnell:

Union Players Mikael Uhre & Millan Iloski:

What is next:
The Union will now head into the offseason to see what they can do to get over this hurdle & attempt to get back to the East Finals or even make the MLS Cup in 2026.