Potential Union Opponents For MLS Conference Semifinals: Between NYCFC and Charlotte FC

Chester, PA: One of the benefits of sweeping your 1st round series is you get time to rest up before your next series. The Philadelphia Union are in that position as they wait to see who their next opponent in the MLS Playoffs will be. It is between NYCFC or Charlotte FC as that series heads to a winner take all game 3 on Nov 7 in Charlotte.

Whoever wins will head to Subaru Park in Chester for the Conference Semifinals on the weekend of November 22 or 23.

Let’s take a look at how the Philadelphia Union fared against both teams this season.

NYCFC:
During the 2025 regular season, the Union split their 2 games against NYCFC.

They lost at NYCFC on April 12 by a score of 1-0. That game was at Citi Field.

They beat NYCFC 1-0 on Oct 4, on the goal from Mikael Uhre. That night we saw the Union clinch the Supporters Shield.

Jovan x Mikael connection for the lead! ⚡️

📺 Tune in on #MLSSeasonPass: https://t.co/WLMKtinteA#DOOP | 🐍 1-0 🗽 pic.twitter.com/57dBLO2myU

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) October 5, 2025

Charlotte FC:
During the 2025 season, the Union would split its 2 games against Charlotte.

They defeated Charlotte at Subaru Park 2-1 on June 14 on goals from Jesús Bueno and the game-winner from Markus Anderson in stoppage time.

MARKUS ANDERSON FOR THE WIN!#DOOP | 🐍 2-1 🔵 pic.twitter.com/VvLfxzJzuF

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) June 15, 2025

The Union would fall on the road at Charlotte on Oct 18 to end the regular season.

Verdict:

Based on how the Union did against both teams, the better matchup is Charlotte.

Still, from a TV perspective, NYCFC would be better & also adds another chapter to the rivalry between Philadelphia vs New York.