Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union

The Philadelphia Union clinched the 2025 Supporters’ Shield Saturday night with a 1-0 win over rivals New York City FC in front of a packed Subaru Park. It was Philly’s 20th win of the season – a franchise record – and the club’s second ever major trophy after winning the Shield in the 2020 MLS season. The result secured home field advantage in the playoffs. While it may have been a nerve-wracking game to watch, the Boys in Blue were equal to the challenge and acquitted themselves accordingly. Let’s get into the ratings.

Player Ratings:

Andre Blake – 8

Only needed to make a pair of saves to secure his 9th clean sheet of the season but the first – a diving stop on Hannes Wolf – was spectacular. Claimed the NYCFC corner deep into stoppage time to effectively end the game and win the Shield.  

Kai Wagner – 8

Some big defensive plays by the German fullback in this one. In the absence of Quinn Sullivan he became the focal point of much of the Union’s attacks, leading the team in touches (72) and passing attempts (64). Most key passes in the game with 4.

Olwethu Makhanya – 7

Solid, if unspectacular, game from the young South African defender, but that’s exactly what was needed to anchor the backline.

Jakob Glesnes – 8

While a rash decision to step high in the opening minute led to a big chance for the Pigeons, Glesnes rebounded from that early miscue with aplomb. The Norwegian defender was seemingly everywhere on defense racking up 4 interceptions, 8 clearances, and winning all 3 of his aerial duels. 

Nathan Harriel – 6

Great defense as usual, and did an admirable job getting forward in his own way, but the Philly attack seems less dynamic without Frankie Westfield.

Jovan Lukić – 8

Gummed up the middle of the park for NYCFC and facilitated the Union attack in possession. Assisted the Shield clinching goal.

Danley Jean-Jacques  – 7

Once again, Danley was the Union’s engine on the night. He never stops running, and does a little bit of everything on the ball, and a whole lot off of it.

Indiana Vassilev – 7

The hard-working midfielder put on another fine display in the center of the park. When he’s in this kind of form, it’s easy to see why Carnell brought him to Philly.

Milan Iloski – 7

Although he didn’t get on the scoresheet, the Cali man was one of the most creative players on the field, picking out 6 progressive passes and advancing the ball with 3 progressive carries. He will doubtless continue to be a key player for the Union in their playoff run.

Mikael Uhre – 9

The Uhre redemption arc has been in full effect the past two games. Long may it continue.

Bruno Damiani – 7

Despite not finding the back of the net, the Union’s record signing’s fingerprints were all over this one. His pressing and defensive work was on point, and he also picked out a fair few forward passes. Did you know he is the 3rd most fouled player in the league behind Carles Gil and Wilfried Zaha?

Substitutes:

Tai Baribo – 5

With both Uhre and Damiani in fine form, Baribo moved to the bench for just the 8th time this season. He nearly iced the game for the Union – only for the offside flag to deny him.

Jesús Bueno – 5

The Venezuelan national teamer covered lots of ground in his cameo, breaking up plays to defend the Union’s lead.

Alejandro Bedoya – 6

Closed out the win to get his second shield with the Union. Extra point for getting his nose broken on the final play.

Olivier Mbaizo – 5

Despite not playing much this season, Carnell called on Mbaizo to come in for the important closing minutes. He helped see out the win, putting in a couple tackles along the way.

Geiger Counter:

Jon Freemon – 4

In a match between hated rivals with silverware on the line, the head referee was faced with a difficult assignment. He was just barely able to avoid the match boiling over, but made several calls that appeared quite harsh on the Union including a no-call that denied a penalty and a soft yellow issued to Damiani.

Player of the Match: Mikael Uhre

The Danish DP followed up his Player of the Match performance from last week with a game and shield winning goal. While the whole team played at a high level most of the night, Uhre’s decisive strike granted the Boys in Blue their second ever trophy.

What’s Next

Philadelphia has the next week off before a trip down to North Carolina to contend with Charlotte FC. Historically, these late season away days at the Bank have resulted in heavy defeats for the Union. Expect heavy rotation from Carnell, as the Union will have one eye on the playoffs and the elusive MLS Cup.