Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union

Who: Philadelphia Union (#1 Seed) vs. New York City FC (#5 Seed)
What: 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Semi-Finals
Where: Subaru Park
When: 7:45 PM, Sunday, November 23rd
Watch: Apple TV, FS1
Whistle: REF: Guido Gonzales Jr., AR1: Nick Uranga, AR2: Ian McKay, 4TH: Malik Badawi, VAR: Fotis Bazakos, AVAR: Craig Lowry

For the third time in club history, the Philadelphia Union will play host to New York City FC in a knockout match at Subaru Park. The Union doused the Chicago Fire in Round one, advancing after winning the first two games. Meanwhile, NYC had to go to Game 3 against Charlotte, and sustained a few injuries and suspensions along the way. The last time both sides met, the Union came away as 2-0 victors to clinch the Supporters’ Shield. Philly will look to add another tally against NYCFC and advance to their second ever Conference Championship.

Scouting report: NYFC

New York City come into this matchup somewhat battered and bruised. While they defeated Charlotte in Round one, they needed 3 games to do it, and will be missing 3 starters due to injury and suspension. Aiden O’Neill’s booking means the defensive midfielder will miss the Conference Semi-Final through yellow card accumulation. As anyone who watched Game 3 likely knows, former Union man Andres Perea suffered a horrific injury which will certainly see him miss a significant amount of time. Finally, in another brutal blow for the Pigeons, leading scorer (17) Alonso Martinez ruptured his ACL on international duty with Costa Rica. 

Despite missing some important players, the Cityzens still pose a threat. Hannes Wolf possesses good pace and a nose for goal. The Austrian winger has tallied 11 goals and added 5 assists on the year so far, including the helper on NYC’s third goal in their last game. Summer signing Nico Fernandez was particularly eye-catching in that match versus Charlotte. He netted a brace and both goals were marvels. He managed 3 goals and 1 assist in just 11 games during the regular season, and is probably set to break out next year. Finally, there will be a familiar face in net for the Cityzens. Union Home Grown Matt Freese has had a stellar season in City blue. He has kept a career high 8 clean sheets for the Pigeons and has even earned the attention of USMNT manager Pochettino, starting every game in the Gold Cup. While he let in a soft goal in the last contest against Philly, expect him to be up for the challenge on the night.

• Injury report: Andres Perea (OUT), Alonso Martinez (OUT)
• Suspended: Aiden O’Neill
• International duty: N/a

Scouting report: Philadelphia Union 

After reports of Ernst Tanner’s alleged misconduct came to light this week, the club announced the Sporting Director had been placed on administrative leave, following a re-opening of the investigation by MLS. While off-field turmoil can impact players’ performances’, according to Head Coach Bradley Carnell, the player’s “…haven’t missed a step in training”. Carnell has by all accounts proven himself a strong leader that the team appears fully bought into, but this is no doubt a new challenge he’s had to face in his MLS career. 

Tactically there’s no reason to think the Union will change much in this one. While City will likely set up in a ‘low-block’ similar to Chicago in Round one, the Boys in Blue should be prepared for this scenario. While the Cityzens will pose a threat on the counter the Union’s near first choice eleven should be more than able to see the challenge through. Carnell will hope to ride the hot hand of Baribo who scored a brace last time out. The return of Uhre, who is allegedly healthy for this matchup, provides a big boost – whether he comes off the bench or starts the game. As usual, Philly’s defense will prove a tough challenge for NYC to break through with the likes of MLS Best-XI members Jakob Glesnes and Kai Wagner leading a formidable unit to contest with.

• Injury report: Alejandro Bedoya (Questionable), Quinn Sullivan (OUT)
• Suspended: N/a
• International duty: N/a

Key matchup

Union Midfield vs. NYC Midfield

It’s cliché but this game will be won in the midfield. NYC boasts a number of star (or nearly-star) players but the Union’s unit should be up to the task in shutting them down. All eyes should be on Lukic and Danley’s performance.

Player to watch

Danley Jean-Jacques

The Haitian D-Mid has truly come into his own this season. After helping his national team reach the World Cup Finals for the first time in nearly 60 years, he will likely be fired up on both sides of the ball in this one. Keep an eye on his defensive workrate, and progressive carries.

Prediction: Philadelphia 2 – 1 NYC FC

NYC open the match by sitting deep and ceding possession to the Union. While this frustrates the Boys in Blue for a bit, the Philly press is too much and a Cityzen’s error leads to a Baribo tally that opens the scoring. The game gets stretched out as NYC pushes to score, but the Union are able to grab a second. A late Pigeon’s strike keeps things interesting, but the Union see out the win.