Philadelphia Union Face New York City FC in Eastern Conference Semifinals

CHESTER, Pennsylvania – On Sunday at 7:45 PM, the Philadelphia Union will host New York City FC in the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs at Subaru Park.

This matchup marks the third playoff clash between the two teams, with Philadelphia earning the top seed after eliminating the Chicago Fire in the first round. New York City FC, the fifth seed, advanced after a tense three-game series against Charlotte FC, which took a toll on their roster due to injuries and suspensions.

Philadelphia Union is coming off a strong performance, winning both games against Chicago in Round 1, demonstrating their readiness for this knockout match. The Union’s last encounter with NYCFC ended in a 2-0 victory, where they secured the Supporters’ Shield.

However, NYCFC enters this game with significant challenges. They will be without three starters, including midfielder Aiden O'Neill, who received a yellow card suspension. A daunting aspect of their lineup is the absence of leading scorer Alonso Martinez, who suffered a ruptured ACL while on international duty with Costa Rica.

Despite their injuries, New York City has players capable of impacting the game. Hannes Wolf is a key player, having scored 11 goals this season, and Nico Fernandez, who recently performed impressively with two goals in their last match, adds depth to their offense.

In goal for NYCFC is former Union player Matt Freese, who has achieved eight clean sheets this season and gained recognition for his performances, including starring in the Gold Cup.

This match’s stakes are high, particularly given the off-field issues surrounding NYCFC’s Sporting Director Ernst Tanner, who has been placed on administrative leave amidst ongoing investigations. Union Head Coach Bradley Carnell remains optimistic about his team’s performance, noting that training has not been affected by the distractions.

The Union’s defensive line, featuring All-Star selections Jakob Glesnes and Kai Wagner, is anticipated to pose a challenge for NYCFC. The game is expected to be decided in the midfield, where players like Lukic and Danley Jean-Jacques will be crucial for both teams.

Although NYCFC’s remaining players will need to adapt quickly to fill the gaps left by their absent teammates, the Union will look to capitalize on their momentum and experience to secure a spot in their second-ever Conference Championship.

Kickoff is set for 7:45 PM ET, and fans can watch the match on Apple TV and FS1.