There are three guarantees in life: Death, taxes, and the Philadelphia Union’s season ending heartbreakingly.
Unfortunately, the Union fell to rivals NYCFC 1-0, bringing the 2025 campaign to a close.
Frustratingly Sloppy
If the Philadelphia Union looked like a team that sat idle for 22 days, that is because they were. Whether the long hiatus is to blame or not, the Union performed uncharacteristically sloppily on Sunday. Ultimately, the Union sent 18 shots but only mustered 5 on goal.
From the start, it seemed the Union was doomed. The club played right into NYCFC’s hands, which is exactly what their rivals from New York wanted. In typical fashion, the Union would once again be sent home by the foot of Maxi Morales. In their 4 playoff matches against one another, Morales has contributed 6 goal contributions.
Union centerback Olwethu Makhanya was phenomenal in his first season as a starting CB. However, NYCFC was able to pull him out of position multiple times throughout the game. To make matters worse, goalkeeper Andre Blake had to leave in the 60th minute after reaggravating his hamstring injury.
Ultimately, what did the Union in was the offensive woes. Throughout the entirety of the match, the Union never built a truly threatening attack. They created 3 truly threatening chances. First, Danley had a free header 3 yards in front of the goal and ultimately whiffed on his header. On the other two, Frankie Westfield had the game-tying goal on his foot. One, Westfield was sent into the Delaware River. The other, the Union’s former backup and homegrown stud goalkeeper, Matt Freese, would snuff out.
This was not the first time a Union homegrown keeper would break the fan base’s hearts. In 2022, John McCarthy would close down the Union in the MLS Cup, winning MVP for the game.
Where Do the Union Go Now?
In a season that was supposed to kick off a new era, the Union shockingly found themselves adding to their thin trophy case. Unfortunately, the Union will have to take a look at the older pieces of their team. Alejadro Bedoya has likely played his last minutes with the team.
Simultaneously, while Andre Blake remains a top goalkeeper in MLS, perhaps it is time to examine his inability to stay healthy.
Ultimately, the Union brought home the Supporters Shield, which by default makes 2025 a roaring success. While losing in the MLS Cup playoffs once again will sour a great season, it pushes the focus to 2026.
Now, Union and 2025 MLS Coach of the Year, Bradley Carnell, has built a solid foundation.
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