New York City FC secured their place in the Eastern Conference Finals with a narrow 1-0 victory over Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park. The match took place on November 23, 2025, and was part of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Decisive Goal by Maxi Moralez
Maxi Moralez scored the crucial goal in the 27th minute, capitalizing on a well-executed team play. His right-footed shot found the bottom left corner, silencing the home crowd.
Match Overview
- Final Score: Philadelphia Union 0 – 1 New York City FC
- Date: November 23, 2025
- Venue: Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania
Match Highlights
Despite Philadelphia Union’s efforts to equalize, NYC FC maintained their advantage. Goalkeeper Matt Freese produced several critical saves to deny the Union. One notable moment occurred when Nicolás Fernández Mercau nearly scored from his own half, leading to an injury for Philadelphia’s keeper, Andre Blake, who had to be substituted.
Late Game Tension
The second half saw increased pressure from Philadelphia as they sought to level the score. NYC FC made strategic substitutions to reinforce their defense. Philadelphia’s Frankie Westfield missed a significant opportunity to score, causing frustration among the fans.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, New York City FC will face Inter Miami, featuring renowned player Lionel Messi, in the Eastern Conference Finals on November 29. They are now just one win away from reaching the MLS Cup final.
Team Performance Summary
- Key Player: Maxi Moralez (1 goal)
- Philadelphia’s Keeper: Andre Blake (substituted due to injury)
- Top Save: Matt Freese of NYC FC
As both teams had met 26 times prior, this match further emphasized their competitive rivalry, with each team holding an equal number of wins in recent encounters. New York City FC’s tactical approach and solid defense proved vital in this playoff match.
