Union Playoffs Begin: Can Philly Keep Turning Pressure Into Success Against Chicago Fire?
Philadelphia Union players celebrate with the Supporters' Shield after Saturday night's 1-0 win over New York City FC at Subaru Park. (Courtesy of Philadelphia Union)
The Philadelphia Union locked up the Supporters’ Shield for the top record in the MLS, and now they head into the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs with full focus and renewed energy.
They’ll open the postseason at home against the Chicago Fire in a Round One best-of-three series. Chicago was a problem last season for the Union, but this season they took care of business, winning both meetings 1-0 in Chicago and 4-0 in Chester.
This preview answers the key questions you’ll want to know, whether you’re just tuning in or have been following every minute of the Union this season.
Who is coaching the Union now, and what changed?
Bradley Carnell took over the team in January. He introduced a more aggressive press, cleaner spacing, and a defined rotation system. This resonated with the core of the Union, as they had the best record this season.
How good were the Union in 2025, really?
They finished first overall, won the Supporters’ Shield, which is given to the team with the best regular season record, and claimed home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The defense allowed just 35 goals, the best in MLS. Special year. Now comes the time to make it count.
When and where is Game 1? How can you watch or listen to the series?
Game 1 is Sunday, October 26, at 5:30 pm ET at Subaru Park in Chester.
Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (subscription required), FS1, and Fox Deportes.
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic.
Game 2 is Saturday, November 1, at 6:30 pm ET at Soldier Field in Chicago. Game 3, if necessary, shifts back to Chester on Friday, November 7, time TBD. Those two games are exclusively on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (subscription required) and 97.5 The Fanatic.
What defined this regular season?
- The strikers and the press became sharper and more consistent under Carnell.
- Homegrown players logged meaningful minutes, adding depth and energy.
- The Union played well on the road, and the home record solidified their top seed.
Who are the stars of the team?
- Mikael Uhre: The forward who stretches back-lines and finishes chances.
- Quinn Sullivan: A young local talent who both scores and creates.
- Kai Wagner and Jakob Glesnes: Left-back delivering service, center-back with range. Wagner leads the team with 11 assists.
- Tai Baribo: Israeli forward who leads the team in goals with 16.
- Indiana Vassilev: New to the club, links midfield and attack while pressing like a forward.
- Andrew Rick and Andre Blake: Solid goalkeeper rotation that gave the team stability.
What about the “New coach, new team” storyline in the playoffs?
Carnell’s arrival marked a shift. He earned Coach of the Matchday nods early and kept the team steady when pressure mounted. That matters come the playoffs, especially in the MLS. The biggest thing that he has brought is ball movement and constant pressure. This should pay dividends in the playoffs.
What could trip the Union up in Round One?
The Fire bring momentum. They have tactical flexibility (switching between a back four and a back five) that might disrupt the Union’s patterns. Penalties loom large under this format; any mistake in defense or set pieces could change a match. The Fire feed on pushing mistakes in the midfield and turning those into goals. This is not something the Union have done too much this season, but they will have to continue limiting mistakes in transition.
What will it take to win the MLS Cup, not just Round One?
- Control the middle third: First and second balls must go the Union’s way.
- Unified press: The 9, the wingers, the midfielders must trigger together.
- Attack set-pieces: Wagner’s left foot, Glesnes in the box. Small margins matter.
- Clean keeper play: No scramble defense; smooth transitions.
- Bench delivers and legs hold late: Depth carried them all year, it must keep delivering to make a deep run.
Why believe this year is different?
Top seed. Shield in the trophy case. A clear playing style stronger than last year. The bracket path has the Union at home in the opener, which adds pressure on the opponent. That combination is special, and this team is proving that they have that electric feel that champions have.
Steve Hamilton
Steve may have been born in California, but don’t let that fool you. After dating a local woman and clashing with her and her family over sports for decades, he has an affinity for Philly sports. Balancing love for Philly and Bay Area sports teams may seem impossible, we can all agree that the Cowboys are the true evil.
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