Philadelphia Union II defeated New York City FC II in an intense 4-3 showdown at Subaru Park on Sunday afternoon, wrapping up the regular season with a hard-fought late victory. It was a back and forth affair but the hosts emerged victorious thanks to goals from Mark Anderson, Stas Korzeniowski, and a centerback brace from Neil Pierre, who scored the game-winner.
Union II now turns its sights to defending their conference title. They are the only Eastern Conference club to make the posteason in every year of the league's existence, and they'll find out this year's opening playoff opponent through the league's Pick-Your-Opponent format.
The 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs will feature 15 single elimination matches over the course of four consecutive weekends, with three rounds beginning the weekend of October 17 and culminating with MLS NEXT Pro Cup the weekend of November 7.
How The Match Unfolded
Lineup notes
Less than 24 hours after the first team won the Supporters' Shield at home, Head Coach Ryan Richter sent out a winning Union squad of his own. Andrew Rick started between the posts, protected by Giovanny Sequera, Rafael Uzcátegui, Neil Pierre and Jordan Griffin on the backline.
The midfield featued Cavan Sullivan, Nick Pariano, CJ Olney, and Markus Anderson, while Eddy Davis III and Stas Korzeniowski were paired up top.
27', Union goal! | Markus Anderson opened scoring in the 27th minute with a goal assisted by Giovanny Sequera.
33', NYC equalizes | Seymour Reid made it 1-1 in the 33rd minute.
38', NYC goal | New York City claimed their first lead of the match five minutes later, but it didn't last long.
45', Union goal! | Neil Pierre leved the score before half, scoring a goal assisted by CJ Olney in the 45th minute.
61', Union goal! | Stas Kornzeniowski kept the momentum going in the second half, scoring in the 61st minute off another Olney assist.
79', NYC Goal | Reid earned another, tying it up with just over 10 minutes left on the regular time clock.
95', Pierre game-winner! | Neil Pierre bagged a brace on the night, scoring his second in a big way to win it for his team in stoppage.
