For the second time in club history, the Philadelphia Union have won the MLS Supporters’ Shield. After defeating rivals NYCFC in a tight match, only providing one goal and numerous spectacular saves from both goalkeepers, the Union lifted the 2025 MLS Supporters’ Shield on their home turf.
A lone goal in the 40th minute from Union striker Mikael Uhre proved to be enough to secure the win, giving the team its 66th point of the year and also their twentieth win of the season. Such a feat was criticized by many fans and analysts before the start of the season.
After missing the playoffs last season, the Union rebounded in 2025 with the best defensive record in MLS (as of October 10). This is in part thanks to Frankie Westfield and Olwethu Makhanya, two of the Union’s homegrown additions at the start of the year, who were both named to the MLS “Top 22 Under-22.”
It was only fitting that star goalkeeper Andre Blake recorded a clean sheet in the match, too, making a crucial save in the dying moments to protect the 1-0 lead. Another clutch play to secure the victory was a header off a corner by captain Alejandro Bedoya, which left him bloodied as the referee blew the whistle for full-time and the Union reigned as MLS Regular Season Champions.
Winning the shield secured the Union homefield advantage throughout the postseason and also claimed the number 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. They will face Charlotte FC on the road in their season finale on October 18, with playoffs to start the following week. The victory also clinched a 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup berth as well.