New York City FC kept their MLS Cup hopes alive on Sunday, advancing to the Eastern Conference Final by dispatching Supporters' Shield winners Philadelphia Union, 1-0, at Subaru Park.

The visitors stunned Philly in the 27th minute, jumping into a shock lead thanks to veteran midfielder Maxi Moralez, who put the finishing touches on a brilliant team goal with a close-range strike past Union goalkeeper Andre Blake.

Philadelphia tested NYCFC and USMNT 'keeper Matt Freese early and often throughout the first half, forcing him into three key saves, but were unable to find a way through.

The Cityzens nearly doubled their advantage in the 55th minute, as Nicolás Fernández Mercau looked to have caught Blake off his line from inside his own half. The Jamaican international sprinted back to sweep the ball off the goalline at the last moment, suffering an apparent hamstring injury that forced him to be subbed off for Andrew Rick.

The Union continued to apply pressure as they pushed for an equalizer during the final half hour, but were unable to find the back of the net, thanks to a heroic rearguard action by NYCFC as well as multiple incredible saves by Freese.

Sunday's win sent New York City to their third Eastern Conference Final since 2021, where they'll visit Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF on Nov. 29. The winner advances to MLS Cup presented by Audi on Dec. 6.

Goals

• 27' - NYC - Maxi Moralez | WATCH

Three Things

• THE BIG PICTURE: NYCFC pulled off their third road victory of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, following up their Round One Best-of-3 Series win over Charlotte FC with a shock elimination of the Supporters' Shield winners. Even with star striker Alonso Martínez out injured, NYCFC got the job done in Chester to set up a showdown with Messi and Miami next week. For Philadelphia, a spectacular 2025 season comes to an unexpected end. But with a strong core set to return next year, and the 2025 Sigi Schmid Coach of the Year at the helm in Bradley Carnell, the Union should be well-positioned to rebound.
• MOMENT OF THE MATCH: As he has so many times for NYCFC, Moralez came up clutch, scoring his sixth career Audi MLS Cup Playoffs goal to send his side to the Eastern Conference Final.

• MAN OF THE MATCH: Although Moralez's goal made all the difference, Freese stole the headlines with two world-class saves late in the game to ensure NYCFC's advancement against his former club.

Next Up

• PHI: End of season
• NYC: Nov. 29 at Inter Miami CF | Eastern Conference Final