An unexpected season to remember has unfolded along the banks of the Delaware River as the Philadelphia Union lift the 2025 MLS Supporters’ Shield, the second in the club’s history.
Under head coach Bradley Carnell, the Eastern Conference heavyweight defied pre-season expectations under the South African headmaster across what has been an impressive performance start to finish.
The loss of star man Daniel Gazdag to the Columbus Crew had soured much of the landscape before a ball was kicked in anger this season, but Carnell’s expert guidance of a club without a true standout star player is deserving of praise in the wake of being let go by St. Louis City last season.
But with the continued talking point that Philly continue to fly under many radar screens of fans and pundits alike, the Union will hardly complain after sealing home-field advantage for the duration of the upcoming MLS Cup Playoffs.
📊 Key stats from Philly’s impressive season
Philadelphia’s goal scoring in 2025 has been balanced, with 18 different players finding the back of the net in the regular season.
2025 MLS All-Star Tai Baribo has led the line with 16 goals on just 48 shots for an MLS-best 33.33% scoring percentage.
The Union have been the best team in MLS, allowing a league-best 33 goals, with the club conceding multiple goals in a regular season match only one time since May 24.
Philly have had more than 7,900 minutes played by Homegrowns in 2025, with top contributors including Quinn Sullivan (11 goal contributions), Nathan Harriel (2,020 minutes), Frankie Westfield (1,712 minutes), and goalkeeper Andrew Rick (six shutouts in 13 starts).
Note: Per MLS Communications
📸 Editorial Photo Credit: © Kyle Ross | 2025 Oct 4 – Imagn Images
