Philadelphia Union clinch MLS playoff spot with 1-0 win over Cincinnati

Philadelphia Union secured a spot in the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs with a 1-0 victory over FC Cincinnati, the top two teams in the Eastern Conference, thanks to Bruno Damiani’s 49th-minute header. Despite playing with 10 men after Olwethu Makhanya received a second yellow card, the Union maintained their lead and recorded their 11th clean sheet of the season, showcasing their strong defense with the fewest goals conceded in the league. This win extended the Union's lead over Cincinnati to five points and also gave them an edge in the Supporters’ Shield race. Goalkeeper Andrew Rick made five crucial saves in the match, stepping in for the injured Andre Blake, while Cincinnati struggled offensively, being shut out for the third consecutive home game. The Union’s disciplined and resilient performance under pressure demonstrated their determination to return to the playoffs after missing out the previous year, reinforcing their status as the Eastern Conference leaders. Cincinnati now faces a challenging path to catch up in the standings, with their recent form including multiple losses and offensive struggles.