CHESTER, Pa. (AP) – Maxi Morales took the lead in the 27th minute and New York City FC defeated top-seeded Philadelphia Union 1-0 on Sunday night to win the Eastern Conference semifinals.
New York City’s Matt Freese made five saves. In the 74th minute, Frankie Westfield stopped Milan Iroski’s arcing shot from close range with his first touch.
Philadelphia, who won the 2025 Supporters’ Shield, suffered their second loss of the season at Subaru Park.
Fifth-seeded NYCFC will face third-seeded Miami in the conference finals.
On the counter-attack, Morales ran in with perfect timing to the ball played in first by Nicolas Fernandes and beat goalkeeper Andre Blake with a rolling shot from the center of the area, which slid inside the left post.
Blake had two saves. diving stop In the 55th minute, Fernandes fired a shot from outside midfield. Blake appeared to suffer a hamstating injury during this play and was replaced in the 60th minute by Andrew Lick (ending with a save).
Union outscored NYCFC 9-3 in the first half and 20-6 overall.
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