Philadelphia Union

The Philadelphia Union are playing in their first MLS Cup after taking out defending champions NYCFC 3-1 at Subaru Park on Sunday night. 

NYCFC — previously unbeaten in six straight postseason matches — sucked the life out of the ground in the 57th minute when Maxi Moralez orchestrated a quick break and finished it himself with a driven finish from 22 yards out. 

It seemed like Philly was forever destined to choke and the 35-year-old Moralez forever destined to dance all over them.

Leon Flach scored his first competitive goal of the year and the second of his MLS career to lift the Philadelphia Union to a 1-0 victory over visiting FC Cincinnati in their Eastern Conference semifinal on Thursday night.

Flach's goal lifts the East's top seed Philadelphia (19-5-10, 67 points) to their second consecutive conference finals, which they will host on Oct. 30 against the winner of Sunday's other East semifinal between CF Montreal and New York City FC.

The MLS Cup Playoffs are officially underway and the first day of action featured no shortage of drama. FC Cincinnati came from behind to upset the New York Red Bulls 2-1 thanks to a cool finish from Brandon Vazquez while Julián Araujo was the hero for the LA Galaxy as they beat Nashville SC 1-0. 

Here we are. Decision Day. A season potentially summed up in one moment. For the seven teams whose campaigns still hang in the balance, defeat is simply not an option. For spectators, the tension has been turned up to the max as six of the seven sides play each other in their final games of the season. After 90 minutes of intensity, stress will give way to both elation and agony. As we go into Decision Day, let’s break down what every team is playing for.

The business end of the MLS season is upon us, and with the MLS playoffs kicking off in just under a month, every game matters. Only six sides have officially been eliminated from playoff contention going into the international break and the race for the Supporter’s Shield is very much alive. Following Match Week 32, let’s break down what every team is playing for from here on out.

MLS Playoffs Picture Going into Matchweek 33

Eastern Conference

1. Philadelphia Union: 64 Points

Remaining Opponents: Charlotte FC, Toronto FC

When a professional footballer is asked to describe their worst nightmare, the response of "having my own fans chant 'asshole' at me" would probably be considered a totally irrational fear. But that's exactly what happened to New York Red Bulls midfielder Dru Yearwood on Saturday night at Red Bull Arena while getting sent off in his team's 2-0 defeat to Philadelphia.