Philadelphia Union defender Nathan Harriel insisted they will not undermine New York City FC in the MLS Eastern Conference semi-final despite their injury problems.
The Union eliminated the Chicago Fire in two first round matches, while NYCFC defeated Charlotte FC 2–1 in their three-match series, with their only defeat coming via a penalty shootout.
However, New York suffered a huge blow after top scorer Alonso Martinez (19 goals) tore his anterior cruciate ligament during the international break with Costa Rica.
NYCFC has recorded just five wins in the 18 MLS matches in which Martinez did not play or score this season, compared to winning 14 of the 19 in which he did.
Harriel believes Philadelphia should still be wary of the threat NYCFC poses, especially after they defeated Charlotte in both away games in the previous round.
“You know, they had to go on the road and win two games in Charlotte on the road in the playoffs, so we know they’re dangerous away from home, even with the injuries. You never want that, you know,” Harriel said.
“But we still understand that it is a very dangerous team. They have a lot of quality on the ball.”
“The home game for the Supporters’ Shield game was very tense and very combative, just like all the other times we have played them in play-offs or in big games.
“So it will be a good fight, a good test. But being at home will be extremely helpful for our fans.”
A look back at the last time we played NYC in the playoffs #BAPTISM pic.twitter.com/PnaENW1KXi
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) November 21, 2025
NYCFC finished fifth in the East, 10 points behind Philadelphia, and owned the sixth-best away record in the conference this season.
They conceded just once in their two away games against Charlotte in the first round, while scoring four times in their three-match series.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Philadelphia Union – Tai Baribo
Tai Baribo scored twice in Game 2 after recording an assist in Game 1 of Philadelphia’s first-round series win over Chicago.
Baribo is the first player in Union history to contribute three goals in a single postseason.
New York City FC – Nicolas Mercau
With Martinez sidelined for the visitors, Nicolas Mercau will look to help NYCFC secure a shock victory over Philadelphia.
Mercau has scored five times in 14 games since joining the club from Elche this summer, including two goals in their Game 3 win over Charlotte last time out.
MATCH PREDICTION – PHILADELPHIA UNION WIN
This will be the fourth postseason meeting between Philadelphia and NYCFC, with the latter winning the first two (2018 and 2021) and the Union coming off a victory in the most recent meeting, a 3-1 win in the 2022 conference finals.
Philadelphia is undefeated in their last four home playoff games (W3, D1 before a penalty shootout win). The Union’s only loss in their seven home games since 2021 was a 2-1 loss to New York City FC in the 2021 conference finals.
NYCFC have won six of their last seven road games in total dating back to the end of July, but the only match they failed to win was a 1-0 defeat in Philadelphia in October.
OPTA CHANCE OF WINNING
Philadelphia Union – 51.6%
Draw – 24.7%
New York City FC – 23.8%
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