The Philadelphia Union have done it again—this time with the real Supporters’ Shield in their hands. On Saturday night at Subaru Park, the Union clinched the 2025 title with a hard-fought 1–0 win over New York City FC, thanks to a goal from Mikael Uhre.
For head coach Bradley Carnell, it was more than just three points. He wanted his team to experience what they missed in 2020—the chance to hold the authentic Shield. Back then, delays in shipping the trophy forced the Union to improvise. In one of MLS’s most memorable moments, they lifted a Captain America shield wrapped in vinyl instead.
This time, there was no substitute. The Union hoisted the real thing, marking their second-ever Supporters’ Shield but the first one with the actual trophy.
Carnell, in his debut season with Philadelphia, spoke about the importance of the moment. “I wanted the players to hold the real Shield. In 2020, it was makeshift. This one means something,” he said. “I’m the bus driver, but the guys decide where we go. And this season, we’ve gone all in.”
Unexpected Glory
Few predicted the Union would be anywhere near silverware in 2025. After parting ways with longtime coach Jim Curtin, the club was seen as a rebuilding side. Even with Carnell’s previous success in St. Louis, expectations were low.
But Philadelphia surprised everyone. Striker Tai Baribo got off to a flying start, scoring six goals in his first four matches and finishing the campaign with 16. As injuries piled up—most notably to goalkeeper Andre Blake and winger Quinn Sullivan—others stepped in. Young keeper Andrew Rick filled in admirably, while new additions like striker Milan Iloski added fresh energy.
“We are not the superstars,” Carnell said. “I’m not the super coach. We like it this way—we fly under the radar.”
The team’s hunger pushed them beyond their own benchmarks. “We set our goal at 50 points, and when we got there, the staff was smiling. But the players weren’t satisfied. They wanted more. That’s why they’re winners,” Carnell added.
Looking Ahead
With the Shield secured, the Union now turn their attention to the MLS Cup Playoffs. They’ll close the regular season against Charlotte FC before aiming to become just the ninth team in league history to win both the Shield and MLS Cup in the same year.
“It’s always special to lift silverware,” said fullback Kai Wagner. “But this is just the beginning. The playoffs are coming, and we’re not done yet.”
For a club that has only reached one MLS Cup Final, the opportunity to add the league’s most prestigious trophy could turn 2025 into a landmark year—one that started with a Captain America story but now stands on its own with the real Shield in their grasp.
