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NYCFC knockout Philadelphia Union; Inter Miami run riot vs Cincinnati
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- NYCFC knockout Philadelphia Union; Inter Miami run riot vs Cincinnati
The 2025 MLS Playoffs continued tonight with all four Eastern Conference semi-finalists in action.
Here's what went down across both of Sunday night's matches.
NYCFC defeat Philadelphia Union to eliminate the Supporters' Shield winners
Scorers: Moralez 27'
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NYFC opened the scoring as veteran midfielder Maxi Moralez finished off a lovely team goal, created by a great run from Agustín Ojeda and a clever pass from Nicolás Fernández.
While Philadelphia outshot New York City 9-3 in the first-half, only three of the Union's shots were on target. As a result, NYCFC went into half-time with a 1-0 lead.
After the break, Fernández nearly caught Philadelphia goalkeeper Andre Blake off his line, but Blake sprinted back to swat the ball away. However, in doing so, the veteran keeper picked up an injury, and needed to be substituted for 19-year-old Andrew Rick .
Then, as Philadelphia searched for an equaliser, U.S. international goalkeeper Matt Freese made a sensational reaction save to deny Francis Westfield at point-blank range. Freese made another excellent save in stoppage-time to keep the Union at bay.
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In the end, NYCFC eked out a narrow win to eliminate the 2025 Supporters' Shield winners on the road. They will now face Inter Miami for a place in the MLS Cup final.
Inter Miami cruise past Cincinnati to reach MLS Conference Finals
Scorers: Messi 19', Silvetti 57', Allende 62', 74'
It took Lionel Messi less than 20 minutes to get on the scoresheet as he made a late run into the box for an unmarked header at the back-post. The Argentinian has now scored six playoff goals this season, having played just four matches.
While both sides created numerous first-half chances, Messi's goal proved the difference going into the break.
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In the second-half, Silvetti doubled Miami's lead with a well-placed finish off an assist from Messi.
Five minutes later, Tadeo Allende made it three as the 38-year-old grabbed another assist with an incisive through ball.
Then, Allende completed his brace thanks to a wonderful, outside-of-the-foot assist from Messi.
With his goal and hat-trick of assists, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner set a new league record for the most goal contributions in a single MLS postseason (12).
Ultimately, it was the Lionel Messi show once again as Inter Miami advanced to their first-ever Eastern Conference Finals, where they will face NYCFC.
