How the Philadelphia Union can clinch MLS Cup Playoff Berth this weekend

Drew Smith
August 28, 2025
Union
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The Philadelphia Union are on the verge of locking up their return to the MLS Cup Playoffs.

After missing out in 2024 for the first time since 2017, Bradley Carnell has the Union back on track and this weekend in Cincinnati, they could officially punch their postseason ticket.

Philadelphia Union Playoff-Clinching Scenarios

Honestly, it’s pretty simple.

Union win vs FC Cincinnati + Red Bulls loss/draw vs Columbus Crew OR…
Union draw vs FC Cincinnati + Red Bulls loss vs Columbus Crew

That’s it. Handle business against Cincy and get a little help from Columbus, and the they are playoff bound with six games to spare.

Even if things don’t fall perfectly this weekend, it’s coming. Philly is 15 points clear of the 10th-place Chicago Fire and PlayoffStatus.com gives them a >99% chance of making the postseason. Unless the Union decide to collapse in epic fashion, they’ll be there.

Eyes on the Supporters Shield

The real chase is at the top of the table. Philly is sitting first in the Supporters’ Shield race with 54 points through 28 games, just ahead of San Diego (53) and Cincinnati (52). Vancouver and Inter Miami are lurking with games in hand, but for now Philly controls its own destiny.

The playoffs are a lock and the Philly is leading the march for the best record in the MLS.

Top of the Shield Race (through Aug. 27):

Union – 54 pts, +22 GD
San Diego – 53 pts, +19 GD
Cincinnati – 52 pts, +7 GD
Nashville – 50 pts, +17 GD
Minnesota – 50 pts, +16 GD
Vancouver – 49 pts (27 GP), +16 GD
Inter Miami – 46 pts (25 GP), +14 GD

Clinching is only a matter of time. The Union can make it official Saturday night in Cincinnati if the Red Bulls cooperate, but either way, the bigger story is whether this team can ride its form all the way to a Supporters’ Shield and another deep playoff run.