On Matchday 33, with just one match remaining in the Major League Soccer season, the New York City Football Club, also known as the Boys in Blue, played against the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park on Oct. 4. 

The Boys in Blue secured their spot in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs after defeating Charlotte Football Club 2-0 at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 20. 

The Philadelphia Union sits at the top of the table with 66 points, securing its spot for the playoffs. On Oct. 4, it was crowned the winner of the 2025 Supporters’ Shield after defeating NYCFC 1-0.

The NYCFC is not a contender for the 2025 Supporters’ Shield since it does not have enough points to overtake Philadelphia. 

If NYCFC continues its winning streak, it will be placed in the top four of the Eastern Conference and will have a greater chance for home-field advantage when the Audi MLS playoffs occur. 

Most importantly, NYCFC would deny the Philadelphia Union the 2025 Supporters’ Shield since it was not far from second-place Cincinnati. 

This game was unfavorable for the Boys in Blue, as striker Alonso Martinez, having a chance to take the lead within the first two minutes of the match, failed to put the ball into the back of the net in a difficult situation. 

Things could not have gotten any better, as Philadelphia Union striker Mikael Uhre shot the ball, and it deflected off the NYCFC defender, leading to a goal 40 minutes into the game.

The game continued like this for the next 88 minutes, when Maximo Carrizo scored the goal to make it a tie, but the flag was raised, indicating it was offside. The game ended 1-0, and Philadelphia left with three points and a new trophy.

The match was against the Boys in Blue as the Philadelphia Union had the opportunity to deny them their moment, but the late offside goal was the biggest heartbreak for many NYCFC supporters. 

There is one more match remaining against the Seattle Sounders at home in Citi Field on Oct. 18.