FC Cincinnati 0-1 Philadelphia Union: Damiani secures play-off spot for 10-man visitors

Bradley Carnell described his Philadelphia Union side as “almost emotionless” as they defeated FC Cincinnati 1-0 to clinch their spot in the MLS play-offs.

Bruno Damiani headed home a 49th-minute winner for the visitors at TQL Stadium in a match that pitted the top two in the Eastern Conference.

Union’s victory was made even more difficult when Olwethu Makhanya was sent off with 30 minutes left to play but Philadelphia dug in deep to officially confirm a spot in the post-season.

“I saw our boys suffer and [they] enjoyed the suffer,” said Carnell of his team’s performance.

“They really took it personal, and did it with a smile on their face – almost emotionless.”

Damiani headed in from Milan Iloski’s centre shortly after the restart, finding the back of the net despite not getting a great deal of purchase on the effort.

Tai Baribo almost doubled Union’s lead with a point-blank header, while at the other end teenage goalkeeper Andrew Rick, who impressed all game for the visitors, saved well from Evander.

Makhanya was already walking a disciplinary tightrope having been booked earlier in the game when a rash challenge on Evander earned a second yellow and subsequent red that left the Union needing to dig deep to see out the victory.

Celebrating a playoff clinching dub #DOOP pic.twitter.com/53nDxih68T

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) August 31, 2025

Data Debrief: Rick continues to shine in Blake absence

Rick continues to deputise for the injured Andre Blake and he now has six clean sheets for the season.

The Union have conceded the fewest goals (11) this season and have the best goal difference in the competition (+23).

Victory here means they have made the post-season for the seventh time in eight seasons.

Cincinnati have suffered three straight 1-0 home defeats on the bounce and are five points off the pace at the top of the East.