Philadelphia Union Clinch 2025 Supporters’ Shield Behind Dominant Season

Jonathan Turner
Oct 6
2 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

Philadelphia Union Clinch 2025 Supporters’ Shield Behind Dominant Season

CHESTER, Pa. — The Philadelphia Union have done it again. With one week remaining in the Major League Soccer regular season, the Union officially secured the 2025 Supporters’ Shield, finishing atop the league with 66 points and a league-best 20 wins.

It marks Philadelphia’s second Shield in four seasons and reinforces their place as one of MLS’s most consistent and complete clubs.

Balanced, Ruthless, Relentless

The Union’s 2025 campaign was defined by balance. Their defense — led by veteran center backs Jakob Glesnes and Jack Elliott — allowed just 33 goals, the fewest in MLS, while goalkeeper Andre Blake posted double-digit clean sheets for the sixth time in his career.

Offensively, head coach Jim Curtin’s side combined disciplined structure with decisive attacking play. Midfield engine Daniel Gazdag and striker Julian Carranza carried the load, while homegrown standouts Jack McGlynn and Quinn Sullivan added creative spark throughout the season.

Curtin credited his team’s consistency above all else.

“We’ve built a culture here where everyone understands the standard,” Curtin said. “Winning the Shield is a reward for nine months of focus, preparation, and belief.”

Home Fortress, Road Warriors

At Subaru Park, the Union were nearly untouchable, posting a 12-1-4 home record, the best in MLS. But their ability to grind out results on the road (8-6-2) proved equally vital in separating them from close challengers Cincinnati and Miami.

Philadelphia’s +24 goal differential also underscored their efficiency on both ends of the pitch. The club’s 57 goals ranked among the top five in MLS, while their back line consistently neutralized some of the league’s most dangerous attacks.

Consistency at the Core

Since 2019, no MLS team has amassed more regular-season points than Philadelphia. Under Curtin’s leadership, the Union have built around development, chemistry, and tactical clarity — not star signings — and continue to challenge the notion that only big-market clubs can dominate Major League Soccer.

Technical director Ernst Tanner’s data-driven roster model once again paid dividends, with youth development and targeted European scouting yielding depth across every line.

Eyes on the MLS Cup

The Supporters’ Shield guarantees Philadelphia home-field advantage throughout the MLS Cup Playoffs — a crucial edge given their dominance at Subaru Park.

Despite previous near-misses in the postseason, this year’s Union side enters October with momentum, experience, and belief.