With their spot in the postseason already locked in, Philadelphia Union fell on the road to Charlotte FC on Saturday evening by a 2-0 margin.

Philadelphia Union entered Saturday’s regular season finale with the Shield and home field advantage already claimed, but Head Coach Bradley Carnell still sent out a strong squad to take on Dean Smith’s Charlotte FC.

Andre Blake started between the posts, protected by an unchanged backline featuring Kai Wagner, Jakob Glesnes, Nathan Harriel, and Olwethu Makhanya. In the midfield, Carnell made one change from last week’s lineup, giving team captain Alejandro Bedoya the start alongside Jovan Lukic, Danley Jean Jacques, and Milan Iloski. Up top, Mikael Uhre, who scored the lone goal in the team’s 1-0 shield-clinching win over New York City FC, was paired with Bruno Damiani as the attacking duo.

While the Boys in Blue had their postseason plans already locked up, the hosts were in need of three points to secure homefield advantage in the first round of the postseason. With a playoff like intensity between the two conference foes, it was Charlotte FC grabbing the early momentum with first half goals from Wilfried Zaha and Kerwin Vargas in a six-minute stretch. Charlotte’s talisman opened the scoring in the 24th minute, capping off a counter attack that saw the ball hug the line on the flank before getting crossed into the Union’s defensive box. Their advantage doubled shortly after via Vargas who put home a pass from Harry Toffolo for his sixth goal of the regular season.

Blake kept Philly in the match late in the first half, making a reaction stop to deny a quick strike from Idan Toklomati in the 37th minute.

During the break, Carnell turned to two of his regular starters, sending in leading goalscorer Tai Baribo and Indiana Vassilev in place of Uhre and Bedoya. The shake up saw the Boys in Blue generate scoring chances with Jovan Lukic and Baribo each forcing a save from Charlotte FC’s Kristijan Kahlina. After the hosts forced a pair of saves from Blake, Carnell made another change sending in 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan in Iloski’s attacking midfield position.

Philly continued to test the Charlotte FC backline with attack after attack but couldn’t generate a final opportunity to find the back of the net. The best opportunity came through Sullivan, taking a pass from Glesnes before attacking the home defense. As the 18-yard-box approached, he threaded the needle for a Baribo shot that forced a reaction save with 20 minutes remaining.

The final two changes of the regular season Harriel and Danley subbed out to avoid getting a second yellow card late in the contest and were replaced by homegrown Frankie Westfield and Jesus Bueno.

With the fresh legs on the pitch, the Union did as they’ve done all throughout the season and continued to grind. Cavan Sullivan delivered another quick shot at the edge of the box to force another diving save. With minutes remaining, Baribo saw a flicked headed attempt crash off the post to see the Union finish the season scoreless for just the sixth time this season.

Philadelphia Union now turn their attention to the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs where they will face off against the winner of the Eastern Conference Wild Card match between Orlando City SC and Chicago Fire FC. The Supporters’ Shield Winners kick off their push for another trophy this season in front of the Union faithful with match information being announced shortly but tickets for the Round One opener are going fast so be sure to secure your seats today.