Philadelphia Union hands RBNY a 2-0 road loss

July 12, 2025

Chester, PA

It’s anyone’s guess why it has been almost six years since the New York Red Bulls last beat the Philadelphia Union in 2019, and that includes years when New York had good records, such as 2024 when RBNY was the runner-up in the MLS final.  Saturday night’s matchup at Subaru Park continued the streak, with Philadelphia outshining RBNY with a score of 2-0.

The Union scored early in the first half and remained comfortably in the lead throughout the game.  In the 9th minute, Kai Wagner took a corner from the right side, which landed at the left side of the Red Bulls’ goal.  The ball landed at the feet of Philadelphia’s centerback, Olwethu Makhanya. Makhanya shot the ball from close quarters, but New York’s keeper, Carlos Coronel made a save that rebounded directly to Philadelphia’s Indiana Vassilev. Vassilev’s shot pass to the right of Coronel for the Union’s first goal.  The assist was given to Wagner.

Close on the heels of the first score was the second, at the 24th minute.  Philadelphia’s striker Bruno Damiani made it four goals on the season with a shot from the left to the right of goal. The assist went to Quinn Sullivan, making it number 8 for the season.

After an attacking first half, Philadelphia devoted the second half to defending the lead.  The game ended after 5 minutes of stoppage time with Philadelphia on top.

Photographs of the game appear below:

 

New York’s Emil Forsberg leading the charge toward the Philadelphia goal.

Philadelphia’s Indiana Vassilev eyeing New York’s Alexander Hack and the ball.

Vassilev scoring the first goal for Philadelphia.

Damiani scores Philadelphia’s second goal soaring over the right shoulder of New York’s keeper Carlos Coronel. Philadelphia’s Kai Wagner holding back New York’s Mohammed Sofo.

Young and sharp — Philadelphia’s Olwethu Makhanya back-passes away from New York’s Eric Choupo-Moting. Philadelphia’s Tai Baribo is kicked by New Yorks’ Hack after Hack cleanly pushed the ball away.Baribo stretches for a ball that is stopped by New York’s Kyle Duncan.The Youngster Sal Olivas was able to make several plays on the ball after subbing in for Damiani.