HARRISON – The New York Red Bulls (11-10-6) earned an outstanding result against the Philadelphia Union (15-6-6) on Saturday, winning 1-0. Their win against their rivals was the Red Bulls’ first since September 2019. With the win, New York improves to 10-2-2 at home this season.
If there was ever a match where the Red Bulls could finally conquer their Philadelphia demons, it had to be on Saturday. Having not beaten the Union in 16 tries since 2019, New York appeared to receive a gift when the lineups were announced.
Players such as forward Tai Baribo and midfielder Quinn Sullivan started the match on the bench for Philadelphia. With two of the Union’s important pieces not starting, this gave New York plenty of hope to earn a great result at home. The Red Bulls also received good news as forward Eric Choupo-Moting was good to go after being listed as questionable on New York’s status report.
It proved to be a favorable first half for New York, with many of the statistics favoring the home team. New York controlled possession at a rate of 55 percent and found plenty of opportunities in the attacking third with six shots.
The Union stood strong, though, especially their incredible backline, which has given multiple teams headaches throughout the season. But with one of the league’s best goalkeepers in Philadelphia’s Andre Blake subbing off due to injury in the 28th minute, the Red Bulls had to capitalize.
Nothing changed on the scoreboard entering the second half as neither side could find the back of the net. To the displeasure of a visiting Union supporters group in the upper bowl, they pleaded for Philadelphia manager Bradley Carnell to sub on Baribo. The visiting fans were granted their wish when Baribo and Quinn Sullivan entered the match in the 61st minute.
Things only got better for the number one team in MLS when the Union were awarded a penalty because of a Tim Parker handball. Forward Bruno Damiani then had a chance to put his Union side up 1-0 in the 68th minute. However, New York goalkeeper Carlos Coronel had other plans and saved the penalty kick, bringing a jolt of energy to the fans and players.
CORONEL TO THE RESCUE 🚫 pic.twitter.com/YAk18rNwPE
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) August 17, 2025
“It’s a game-changing moment for us,” Parker told the press after the match Saturday. “It’s either we go down one nothing and then he [Carlos Coronel] makes the save and we’re able to build a lot of momentum off that.”
That boost of momentum continued for New York as in the 74th minute, defender Dylan Nealis put them up 1-0. Nealis’ perfect strike past backup Union goalkeeper Andrew Rick was his first MLS goal. Choupo-Moting would be credited with the assist, and captain Emil Forsberg was given the second assist.
A BEAUTY OF A FINISH FOR YOUR FIRST @MLS GOAL DYLAN 👏#RedRunsDeep 🔴 @Audi pic.twitter.com/5NRPFspM2v
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) August 17, 2025
“Better late than never, only took almost 120 games,” Nealis joked with the press following the match. “It was a great performance from the boys tonight. A much-needed win, almost a must-win. Feels good to finally beat Philly again.”
The win for the Red Bulls puts them in ninth place in the Eastern Conference and gives them hope to continue their playoff push. Their victory was also New York’s 150th MLS win at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
The Red Bulls will return to the pitch on Sunday, August 24, as they visit the “Queen City” and take on Charlotte FC. Kickoff for that match will be at 7 p.m. on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+.
