New York City FC and the Philadelphia Union: A Rivalry Renewed

A Look at the History and Future of One of MLS's Most Exciting Rivalries

New York City FC and the Philadelphia Union are two of the most successful teams in Major League Soccer (MLS). They are also two of the most bitter rivals in the league. The two teams have met in the playoffs three times, with New York City FC winning twice.

The Early Years

The rivalry between New York City FC and the Philadelphia Union began in 2015, when New York City FC joined MLS as an expansion team. The two teams played their first match in March of that year, with Philadelphia winning 2-1. The rivalry quickly escalated, as the two teams finished in the top two spots in the Eastern Conference standings that season.

The Playoff Battles

The rivalry between New York City FC and the Philadelphia Union reached its peak in the 2018 MLS playoffs. The two teams met in the Eastern Conference semifinals, with New York City FC winning 2-1 on aggregate. The two teams met again in the 2019 MLS playoffs, with Philadelphia winning 3-1 on aggregate.

The Future of the Rivalry

The rivalry between New York City FC and the Philadelphia Union is one of the most heated in MLS. The two teams are evenly matched, and their games are always close. The rivalry is sure to continue for many years to come.

Why the Rivalry is So Intense

There are a number of reasons why the rivalry between New York City FC and the Philadelphia Union is so intense. First, the two teams are located in close proximity to each other. New York City is just a two-hour drive from Philadelphia.

Second, the two teams are both very successful. New York City FC has won the MLS Cup twice, and the Philadelphia Union has won the US Open Cup once. The two teams have also finished in the top three in the Eastern Conference standings in each of the past three seasons.

Finally, the two teams have a number of players who have played for both clubs. This includes players such as David Villa, Andrea Pirlo, and Alejandro Bedoya. These players have brought a lot of passion to the rivalry, and they have helped to make it one of the most intense in MLS.

The Impact of the Rivalry

The rivalry between New York City FC and the Philadelphia Union has had a major impact on MLS. The two teams have helped to make the league more competitive, and they have also helped to increase the league's popularity. The rivalry has also helped to create a more passionate fan base for both teams.

The rivalry between New York City FC and the Philadelphia Union is one of the most exciting in MLS. The two teams are evenly matched, and their games are always close. The rivalry is sure to continue for many years to come, and it is sure to continue to have a major impact on the league.