New York City FC snapped a three-game winless streak with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Philadelphia Union at Citi Field in Queens on Saturday night, April 12, 2025. The match marked NYCFC's first home win against their Eastern Conference rivals since June 2019, and the Cityzens showcased a strong defensive performance, securing their second clean sheet of the season.
Alonso Martínez was the hero of the night, scoring the game's only goal in the 55th minute. After a well-placed pass from Keaton Parks to defender Mitja Ilenic, Martínez made a swift run down the right flank. He caught Philadelphia goalkeeper Andrew Rick off his line and calmly slotted the ball into the empty net, marking his fifth goal of the season.
The victory was crucial for NYCFC as they sought to regain momentum after a challenging start to the season. With this win, they improved their record to 3-3-2, moving up to 10th place in the Eastern Conference standings. Conversely, the Union, who had been tied for third place before the match, dropped to 4-3-1, falling to fifth place in the standings.
This match was particularly significant for Philadelphia, as it was their first game without Dániel Gazdag, the club's all-time leading scorer. Gazdag was traded to Columbus Crew just two days before the match in a deal worth $4 million, with potential performance incentives adding up to $500,000. Gazdag leaves behind a legacy of 59 goals in 125 appearances since joining the Union in 2021, including a record-setting 22 goals in the 2022 season.
In the absence of Gazdag, the Union struggled to generate offensive momentum. Despite controlling possession for stretches of the match, they were unable to find the back of the net. Andrew Rick, a 19-year-old making his first start of the season, had a challenging task in goal, replacing the injured Andre Blake, who was sidelined with an adductor injury.
Defensively, NYCFC’s goalkeeper Matt Freese played a pivotal role in preserving the shutout. He made a crucial save late in the game, diving to his left to deny a shot from substitute Chris Donovan in the 80th minute. Freese's performance was a testament to the team's improved defensive organization under new head coach Pascal Jensen, who is in his first year with the club.
Jensen, who previously managed Ferencvárosi TC in Hungary, has been working on instilling a more aggressive style of play, emphasizing pressing and quick transitions. Following the match, he expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, stating, "We showed resilience today, and it’s important to build on this momentum moving forward."
On the other side, Philadelphia's head coach Bradley Carnell acknowledged the challenges faced by his team in adjusting to life without Gazdag. "It’s a tough transition, especially against a rival like NYCFC. We need to find ways to adapt and create more chances moving forward," Carnell said post-game.
The match also highlighted some tactical adjustments from both teams. NYCFC primarily lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, while Philadelphia’s strategy was impacted by the absence of key players like Gazdag and the potential return of Kai Wagner, who missed the previous two matches due to an oblique injury.
As the match progressed, the Union looked to capitalize on set pieces and counter-attacks, but NYCFC's defense held firm. The Cityzens have struggled with consistency this season, but this victory could serve as a turning point as they prepare for their next match against the New England Revolution.
Looking ahead, both teams have significant matches on the horizon. NYCFC will travel to face the Revolution on April 19, while the Union will host Atlanta United on the same day. The outcome of these upcoming fixtures will be crucial as both teams aim to solidify their positions in the Eastern Conference.
In conclusion, New York City FC's 1-0 win over Philadelphia Union not only snapped their winless streak but also served as a reminder of the fierce rivalry between these two clubs. With the season still young, both teams will be looking to build on their respective performances as they navigate the challenges ahead.
