New York City FC pulled off a major upset in the 2025 MLS playoffs with a 1-0 victory over Philadelphia Union, the Supporters' Shield champions.

With this result, NYCFC advanced to the Eastern Conference Final, where they will face Lionel Messi's Inter Miami.

Maximiliano Moralez, the unexpected hero from New York

Veteran Argentine midfielder Maximiliano Moralez became the star of the match, scoring the only goal in the 27th minute.

The play was a true work of art from New York City's Argentine connection:

Agustin Ojeda started the attack down the right flank. He passed to Nico Fernandez, who threaded an exquisite through ball.

Moralez attacked the space, entered the box, and finished with class to silence Subaru Park.

That goal was enough to knock out the best team of the regular season and eliminate the betting favorite.

Philadelphia eliminated despite the Supporters' Shield

The Philadelphia Union came into the match with everything in their favor. They were the best team in the regular season, were playing the conference semifinal at home, and were the natural contenders for the MLS Cup.

But none of that was enough. New York City resisted, defended with discipline, and capitalized on the only clear chance of the match to pull off the biggest upset of the playoffs.

Eastern Conference Final: Inter Miami vs. New York City

The victory secured New York City's place in the Eastern Conference Final, where they will face a red-hot Inter Miami this Saturday in Miami. Inter Miami is coming off a dominant 4-0 victory over Cincinnati.

Miami won with a goal from Messi, a brace from Tadeo Allende, and a goal from young Matteo Silvetti.

It was Messi's sixth goal in these MLS playoffs, his 35th in the league. The Argentine star was involved in all of Inter's goals in Cincinnati, providing the assists for the other three.

The winner will advance to the MLS Cup Final, where they will face the Western Conference champion.with Vancouver already installed on that instance.