Union’s Finale Could Decide Their First-Round Playoff Path

The Philadelphia Union enter their regular-season finale on a four-game winless run, with two draws and two losses. They host Toronto FC at Subaru Park on November 7; Toronto has already been eliminated from playoff contention. A Union victory would clinch sixth place, while a draw would guarantee at least seventh and keep them out of the Wild Card round’s eighth-versus-ninth-place matchup. A loss could drop them into those spots.

The Union have 47 points, one more than seventh-place Cincinnati and three more than eighth-place Columbus. Cincinnati hosts Supporters’ Shield winners Nashville, while Columbus visits Chicago. Charlotte, also playing for position, visits second-place Miami; third-place New England travels to Orlando. The results could change who Philadelphia faces in the first round.

Interim manager Ryan Richter said the team is focused on winning the game and securing sixth place before assessing its opponent. He described the coaching staff as annoyed by recent results but said the players were motivated for the finale.

Leading scorer Milan Iloski is questionable with a hamstring strain, and Richter did not sound optimistic about his availability. He expects Iloski to rejoin training next week and be ready for the playoffs. Centerback Japhet Sery Larsen is out with concussion symptoms.

Philadelphia could face New England if the standings hold, or Miami if results shift. All Eastern Conference finale games begin at 4 p.m. on November 7 and will be carried on Apple TV. Union striker Bruno Damiani also received his first senior Uruguay call-up, while academy striker Malik Jakupović will leave after the game for U.S. under-17 World Cup preparations.