It speaks volumes about the Philadelphia Union ethos that Bradley Carnell looked positively delighted as he described the pain, discomfort and dirty work his team endured in the toughest moments of their clutch 1-0 road win over FC Cincinnati .

“I saw our boys suffer – and [they] enjoyed the suffer,” said Philly’s head coach after the result that clinched his side for the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs and keeps them tops in the Supporters’ Shield table heading into the September international window.

“They really took it personal, and did it with a smile on their face – almost emotionless.”

Short-handed win

A 49th-minute header from Bruno Damiani had placed the DOOP squad on course for a crucial W against one of their closest pursuers in the Shield race.

A second yellow card to c

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