No Draws Since 2021: Why NYCFC vs Union Is Always Decided by One Goal

When New York City FC and the Philadelphia Union meet, drama is almost guaranteed — but don’t expect fireworks on the scoreboard.

There hasn’t been a draw between these Eastern Conference rivals since 2021. In that span, results have been decisive and often razor-thin. Over the last 10 MLS regular-season encounters, Philadelphia have claimed seven victories, while NYCFC have secured three. The margins, however, tell a deeper story.

More often than not, these clashes are defined by discipline, structure, and moments — not blowouts.

A Rivalry Built on Fine Margins

Last season offered a perfect snapshot of how tightly contested this matchup has become. New York City traveled to Chester twice — once in the regular season and once in the playoffs.

Both games ended 1–0.

The Union took the regular-season contest, leveraging home-field intensity and defensive organization. But when the stakes were higher in the postseason, NYCFC flipped the script, delivering a composed performance to claim a 1–0 victory of their own.

The pattern didn’t stop there.

In 2025, when the two teams met in New York, Pascal Jansen’s side again edged the Union 1–0, courtesy of a decisive goal from Alonso Martínez. Once more, a single moment separated the sides.

Tactical Chess, Not Track Meet

These recurring narrow scorelines aren’t coincidental. Both teams prioritize defensive compactness and transitional discipline. Philadelphia often rely on verticality and pressure, while NYCFC favor structured buildup and calculated possession.

The result? Games that hinge on execution in the final third and concentration in key defensive sequences.

Set pieces, counterattacks, and isolated defensive lapses tend to decide outcomes. Rarely do these fixtures open up into high-scoring affairs.

No Room for Error

The absence of draws since 2021 adds another intriguing layer. While the matches are close, someone always finds the breakthrough — and someone leaves empty-handed.

That dynamic increases late-game tension. With both clubs aware of how slim the margins are, decision-making under pressure becomes paramount. One defensive miscue or a moment of brilliance can define the narrative.

Will the Pattern Continue?

History suggests Sunday’s meeting will be another tightly contested affair. Momentum, fitness, and tactical adjustments may influence the flow, but the recent trend is clear: expect intensity, discipline, and minimal separation on the scoreboard.

For NYCFC, repeating the formula that delivered postseason success could prove decisive. For the Union, leveraging their historical edge in the regular season will be the focus.

If the past few seasons are any indication, fans should prepare for a game where patience, precision, and composure matter more than volume scoring.

One goal might be enough — again.