Union sweep Revs to advance to conference semifinals against Supporters’ Shield winner Cincinnati

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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Chris Donovan scored in the 79th minute and goalkeeper Andre Blake recorded his third career playoff clean sheet as the Philadelphia Union beat the 10-man New England Revolution 1-0 on Wednesday night.

Philadelphia (16-9-10) swept the best-of-three series with New England (15-10-10) to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals against Supporters’ Shield winner Cincinnati.

Donovan, who entered in the 67th minute, redirected Jack McGlynn’s free kick for the game winner. Blake made three saves.


New England Revolution midfielder Matt Polster, top, heads the ball away while leaning on the back of Philadelphia Union midfielder JosÈ AndrÈs MartÌnez, bottom, during the first half of an MLS playoff soccer game, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Revolution midfielder Matt Polster, top, heads the ball away while leaning on the back of Philadelphia Union midfielder JosÈ AndrÈs MartÌnez, bottom, during the first half of an MLS playoff soccer game, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

New England midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye was given a red card in the 45th minute after stepping on Dániel Gazdag. The decision came after a VAR check for violent conduct.

Philadelphia won a road match in the MLS playoffs for the first time in club history. The Union had lost its first four before drawing 3-3 at LAFC in the 2023 MLS Cup final, only to lose on penalties.

New England lost a home playoff match outright for the first time in team history. The Revs had recorded 13 wins and six draws in their last 19 MLS playoff matches in Foxborough.

SHORTHANDED

Major League Soccer suspended Philadelphia defender Kai Wagner on Tuesday for three matches for violating the league’s on-field anti-discrimination policy after the league launched an investigation into whether he used a racial slur against a Revolution player. Wagner began serving the penalty on Wednesday.

Philadelphia was also without striker Julián Carranza due to an injury.

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