CHESTER — Given their histories, even more than the looming specter of Lionel Messi, it had to be New York City FC. Such is the cosmic dance the Philadelphia Union and their neighbors to the north are locked into in the playoffs.

For the fourth time Sunday, the teams met in the MLS Cup playoffs. For the fourth time, Maxi Moralez scored. And for the third time, New York City advanced, Moralez’s goal the difference in a 1-0 victory in the Eastern Conference semifinal.

It’s just the second time all season the top-seeded, Supporters’ Shield-winning Union have been shut out at home. The Union had their chances: 18 in total, five of them on the cage of former Homegrown Matt Freese. But none found the way through, as their second trophy is paired with a second early playoff exit.

New York City

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