With a chance to secure a spot in the MLS playoffs after winning just one game through the first half of the season, the Philadelphia Union’s eight-game winning streak came to an end with a 2-2 draw against Charlotte FC on Saturday afternoon, but they extended their unbeaten streak to 15 consecutive games with a come-from-behind tie.

Philadelphia Union forward Milan Iloski (10) reacts after converting a penalty kick goal against Charlotte FC in the first half at Subaru Park.

Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Philadelphia Union vs. Charlotte FC recap

In the 24th minute, Milan Iloski gave the Union a first-half lead from the penalty spot after Charlotte FC was whistled for a handball on a free kick taken just outside the box.  

Iloski, who took the free kick that led to the penalty call, sent Kahlina the wrong way with his PK attempt, scoring his 19th goal of the 2026 MLS season.

10 minutes after Iloski’s opening goal, Charlotte found a chance to level with a shot inside the box, but it clanked off the post to Andre Blake’s left and out to safety. 

Just three minutes into the 2nd half, the visitors found the back of the net to level the game. Rodolfo Aloko snuck behind Union’s backline, used his body to hold off Nate Harriel, and slotted it past Andre Blake to make it 1-1. 

In the 53rd minute, Cavan Sullivan collected a blocked shot inside Charlotte’s box and slid a dangerous pass to Milan Iloski, who sat open on the doorstep, but his attempt to give Union the lead smashed off the crossbar and away to safety for the visiting team. 

In the 60th minute, Frankie Westfield had a chance to give Union the lead after Quinn Sullivan lofted a pass across the box and over the backline, but his half-volley attempt on net was saved by the foot of Kahlina, keeping the game level at one. 

Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Andre Blake (18) dives to make a save against Charlotte FC in the first half at Subaru Park.

Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Just a few minutes later, Charlotte FC’s Idan Toklomati changed the game and gave the visitors the lead with a header that evaded Andre Blake and snuck into the far corner of the net to make it 2-1 at Subaru Park with under 30 minutes and stoppage time to play. 

But Charlotte’s lead in Chester didn’t last long, as Bruno Damiani would get behind the backline and slot a shot home in the 73rd minute to bring the game level at two. 

Damiani's goal was his ninth in his previous seven games and his 12th of the 2026 MLS season. 

The Blue and Gold, looking to extend their winning streak to nine consecutive games with a home win, pushed for the go-ahead goal late in the match and were awarded an extra 12 minutes of stoppage time to search for a winner. 

In the 92nd minute, Cavan Sullivan was sent behind Charlotte’s backline inside the box with just the keeper to beat, but Kahlina made a strong right-footed save to keep Charlotte level at Subaru Park.

Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan (6) shoots the ball against Charlotte FC defender Henry Kessler (22) in the second half at Subaru Park.

Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Just a few minutes later, Quinn Sullivan got another chance to test the keeper, but Kahlina made a confident diving save to keep Union out and earn a big point on the road at Subaru Park, snapping Union’s eight-game winning streak.

The Union, who extended their unbeaten streak to 15 consecutive games with a 2-2 draw against Charlotte despite the disappointment of not winning at home, sit in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with four games to go and look likely to punch their ticket to the MLS Cup Playoffs within the next few games after winning just one game through the first half of the season.

Philadelphia Union forward Bruno Damiani (9) reacts after scoring a goal against Charlotte FC in the second half at Subaru Park.

Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

The push for top four is still alive and on, and while a win this afternoon may have been enough to officially secure a spot in the playoffs before the end of the weekend, the Union can still lock in their post-season spot with the following results tonight:

• A Cincinnati draw vs. Columbus
• AND a D.C. lose at Orlando
• AND a Toronto lose/draw at New York
• AND a New York City lose/draw vs. LAFC

But of course, if those stars don't align, Union will have another chance to cross the playoff line next weekend at home against the New England Revolution.