Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

Philadelphia Union Boss Carnell Named MLS Coach of the Year

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sean Hartnett | Last updated Nov 7, 2025 5:02 PM ET

After leading the Philadelphia Union to a Supporters’ Shield title, Bradley Carnell was named the 2025 Sigi Schmid Major League Soccer Coach of the Year.

Carnell engineered a remarkable turnaround after Philadelphia finished 23rd among all MLS teams last season. In his first year in charge of the Union, the 48-year-old South African coach guided Philadelphia to a 66-point season.

He received 37.7 percent of the vote. The Coach of the Year award is voted on annually by MLS club technical staff, media and current players.

Carnell replaced two-time Coach of the Year winner Jim Curtin. After joining Philadelphia, Carnell built a rock-solid defense. The Union allowed a league-best 35 goals against and tied for a league-low with 349 shots against.

Leadership, vision, results.

Bradley Carnell is the 2025 Sigi Schmid @MLS Coach of the Year!#DOOP pic.twitter.com/Y8rQgO2xRk
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) November 6, 2025

Jesper Sørensen of the Vancouver Whitecaps and Mikey Varas of San Diego FC finished second and third, respectively.

Union Dominated Home Matches at Subaru Park

The Philadelphia Union celebrate after the game against Chicago Fire FC at Subaru Park. Kyle Ross-Imagn ImagesKyle Ross-Imagn Images

Philadelphia set a club record with 20 regular-season wins. The top-seeded Union defeated the Chicago Fire in the first round of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. They await the winner of New York City FC and Charlotte FC.

The Union made Subaru Park into a fortress, going undefeated in 16 of 17 home matches. Philadelphia currently owns a 16-game home winning streak.

Philly fans hope that the Union can keep their streak alive in the MLS Cup Conference semifinals.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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