Fred put Philadelphia ahead and Michael Orozco Fiscal doubled the lead to help the expansion Union to a 2-1 win over New York on Saturday, and prevent the Red Bulls from clinching the Eastern Conference.
New York (14-9-6) could have clinched the Eastern Conference regular season title with a victory following Columbus' 2-2 tie with Toronto. The Red Bulls had three wins and two ties in the previous five games.
New York star forward Thierry Henry missed the game. Henry sat out Thursday's practice with an undisclosed injury; he had been bothered last month by a sprained right knee.
Rafa Marquez played after returning from Mexico's exhibition against Venezuela on Tuesday.
The Union are 8-14-7 heading into the season finale Oct. 24 at Columbus.
Fred notched his fourth goal in the eighth minute and Orozco Fiscal made it 2-0 in the 28th minute on a terrific crossing pass from Sebastien Le Toux.
After being held without a shot on goal in the first half, the Red Bulls got within 2-1 in the 48th minute when Danleigh Borman scored his first goal of the season.
