Photo: Ron Soliman
The Philadelphia Union suffered their fifth straight loss in horrific fashion on Wednesday evening at the hands of the Chicago Fire at Soldier Field. The Union conceded three late second half goals to fumble a match they were in full control of until late.
This is the first time in franchise history the team have lost 5 straight games.
Daniel Gazdag returned to the starting XI for the Union from his stint with the Hungarian National team in the European Championship. Markus Anderson also returned to the mix, but spent the entire contest on the bench.
The Union were without Jose Martinez to International Duty and a whole host of players to injury.
Tai Baribo picked up back spasms in the last match, and he failed to dress after practicing in a limited fashion this week. Mikael Uhre missed his second straight match with an abductor strain. And both Alejandro Bedoya (hamstring) and Andre Blake (knee) have returned to practice, but are not ready for game minutes.
The Union dominated possession early in the match but struggled to find a way through Chicago’s defense. Philly remained patient, however, and for the most part, were responsible in possession. Their press were active – harassing Chicago further up the pitch than in most recent matches
It took a half hour for first blood to be drawn – Chicago struck first in the 30th minute. A Leon Flach turnover led to Fabian Herbers leading the break the other way. The former Union draft pick, Herbers chipped a pass out wide that was sent in and eventually turned home by Haile-Selasse.
Seconds later, Haile-Selassie was close to finding his second when he was played in behind, but Semmle remained strong and stood his ground – getting his body in front of a the shot.
Philly were able to gather up a response 7 minutes later, with Leon Flach finding space, taking a low shot that was redirected home by Chris Donovan. Philly were level.
In first half stoppage time Chicago keeper Chris Brady left his line to claim a ball near the edge of his eighteen yard box. Brady bobbled it, and Harriel threw his body between the keeper and the ball, but was pulled down inside the box.
Play resumed before a VAR check ensued, and the referee awarded a penalty kick to the Union after an extended look at the monitor. Daniel Gazdag stepped up and knocked home the penalty, making him the Union’s all-time leading scorer with 51 goals, eclipsing Sebastien Le Toux.
The Union came extended their lead early in the second half in fabulous fashion. Jack McGlynn picked up the ball driving into heart of Chicago defense, when he opened up his hips and curled it around the Chicago keeper – ringing both posts and scoring his 3rd goal of the season.
Chicago were close to clawing one back not long later. Chris Mueller, who was subbed on at half time for Jonathan Dean, struck a curler of his own – just around the outstretched finger tips of Oliver Semmle. VAR came to the Union’s rescue yet again, when Maren Haile-Selassie was deemed to be in an offside position in the build up, and the goal was taken off the board.
Philly clenched tight as their press began to sit further and further back as each of their attacks fizzled out.
Chicago successfully broke through with 10 minutes left in regulation. Hugo Cuypers took advantage of lax defending from Jack Elliott, and headed home a set piece chance to inject a life-line into his team.
In the 89th minute, Chicago tied the match off of another set piece. Oliver Semmle’s poor punched clearance forced his team into defending a corner that was fired home by Gaston Gimenez.
And shortly later, Chicago pulled ahead, as Hugo Cuypers scored his second of the match on a clear miscommunication between the central defenders and the goal-keeper.
A truly tough way to end what seemed to be a promising opportunity for the Union to find the win column, but this is now becoming a trend. The Union can lick their wounds on the plane back to Philly, as the return home to face New York Red Bulls this Saturday.
Three Points
- The bleeding just won’t stop – The team continue to show signs of positivity, followed by horrific errors that come back to bite them. More late goals conceded and another head-scratching performance from the center-backs and goal-keeper.
- Gazdag’s return – Danny’s return was one positive for the side. He added the quality that has been lacking in the final third for the team and his presence seemed to open up space for the other members of the front three. Oh yeah, and he notched another tally from the penalty spot, potting his 51st career Union goal – eclipsing Sebastien Le Toux.
- On the ropes – With the heat of summer around the corner, the Union are in dire need of their starters to return from injury and international duty. The team are legitimately on the ropes fighting to stay afloat, and there aren’t any signs of anything changing that.
Lineups
Philadelphia Union
Oliver Semmle, Kai Wagner, Jakob Glesnes, Jack Elliott, Nathan Harriel, Jack McGlynn, Leon Flach, Daniel Gazdag, Chris Donovan (Jeremy Rafanello — 75′), Quinn Sullivan
Unused subs: Andrew Rick, Olivier Mbaizo, Olwethu Makhanya, Markus Anderson, David Vazquez, CJ Olney
Chicago Fire
Chris Brady, Rafael Czichos, Wyatt Omsberg, Arnaud Souquet, Allan Arigoni (Gaston Gimenez — 65′), Brian Gutierrez (Mauricio Pineda — 90′), Kellyn Acosta (Tom Barlow — 77′), Fabian Herbers, Jonathan Dean (Christopher Mueller — 45′), Hugo Cuypers (Georgios Koutsias — 90′), Maren Haile-Selassie
Unused subs: Spencer Richey, Javier Casas, Diego Juan Konincks, Dawid Poreba,
Scoring Summary
CHI: Maren Haile-Selassie — 30′
PHI: Chris Donovan — 38′
PHI: Daniel Gazdag — 45’+7
PHI: Jack McGlynn — 50′
CHI: Hugo Cuypers — 82′
CHI: Gaston Gimenez — 89′
CHI: Hugo Cuypers — 90’+1
Discipline Summary
CHI: Omsberg — Yellow card (foul) 4′
PHI: Jakob Glesnes — Yellow card (foul) 32′
CHI: Chris Brady — Yellow card (foul) 45’+7
PHI: Daniel Gazdag — Yellow card (tactical foul) 53′
CHI: Frank Klopas (CHI Coach) — Red Card (dissent) 90′
Source: https://phillysoccerpage.net/2024/07/03/match-report-chicago-fire-4-3-philadelphia-union/
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