Philadelphia Union started the 2024 season at home against the Chicago Fire at Subaru Park in Chester, PA. Chicago is a team in rebuilding, while Philadelphia has many veterans and is hoping for a chance to go back to the MLS Championship.
First 45: Chicago Fire vs. Philadelphia Union
The Fire had a rough start to the game, as in the third minute, Chicago defender Andrew Gutman went down with an injury and was subbed out. It looked serious, as Gutman had his hands in his face and seemed very dejected.
Through the first twenty minutes of the half, the Union seemed to control the possession of the ball, and their passes were often compared to Chicago. The Union were much more aggressive, but the Fire had 11 clearances of the ball in their zone. Chicago had a chance in the 29th minute, but Brian Guiterrez’s header missed to the right.
Philadelphia, in the 35th minute, had a chance to score, but Damion Lowe’s header from the left side missed to the left. However, in the 39th minute, Chicago’s Fabian Herbers fed Gutierrez, who blasted a shot from the left half past Philadelphia’s goalie, Oliver Semmle, to make the score 1-0, and that is how it ended after the first 45 minutes.
Second 45: Chicago Fire vs. Philadelphia Union
In the first minute, it appeared the Union tied the game at 1, courtesy of a goal by Daniel Gazdag, but after a VAR review, it was disallowed due to Philadelphia being offside.
Finally, in the 55th minute, Philadelphia tied the game at 1-1. Quinn Sullivan dished a perfect pass to Mikael Uhre, who shot from the middle of the box and through the legs for his 1st goal of the season. Philadelphia, in the 68th minute, almost took the lead, but somehow, Julian Carranza’s shot missed wide of the goal.
In the 81st minute, Chicago reclaimed the lead. After a shot by Gutierrez, a mad scramble ensued, and it was former Union player Fabian Herbers blasting it past the goalie and making the score 2-1.
It seemed the game was over, but in the 93rd minute, it was Sullivan with a perfect pass to Gazdag. He then headed the pass into the goal for his first of the year, making it 2-2. Both teams had chances after this, but Uhre’s shot hit the crossbar. Chicago’s Thomas Barlow then went in on a breakaway, but a big save by Semmle kept it tied.
The Union’s next game will be next Saturday night, as they travel to the Midwest to face Sporting Kansas City. Start time is 8:30 p.m.
About the author
David has been following all types of sports since he was a kid. While Phillies baseball is his primary focus, David can talk about the Flyers, Eagles, 76ers, Union and college sports. He does computer work in Pennsylvania and does stats work for another sports company.
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