After making history earlier in the week, Philadelphia Union now has its sights set on Major League Soccer as the club heads on the road looking for three points against Chicago Fire FC on Saturday afternoon. Kick off from Soldier Field is set for 1 p.m. ET with television coverage on 6abc. Fans will also be able to view the match on PhiladelphiaUnion.com or can click here to listen to the FOX The Gambler broadcast which is available via 102.5 FM, 104.5 HD2, the iHeart App and 1480 AM.
While the Boys in Blue have found success with a berth in the Semifinals of Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League as the only remaining side from MLS, the club’s focus on the international tournament has seen the Union with only one point in their first three league matches. The Union enter the weekend coming off a 2-0 loss to New York City FC where the side played down a man for 75 minutes after Jose Martinez was sent off. Overall in 2021, the Union have racked up 10 goals across all competitions but only one has come in MLS play when Jamiro Monteiro scored the opener against Inter Miami CF.
The two sides last met up late in the 2020 season with the Union picking up a 2-1 win at Subaru Park. Kacper Przybylko gave the Union a first-half lead converting from the penalty spot and moments later Chicago was down to 10 men after Francisco Calvo was sent off. Chicago fought back and found an equalizer just before halftime via a goal from Robert Beric. The numbers advantage in the second half proved vital as Cory Burke came into the match and scored five minutes later to help the Union secure the home victory. Overall the Union hold a 11-9-5 advantage in the series against Chicago.
Chicago Fire FC too has gotten off to a slow start in its 2021 MLS campaign with back-to-back losses after collecting a draw against New England in the opener. Chicago’s latest match saw them leave Red Bulls Arena with a 2-0 loss to NYRB. While the Fire have scored more goals in league play than the Union led by Luka Stojanovic’s two goals, the defense has allowed opposing offenses seven goals which ranks only behind FC Cincinnati for the most in the Eastern Conference.
