Philadelphia Union reclaimed the top spot in the East on Saturday night in front of a home crowd, securing all three points against Chicago Fire for the second time this year. Four different Union goalscorers hit the back of the net for four unanswered goals, helping lift the team to a well-deserved dominant win.
The Boys in Blue will head back on the road to take on second-place FC Cincinnati next Saturday at TQL Stadium -- tune in with MLS Season Pass on Apple TV to watch the action!
How The Match Unfolded
Lineup notes
With Andre Blake and Indiana Vassilev both out with injuries, Head Coach Bradley Carnell made multiple changes to his starting XI on Saturday night against Chicago Fire.
19-year-old Homegrown Andrew Rick was given the opportunity to step up between the posts, making his 11th start this season.
Protecting him, Kai Wagner, Jakob Glesnes, Olwethu Makhanya, and Frankie Westfield made up the backline, while the midfield feature Jovan Lukic, Danley Jean Jacques, and Quinn Sullivan.
For the first time, Carnell's starting crew had a front three made of Tai Baribo, Bruno Damiani, and Milan Iloski, the team's newest addition.
2', Early chances | Two minutes into the match, Philadelphia Union already found two promising chances, both finishing with a touch by Tai Baribo. The first was a left footed shot in front of the net, and the second was a header opportunity that went just over.
5', Another shot for Baribo | Baribo's third shot of the night came in the fifth minute, when Damiani passed to him in central position, but his final drive missed left.
8', Iloski attempt | Philadelphia Union dominated the opening 10 minutes of attack, with Milan Iloski adding another attempt 8th minute. Chicacgo Fire didn't find their first until they were awarded free kick opportunity in the 10th minute, but former union centerback Jack Elliott's header try was blocked.
12', Wagner whips one at the net | Iloski continued to put the pressure on Chicago's defense, carving through multiple opponents to find Kai Wagner at the top left of the box for a shot that was ultimately saved by keeper Chris Brady.
34', Union goal! | After three more unsuccessful attempts, Philadelphia Union took the lead with an impressive finish by Baribo, who capitalized on a strong run and pass into the box by Wagner. Baribo's touch went through Chicago keeper Chris Brady's legs, giving his team a 1-0 lead. The goal marked the Israeli striker's 16th of the year, boosting him past Chicago's Cuypers and placing him tied for third in the Golden Boot race.
45', Halftime | The final ten minutes of the first half featured an attempts and yellow cards for each side, with the disciplines shown to Jovan Lukic and Leonardo Barroso. Both teams retreated to the locker room with 1-0 on the board.
59, Chicago Fire nearly equalizes | Chicago Fire found one of their closest chances of the night in the 59th minute -- Bamba took a powerful rip from distance, but his shot went just left, instead nailing the post.
61', Iloski chance | Iloski took another promising shot in the 61st, ripping one from outside the box toward the far post but it was saved by Brady.
64', Wagner doubles the lead! Iloski won a free kick after being taken down by Dje D’Avilla at the top of the box, giving his new team a strong chance to solidify their lead with a set piece from central position. With a trio of Union players around the ball, it was Iloski who tapped it to Wagner for a powerful strike to the bottom right corner.
73', Danley makes it three! | The team's 25-year-old Haitain midfielder Danley Jean Jacques found the team's third of the night, scoring his third of the season.
80' Iloski scores the fourth | Iloski found his first regular season goal for his new club, hitting the back of the net in the 80th minute for the team's fourth unanswered goal of the night. His effort sealed the dominant win, which sent the team back into first place in the league.
