Philadelphia Union secured an important three points at home on Saturday night, defeating Chicago Fire in dominant fashion in front of a home crowd of fans. The match finished 4-0 in favor of Philly, with four different players hitting the back of the net. On Monday, the league announced that two of those players, Kai Wagner and Milan Iloski, had been named to the latest MLS Team of the Matchday following their standout performance.
Wagner, the team's 28-year-old left back, contributed a goal, an assist, and helped his team claim their 10th clean sheet of the season. His free kick goal marked the team's second of the night, and it was one he orchestrated alongside Iloski in the moment.
"I remembered a play from probably two years ago, that we had trained in training, then I explained it really quick to Milan. I think me and Milan have a good understanding already on the pitch of each other. So, I just explained the term," Wagner said.
"It looked like a little bit awkward, probably because we never played it in training, but it worked out perfect. So we're happy about how we executed."
Through 26 games played so far this season, Wagner has recorded 10 assists and two goals, becoming the third player in club history to have 70+ goal contributions in Major League Soccer play.
In just his third regular season match as part of the Philadelphia Union, Iloski, the team's newly signed 26-year-old striker from California, was a difference maker, also contributing a goal and assist in the contest. After setting up Wagner for his impressive free kick goal, Iloski scored the team's fourth of the night in the 80th minute. His impressive shift earned him a spot on the MLS Team of the Matchday bench for the first time since signing with Philadelphia at the start of the month.
With the win, Philadelphia Union reclaimed the top spot in the East and the Supporters' Shield standings with 54 points. Next up, they'll take on fellow Eastern Conference contender FC Cincinnati in an all-important battle on the road at TQL Stadium. Tune in on Saturday at 7:30pm with MLS Season Pass on Apple TV to watch the action.
