The Philadelphia Union were back in action Wednesday night as they looked to remain undefeated at Subaru Park. The Union have put together a mind boggling point differential while playing in the shadow of South Philadelphia. They have outscored opponents 15-4 at home and look to add the Chicago Fire FC to their list of home conquest.
First Half
The Union found it difficult to get in to a rhythm in the early going. It was well in to the 13’ before the home team started to gradually control possession. Goaltender Andre Blake made a terrific save in the 20’ to keep the Fire off the board. But Philly was still unable get anything going offensively.
28’ | Can’t take it any cooler as Kacper knocks this one home! Union take the 1-0 lead.#DOOP | #PHIvCHI 1 – 0 pic.twitter.com/KUwpSmC6xQ
— X – PhilaUnion (@PhilaUnion) October 29, 2020
Eventually it was a hand ball penalty that opened the door for Philly. In the 28’ Kacper Przybylko made Chicago pay for their mistake on the ensuing penalty kick and the home team went up 1 nil. Things got chippy in the 36’ as Francisco Calvo of the Fire is given a red card for violent conduct and ejected from the game. The Fire would tie things up in the 42’, making a play on a ball that was nearly out of bounds. And that’s how the first half would end.
Second Half
65' | SCOOOOORY BURKE DO DO DO DO DO DO SCORY BURKE DO DO DO DO DO DO SCORY BURKE DO DO DO DO DO DO SCORY BURKE#DOOP | #PHIvCHI 2 – 1 pic.twitter.com/M169q1b1Co
— X – PhilaUnion (@PhilaUnion) October 29, 2020
The second half began just as the first half ended with both clubs playing tough defense. Philadelphia, looking for a spark, substituted in Ilsinho in the 60’. It would pay dividends as his fantasy footwork led to a score by Cory Burke in the 64’.
90' | Final sub of the night sees Joe Bendik come in for Andre Blake.#DOOP | #PHIvCHI 2 – 1 pic.twitter.com/kfsWtZcdH9
— X – PhilaUnion (@PhilaUnion) October 29, 2020
Things got scary for the Union in the 77’ when Blake hit his right arm on the post. He would play on but eventually leave the game in the 89’. What would happen next is maybe the craziest 8 minutes of stoppage time the Union would face all season. Multiple shot attempts by the Fire would barely miss the mark. The crowd at Subaru Park would have their collective hearts in their laps as substitute goaltender Joe Bendik made the save of his life. And the Union would survive.
Final Score Union 2 Fire FC 1
