Photo: Paul Rudderow

All time record: 6-6-5
At Talen Energy Stadium: 4-2-2
At Toyota Park: 2-4-3
Goals For: 23
Goals Against: 23

Did you know…
Before the 4-3 home win in June, the Union had not defeated Chicago in seven games in league play (0-3-4). The Union have not been victorious in Chicago since May 11, 2013, going 0-2-2 since then against the Fire away.

June 22, 2016: Philadelphia Union 4-3 Chicago Fire

PSP Match Report Highlights

Roland Alberg scored a hat trick and hit a shot that resulted in a Chicago own goal as the Union held on to defeat the Fire 4-3 in Chester on Wednesday night.

David Accam gave Chicago the lead in the 2nd minute, but Alberg’s saved shot deflected in off Jonathan Campbell less than ten minutes later.

Alberg would need no help with the next three: He scored in the 15th and 45th minutes, then fired a penalty home in the 56th minute for the Union’s first hat trick since Sebastien Le Toux had one in the Union’s first ever home game in 2010.

PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy has two words on its cover: Don’t Panic.

Philadelphia Union’s announcement that Vincent Nogueira was leaving the club should have begun with the same words.

Luckily, Roland Alberg has calmed fears with a series of stellar performances, culminating in last night’s three and a half goal performance.

PSP postgame video and quote sheet

PSP Photo Essay

Link to Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more

Philadelphia Union
Andre Blake, Fabinho, Richie Marquez, Ken Tribbett (Joshua Yaro 46′), Keegan Rosenberry, Brian Carroll, Roland Alberg (Warren Creavalle 77′), Chris Pontius, Ilsinho (Sebastien Le Toux 72′), Tranquillo Barnetta, Fabian Herbers
Unused Subs: John McCarthy, Leo Fernandes, Walter Restrepo, Ray Gaddis

Chicago Fire
Sean Johnson, Brandon Vincent, Johan Kappelhof, Eric Gehrig (John Goossens 60′), Michael Harrington (Rodrigo Ramos 46′), Jonathan Campbell, Razvan Cocis, Michael Stephens (Alex Morrell 85′), Khaly Thiam, Kennedy Igboananike, David Accam
Unused subs: Drew Conner, Joao Meira, Nick LaBrocca, Matt Lampson

Scoring Summary
CHI: David Accam (Michael Stephens) — 2′
PHI: Jonathan Campbell (OG) — 11′
PHI: Roland Alberg — 15′
PHI: Roland Alberg — 45′
PHI: Roland Alberg (PK) — 54′
CHI: Razvan Cocis (Rodrigo Ramos) — 69′
CHI: Khaly Thiam (John Goossens) –80′

Disciplinary Summary
PHI: Brian Carroll (unsporting behavior) — 36′
PHI: Ken Tribbett (unsporting behavior) — 37′
PHI: Roland Alberg (unsporting behavior) — 58′
CHI: Jonathan Campbell (foul) –86′

April 2, 2016: Chicago Fire 1-0 Philadelphia Union

PSP Match Report Highlights

Despite outplaying Chicago for large portions of the match, the 10-man Philadelphia Union fell to Chicago Fire, 1-0, at Toyota Park on Saturday evening. Warren Creavalle was shown a straight red card in the 48th minute for a reckless challenge and the Fire made the Union pay just three minutes later when Kennedy Igboananike scored the game’s only goal.

PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights

There was a fear in the offseason that can be summed up by this question: What do we do if the Union are just… bad again?

Luckily, Philly has not been a bad team. But they are a young team. With injuries to three top players. And MLS debutants in key positions. And a goalie in his first season as the number one. And the same holding midfielder as DC United circa 2004.

So when they struggle to deal with novel conditions and a team that plays an oddly deep defensive shape at home, you have to cut them some slack. In wild weather, Chicago’s well-organized defensive shell proved too much for the Union. Despite planting three kisses on the woodwork, Philly ran out of gas and ideas after Warren Creavalle’s straight red card.

PSP postgame quote sheet

Philadelphia Union
Andre Blake, Keegan Rosenberry, Ken Tribbett, Richie Marquez, Fabinho (Fabian Herbers 78′), Brian Carroll, Warren Creavalle, Ilsinho, Roland Alberg (Tranquillo Barnetta 66′), Chris Pontius (Sebastien Le Toux 66′), C.J. Sapong
Unused Subs: Matt Jones, Ray Gaddis, Anderson Conceicao, Vincent Nogueira

Chicago Fire
Matt Lampson, Rodrigo Ramos, Jonathan Campbell, Johan Kappelhof, Michael Harrington, Michael Stephens, Matt Polster, Arturo Alvarez (John Goossens 62′), Razvan Cocis, Kennedy Igboananike, Gilberto
Unused Subs: Patrick McLain, Joao Meira, Brandon Vincent, Nick LaBrocca, Alex Morrell, Joey Calistri

Scoring Summary
CHI: Kennedy Igboananike – 51′ (Michael Harrington)

Disciplinary Summary
PHI: Warren Creavalle (unsporting behavior) – 12′
CHI: Rodrigo Ramos (unsporting behavior) – 37′
PHI: Warren Creavalle (red card: serious foul) – 47′
CHI: Matt Polster (unsporting behavior) – 72′

August 16, 2015: Philadelphia Union 3-3 Chicago Fire

PSP Match Report Highlights

In a thrilling end to end affair on Sunday night at PPL Park, Kennedy Igboananike’s stoppage time equalizer canceled out Sebastien Le Toux’s 90th minute strike, as both sides were forced to accept a point. The real hero of the night may have been Chicago goalie Sean Johnson, who kept the Union from running away with the game.

After starting slowly and conceding in the first ten minutes of each half, the Philadelphia was the better side for the other 70 minutes.

PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights

Philadelphia Union has been using a pretty consistent lineup since Andrew Wenger’s concussion and Vincent Nogueira’s leg injury: CJ Sapong up top with Sebastien Le Toux and Cristian Maidana in support. Brian Carroll and Michael Lahoud holding. Ray Gaddis and Fabinho at fullback. The only position of regular rotation has been in central defense, where Maurice Edu has been in and out of the lineup.

Eventually, Jim Curtin was going to have to rotate. And in doing so, he was likely to expose the squad’s disturbing lack of depth.

PSP postgame video and quote sheet

PSP Photo Essay

Link to Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more

Philadelphia Union
John McCarthy; Ray Gaddis, Richie Marquez, Steven Vitoria, Fabinho; Warren Creavalle (Michael Lahoud ’60), Brian Carroll; Eric Ayuk, Cristian Maidana, Tranquillo Barnetta (CJ Sapong ’60); Fernando Aristeguieta (Sebastien Le Toux ’73)
Unused substitutes: Andre Blake, Ethan White, Vincent Nogueira, Conor Casey

Chicago Fire
Sean Johnson; Lovel Palmer, Eric Gehrig, Jeff Larentowicz, Joevin Jones; Shaun Maloney (Harry Shipp ’68), Michael Stephens, Razvan Cocis (Matt Polster ’74), Patrick Nyarko (Mike Magee ’84); Kennedy Igboananike, Jason Johnson
Unused substitutes: John Busch, Ty Harden, Collin Fernandez, David Accam

Scoring Summary
CHI — Kennedy Igboananike (Patrick Nyarko, Jason Johnson) — 9
PHI — Fernando Aristeguieta (Cristian Maidana) — 21
PHI — Fabinho (Cristian Maidana) — 31
CHI — Patrick Nyarko (Kennedy Igboananike) — 54
PHI — Sebastien Le Toux (Cristian Maidana) — 90
CHI — Kennedy Igboananike (Mike Magee, Harry Shipp) — 90+2

Disciplinary Summary
PHI — Warren Creavalle (Unsporting Behavior) — 34
PHI — Tranquillo Barnetta (Unsporting Behavior) — 55
CHI — Patrick Nyarko (Unsporting Behavior) — 70
PHI — Sebastien Le Toux (Delaying the restart of play) — 90+1

March 29, 2015: Chicago Fire 1-0 Philadelphia Union

PSP Match Report Highlights

Chicago Fire center back Adailton scored on an umarked header at the end of the first half, and Fred saw a straight red half way through the second half, sending Philadelphia Union to a 1-0 road defeat on Sunday night at Toyota Park.

It was the second time in two weeks the winless Union were shutout and finished with 10 men, and the first time since Jim Curtin took over last June that the team has lost two games in a row.

PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights

Well, that is what a complete failure looks like.

Coaches and players alike get to share in the blame and frustration that comes from the incomprehensible defeat Union fans were subjected to on Sunday afternoon. The Union failed at every level, be it goalkeeping, defensive pressure, midfield passing, or attacking goal. On Sunday, if the Union were trying it, it wasn’t working. Simple as that.

Postgame quote sheet

Link to Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more

Philadelphia Union
Rais Mbolhi, Raymond Gaddis, Steven Vitoria, Ethan White (Eric Ayuk 82′), Fabinho, Maurice Edu, Vincent Nogueira (Fred 78′), Michael Lahoud, Sebastien Le Toux, Andrew Wenger (Antoine Hoppenot 86′), Fernando Aristeguieta
Unused Subs: John McCarthy, Richie Marquez, Brian Carroll, Raymond Lee

Chicago Fire
Sean Johnson, Eric Gehrig, Jeff Larentowicz, Adailton, Lovel Palmer, Harrison Shipp, Matt Polster, Michael Stephens, Joevin Jones (Guly 84′), Kennedy Igboananike (Matt Watson 66′), Quincy Amarikwa
Unused Subs: Jon Busch, Greg Cochrane, Colin Fernandez, Chris Ritter, Kingsley Bryce

Scoring Summary
CHI: Adailton — 37′

Disciplinary Summary
PHI: Fred (fight) — 72
CHI: Sean Johnson (time wasting) — 80
PHI: Maurice Edu (foul) — 90

October 2, 2014: Philadelphia Union 1-1 Chicago Fire

PSP Match Report Highlights

Amobi Okugo was set to be the Philadelphia Union’s savior after his 88th minute goal appeared to have stolen three points for his team from a dour contest on Thursday night, but Rais Mbolhi’s misplayed stoppage time clearance allowed Robert Earnshaw to claim a share of the points for Chicago Fire.

In a match with little to talk about between two teams lacking quality and attacking ambition, a 0-0 scoreline would have been a fitting result. But, when Brian Brown stumbled and lost Danny Cruz’s cross between his legs, Okugo pounced, streaming in behind him to pound home the would be winner.

Any celebration would be short lived when, in stoppage time, Mbolhi failed to deal with a simple back pass, clearing the ball softly into the path of Earnshaw. Stranded off his line, Mbolhi could only look on as Earnshaw raced at him before lofting a delicate chip over his head.

PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights

On a night when neither team came prepared to support their lone striker, the Union and Fire combined to put 2 shots on target before Amobi Okugo grabbed what looked to be a sure winner just before stoppage time. Then. Well. Yeah.

PSP postgame video and quote sheet

PSP Photo Essay

Link to Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more

Philadelphia Union
Rais Mbolhi, Fabinho, Carlos Valdes, Maurice Edu, Ray Gaddis, Amobi Okugo, Vincent Nogueira, Andrew Wenger, Fred (Danny Cruz, 61), Cristian Maidana (Antoine Hoppenot, 77), Pedro Ribeiro (Brian Brown, 61)
Unsused Substitutes: Zac MacMath, Brian Carroll, Michael Lahoud, Ethan White

Chicago Fire
Sean Johnson, Alex, Bakary Soumare, Patrick Ianni, Lovel Palmer, Jeff Larentowicz, Logan Pause, Sanna Nyassi (Patrick Nyarko, 71), Harrison Shipp, Grant Ward (Florent Sinama-Pongolle, 58), Quincy Amarikwa (Robert Earnshaw,77)
Unused substitutes: Kyle Reynish, Gonzalo Segares, Chris Ritter, Matt Watson,

Scoring Summary
88 — PHI: Amobi Okugo (Brian Brown, Danny Cruz)
90 +2 — CHI: Robert Earnshaw

Disciplinary Summary
5 — CHI: Lovel Palmer (Foul)
86 — CHI: Patrick Nyarko (Foul)
90 +1 — Jeff Larentowicz (Foul)

July 19, 2014: Chicago Fire 1-1 Philadelphia Union

PSP Match Report Highlights

In their third game in eight days, and missing their brightest offensive presence, the Union did to the Chicago Fire what has been done to them multiple times this season—they stole a point when the Fire looked to have all three wrapped up.

In a game short on good chances, Jeff Larentowicz’s second half header from a Chicago corner looked to have sealed the game, but a Fire handball in the box in the 89th minute gave the Union a lifeline, and with Sebastien Le Toux there to take the kick—he is now 12-for-12 on penalty kicks in his Union career—the Union were only too glad to take advantage and leave Chicago with the draw.

PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights

As a head coach, Jim Curtin has been refreshingly honest in his pre- and post-game chats. Perhaps that is why it was so disappointing to hear him say, “I think we created enough chances to get the result tonight” after Saturday’s 1-1 tie in Chicago. The Union generated one non-penalty shot on goal (that should have resulted in a penalty) and only managed to earn a point through a call so bad it may require Spinal Tap logic to put an accurate number in the Geiger Counter.

Perhaps that’s too harsh on Curtin. He may, in fact, be right. Philadelphia generated one real chance, but Chicago did not generate any from open play.

Postgame quote sheet

Link to Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more

Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath, Ray Gaddis (Brian Brown, 81′), Maurice Edu, Ethan White, Sheanon Williams, Amobi Okugo (Fred, 69′), Michael Lahoud, Vincent Nogueira, Danny Cruz (Andrew Wenger 61′), Sebastien Le Toux, Conor Casey
Unused Subs: Andre Blake, Fabinho, Brian Carroll, Aaron Wheeler

Chicago Fire
Sean Johnson, Bakary Soumare, Gonzalo Segares, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Lovel Palmer, ALex, Harrison Shipp (Grant Ward, 75), Jeff Larentowicz, Matt Watson, Mike Magee, Quincy Amarikwa (Matthew Fondy, 79′)
Unused Subs: Kyle Reynish, Greg Cochrane, Patrick Ianni, Chris Ritter, Marco Franco

Scoring Summary
60 – CHI: Larentowicz (Shipp)
90 + 1 – PHI: Le Toux (PK)

Disciplinary Summary
22 – PHI: Okugo (foul)
26 – CHI: Alex (foul)

April 5, 2014 Chicago Fire 2-2 Philadelphia Union

PSP Match Report Highlights

A feverish last 10 minutes nearly saw Philadelphia Union turn a one-goal lead into a road loss, but Zac MacMath stopped a Mike Magee penalty and the follow-up effort to preserve a 2-2 scoreline.

With the Union opening slowly, Chicago controlled the first half and deservedly took the lead after 16 minutes through Magee. But Chicago’s shaky defense proved their undoing, and the Union quickly turned the tide, with Maurice Edu and Leo Fernandes each scoring before halftime.

PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights

The pattern is becoming all too familiar for the 2014 Union as late goals and set pieces continue to cause the team problems.

In Chicago on Saturday, the offense was finally able to secure that elusive second goal, but the defense failed to hold a late lead once again. I’ve been as positive as anyone in the early going this season, saying the performances have been good and the results will come. But how many times can we discuss the same problems after the team lets another victory escape their grasp?

Postgame quote sheet

Link to Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more

Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath; Ray Gaddis, Amobi Okugo, Aaron Wheeler, Fabinho (Sheanon Williams ’46); Brian Carroll, Maurice Edu, Vincent Nogueira; Sebastien Le Toux, Conor Casey (Antoine Hoppenot ’88), Leo Fernandes (Corben Bone ’78)
Unused substitutes: Andre Blake, Ethan White, Austin Berry, Michael Lahoud

Chicago Fire
Sean Johnson; Lovel Palmer, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Bakary Soumare, Greg Cochranel; Patrick Nyarko (Juan Luis Anangono ’78), Jeff Larentowicz, Matt Watson (Dilly Duka ’57), Harry Shipp (Alex ’57); Mike Magee, Quincy Amarikwa
Unused substitutes: Kyle Reynish, Patrick Ianni, Logan Pause, Benji Joya

Scoring Summary
16 – CHI: Magee (Amarikwa)
33 – PHI: Edu
39 – PHI: Fernandes
86 – CHI: Anangonó (Magee)

Discipline Summary
64 – CHI: Duka (caution)
86 – PHI: Bone (caution)

Referee
Chris Penso

August 3, 2013: Philadelphia Union 1-2 Chicago Fire

PSP Match Report Highlights

An extremely flat Union side fell 2-1 to the Chicago Fire on Saturday night at PPL Park.

Patrick Nyarko opened the scoring for the visitors when left alone on the far post in the 9th minute. Sheanon Williams was able to equalize, bundling home a Sebastien Le Toux free kick. But a bad giveaway by substitute Leo Fernandes gifted the Fire a winner when Nyarko was able to play in a wide open Mike Magee. Magee made no mistake blasting past the onrushing Zac MacMath late in the second half.

PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights

With Ray Gaddis going down late in the first half, the Fabinho sub was a must. But there are some big questions surrounding the subs of Leo Fernandes and Antoine Hoppenot…

Michael Farfan was by no means outstanding for the Union on Saturday, but the inconsistent midfielder seemed to be finding his groove in the match when he was taken off. Just prior to his substitution he had won a corner with some crafty footwork inside the Chicago box and drawn a yellow card and free kick in a good position with a run down the right wing.

It was always going to be tough for the Union’s offensive central midfielder against Chicago with the formidable Jeff Larentowicz patrolling the area. But we’ve yet to see Leo Fernandes impose himself on a match this season, and Saturday was no exception. Even worse for the young midfielder, he was shouldered off the ball in a bad position within two minutes of coming on by Patrick Nyarko, a player more known for his pace than his physicality. The turnover led straight to Chicago’s game winning goal.

PSP Photo Essay

PSP Video of Postgame Press Conference and Locker Room Interviews

Link to Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more

Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath, Sheanon Williams, Jeff Parke, Amobi Okugo, Ray Gaddis (Fabinho 45′), Brian Carroll, Danny Cruz (Antoine Hoppenot 83′), Michael Farfan (Leo Fernandes 74′), Sebastien Le Toux, Conor Casey, Jack McInereny.
Unused subs: Chris Konopka, Aaron Wheeler, Michael Lahoud, Kleberson

Chicago Fire
Sean Johnson, Jalil Anibaba, Gonzalo Segares, Austin Berry, Bakary Soumare, Alex (Dan Paldini 74′), Joel Lindpere (Dilly Duka 67′), Patrick Nyarko, Jeff Larentowicz, Chris Rolfe (Quincy Amarikwa 67′), Mike Magee
Unused subs: Paolo Tonaghi, Hunter Jumper, Maicon Santos, Logan Pause

Scoring Summary
9 – CHI: Patrick Nyarko
60 – PHI: Sheanon Williams
75 – CHI: Mike Magee

Discipline Summary
6 – CHI: Jalil Anibaba (foul)
40 – CHI: Alex (foul)
85 – PHI: Antoine Hoppenot (foul)

May 18, 2013: Philadelphia Union 1-0 Chicago Fire

PSP Match Report Highlights

In only the Union’s second home victory of 2013, the visitors failed to pose a serious threat as Frank Klopas’ side continued to struggle in front of goal and was forced to watch McInerney’s lone goal decide the contest for the second time in a week.

In the 3rd minute, Sebastien Le Toux had a second chance to deliver into the box after his initial corner was played back out wide. He curled his cross into McInerney’s path, and his strike partner did the rest, burying his header past Chicago’s Sean Johnson.

PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights

While he will never be the most technically savvy forward on the pitch, Le Toux’s ceaseless movement and boundless energy leave opposing defenders exhausted, nervous, and prone to errors as they look to move the ball too quickly, lest they be charged down by the buzzing Union forward.

PSP Photo Essay

Link to Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more

Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath; Sheanon Williams, Amobi Okugo, Bakary Soumare, Ray Gaddis; Danny Cruz (Keon Daniel ’64), Kleberson (Conor Casey ’71), Brian Carroll, Michael Farfan; Jack McInerney (Leo Fernandes ’90), Sebastien Le Toux
Unused Substitutes: Chris Konopka, Chris Albright, Roger Torres, Antoine Hoppenot

Chicago Fire
Sean Johnson; Wells Thompson, Jalil Anibaba, Austin Berry, Gonzalo Segares; Dilly Duka (Quincy Amarikwa ’81), Jeff Larentowicz, Logan Pause, Joel Lindpere (Alex ’75); Chris Rolfe (Sherjill MacDonald ’53), Patrick Nyarko
Unused Substitutes: Paolo Tornaghi, Corben Bone, Brendan King, Michael Videira

Scoring Summary
3 – PHI: McInerney (Le Toux, Soumare)

Discipline Summary
14 – CHI: Thompson (caution)
56 – PHI: Carroll (caution)
57 – CHI: Anibaba (caution)
63 – CHI: Thompson (caution + ejection)
73 – PHI: Williams (caution)
90 – PHI: Casey (caution)

Referee
Allen Chapman

May 11, 2013:  Chicago Fire 0-1 Philadelphia Union

PSP Mach Report Highlights

Jack McInerney’s league-leading seventh goal of the season fired his side into the top half of the Eastern Conference table Saturday with a 1-0 victory at Chicago.

Breaking immediately following the foul, McInerney showed his own skill when he settled in traffic before using his second touch to poke his shot just over Johnson’s body and into the net.

PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights

With a disjointed shape made up of four players who have done very little to support each other, opponents are finding it very simple to set up camp in the Union’s half.

Against Chicago, MacMath bucked that trend to not only make 6 saves but also show impressive quickness off his line and both strength and powerful hands in the air.

Scoring Summary
75 – PHI: McInerney (LeToux)

Discipline Summary
62 – CHI: Duka (caution)

Link to Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more.  

Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath; Ray Gaddis, Amobi Okugo, Bakary Soumare, Gabriel Farfan; Danny Cruz (Sebastien Le Toux ’56), Brian Carroll, Keon Daniel, Michael Farfan; Conor Casey (Antoine Hoppenot ’61), Jack McInerney
Unused Substitutes: Chris Konopka, Chris Albright, Matt Kassel, Roger Torres, Kleberson

Chicago Fire
Sean Johnson; Wells Thompson, Austin Berry, Jalil Anibaba, Gonzalo Segares; Dilly Duka (Alex ’63), Daniel Paladini (Quincy Amarikwa ’84), Logan Pause, Joel Lindpere (Maicon Santos ’73); Chris Rolfe, Patrick Nyarko
Unused Substitutes: Paolo Tornaghi, Corben Bone, Michael Videira, Yazid Atouba

Referee
Armando Villarreal

October 3, 2012: Chicago Fire 1–3 Philadelphia Union

PSP Match Report Highlights

Eager to put away the contest, the Union turned on the style, with substitute Antoine Hoppenot back-heeling Michael Farfan’s service beyond Sean Johnson and firing Philadelphia to only their third road victory of 2012.

“Gabriel Gomez, who had done precious little for his side prior….Taking his chance first time, Gomez unleashed a screamer that tore past Johnson into the upper corner before the Chicago keeper could react.

PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights

Gabriel Gomez is Philadelphia’s designated hitter, stepping up in the big spots to deliver a much needed blast, while at the same time being unequipped to do the rest of the work that goes with being a full time player — things like running, moving the ball quickly and efficiently, defending his position.

Despite the fluency Michael Farfan brings to the Union midfield, Hackworth seemingly remains unwilling to officially hand him the job of full-time creator.

Link to Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more. 

Scoring Summary
7 – PHI: McInerney (Cruz)
67 – PHI: Gomez (McInerney)
69 – CHI: Oduro
87 – PHI: Hoppenot (Farfan)

Discipline Summary
18 – PHI: Lahoud (caution)
45 – CHI: Berry (caution)
78 – PHI: Williams (caution)
79 – CHI: Franco (ejection)

Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath; Raymon Gaddis, Amobi Okugo, Carlos Valdes, Sheanon Williams; Brian Carroll, Michael Lahoud, Danny Cruz (Gabriel Gomez ’45), Michael Farfan, Keon Daniel (Chris Albright ’78); Jack McInerney (Antoine Hoppenot ’71)
Unused substitutes: Chris Konopka, Zach Pfeffer, Roger Torres, Chandler Hoffman

Chicago Fire
Sean Johnson; Jalil Anibaba, Arne Friedrich, Austin Berry, Dan Gargan (Alex ’77); Patrick Nyarko, Logan Pause (Dominic Oduro ’46), Daniel Paladini, Alvaro Fernandez (Guillermo Franco ‘63); Chris Rolfe, Sherjill MacDonald
Unused substitutes: Paolo Tornaghi, Wells Thompson, Corben Bone, Michael Videira

Referee
Abiodun Okulaja

Attendance
16,375

August 12, 2012: Philadelphia Union 1–3 Chicago Fire

PSP Match Report Highlights

Despite opening the scoring in a wide open contest against Chicago Fire, the Union succumbed to a thirteen minute lapse of focus in which they conceded three goals, and ultimately the game, falling 3-1 on Sunday night.

The Union were knocking on the door, but on the counterattack a second blunder from MacMath gifted Chicago a two-goal advantage…It was an insurance goal conceded at the worst possible time as the Union looked on the verge of their own breakthrough.

PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights

After looking sluggish in the face of a rampant Chicago Fire attack, the Union are back to their losing ways, all but eliminating them from 2012 playoff contention. With Sunday’s road trip to DC United followed by Real Salt Lake’s visit to PPL Park, the Union could find themselves officially playing for 2013 sooner rather than later.

Similarly sloth-like in the first half, Keon Daniel neither attacked nor defended as the offensive effort seemed to move around him. Generally a strong, confident midfielder, the move to forward has destabilized the Trinidad international.

PSP Photo Essay

Link to Match Center for Stats, Chalboard and more. 
Scoring Summary
34 – CHI: Anibaba OG
43 – CHI: Rolfe (MacDonald, Anibaba)
45+2 – CHI: Friedrich (Pappa)
56 – CHI: Rolfe (Nyarko, Johnson)

Discipline Summary
None

Philadelphia Union: 
Zac MacMath; Sheanon Williams, Amobi Okugo, Bakary Soumare, Raymon Gaddis (Lionard Pajoy ’61); Brian Carroll, Michael Farfan, Gabriel Farfan; Freddy Adu (Antoine Hoppenot ’46), Chandler Hoffman (Josue Martinez ’69), Keon Daniel
Unused substitutes: Chase Harrison, Michael Lahoud, Chris Albright, Zach Pfeffer

Chicago Fire: 
Sean Johnson; Jalil Anibaba, Austin Berry, Arne Friedrich, Gonzalo Segares; Alvaro Fernandez, Logan Pause (Patrick Nyarko ’43), Pavel Pardo, Marco Pappa (Alex ’63) ; Chris Rolfe, Sherjill MacDonald (Mike Videira ’70)
Unused substitutes: Dan Gargan, Paolo Tornaghi, Dominic Oduro, Daniel Paladini

Referee
Fotis Bazakos

March 24, 2012: Chicago Fire 1–0 Philadelphia Union

PSP Match Report Highlights:

A 28th minute Dominic Oduro strike was all Chicago Fire would need to claim a 1-0 victory Saturday night, and keep the Union winless in 2012, as Philadelphia’s inauspicious beginning to the season continued at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois.

The third time was not the charm for Union, as their offense went missing for the majority of the match, and a late flurry of activity as they searched for an equalizer was not enough to prevent Chicago from recording their first regular season win in 2012.

PSP Analysis and Player Ratings Highlights:

You’ve got to take your hat off to Peter Nowak. Just when Philadelphia Union fans think they’ve seen every possible formation, he rolls out a 3-2-2-1-2.

PSP Stat Chat

Link to Match Center for Stats, Chalboard and more.

Scoring Summary:
CHI — Dominic Oduro (Marco Pappa)

Misconduct Summary:
PHI — Gabriel Farfan (Caution, Foul) 59′
CHI — Sebastián Grazzini (Caution, Time Wasting) 75′
CHI — Cory Gibbs (Caution, Foul) 81′

Lineups:
Philadelphia Union — Zac MacMath, Porfirio Lopez, Carlos Valdes, Chris Albright (Jack McInerney, 80), Gabriel Gomez, Michael Farfan, Roger Torres (Gabriel Farfan, 45), Brian Carrol, Keon Daniel, Lionard Pajoy, Danny Mwanga (Josué Martinez)

Chicago Fire — Paolo Tornaghi, Gonzalo Segares, Cory Gibbs, Jalil Anibaba, Dan Gargan, Pavel Pardo (Dan Paladini, 70), Marco Pappa (Frederico Puppo, 89), Logan Pause, Sebastián Grazzini (Rafael Robayo, 85), Patrick Nyarko, Dominic Oduro

Referee: Ricardo Salazar
Attendance: 18,075

August 3, 2011: Chicago Fire 1–1 Philadelphia Union

Click here for video highlights.

PSP Match Report Highlights:

Even a broken clock is right twice a day. And while the Union offense isn’t necessarily broken, but it only coalesces for the briefest of moments before returning to an unfocused state.

The worrying thought at this point was that the Fire had a plan, they just weren’t confident enough to put the final product together. The Union, on the other hand, looked lost.

PSP Ratings and Analysis Highlights

The Union were slow out of the gate, and whether it was the makeshift lineup or the swarming Chicago defense, the game quickly came to resemble volleyball.

Hackworth said after the match that the haphazard look of the midfield is unavoidable when you play a short passing, movement based system. What is left unsaid is that recovering to a strong defensive shape remains a priority for any team, regardless of offensive game-plan.

PSP Photo Essay

Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more.

Scoring Summary:
PHI — Veljko Paunovic 2 (unassisted) 34
CHI — Pavel Pardo 1 (unassisted) 54

Misconduct Summary:
PHI — Brian Carroll (caution; Tactical Foul) 35
CHI — Logan Pause (caution; Tactical Foul) 85

Lineups:
Philadelphia Union — Faryd Mondragon, Michael Farfan, Danny Califf, Carlos Valdes, Gabriel Farfan, Justin Mapp (Keon Daniel 87), Brian Carroll, Stefani Miglioranzi, Roger Torres (Danny Mwanga 61), Sebastien Le Toux, Veljko Paunovic (Kyle Nakazawa 75).
Substitutes Not Used: Jack McInerney, Amobi Okugo, Ryan Richter, Zac MacMath.

Chicago Fire — Sean Johnson, Logan Pause, Josip Mikulic, Cory Gibbs (Jalil Anibaba 6), Gonzalo Segares, Marco Pappa, Daniel Paladini, Sebastian Grazzini (Cristian Nazarit 66), Pavel Pardo, Patrick Nyarko (Diego Chaves 82), Dominic Oduro.
Substitutes Not Used: Orr Barouch, Dan Gargan, Baggio Husidic, Jon Conway.

Referee: Michael Kennedy
Referee’s Assistants: -Bill Dittmar; Kermit Quisenberry
4th Official: Matthew Foerster
Time of Game: 1:52
Weather: Clear-and-80-degrees
Attendance: 10,557

May 21, 2011: Philadelphia Union 2–1 Chicago Fire

PSP Match Report Highlights:

The Union have rarely turned good form into good finishing, but Michael Farfan did just that in the 64th. After substitute Torres won a foul on the left, Nakzawa played a grounder back to Farfan twenty-five out. The rookie fired a low liner that tapped Cory Gibbs thigh and nestled behind Jon Conway.

Ruiz hit a weak free kick from thirty out that rebounded into the center of the field. The striker was first to react and his choice of a forty yard volley caused a sharp intake of breath around Philadelphia. Dipping, dipping, dipping, with the Sons of Ben begging gravity to work harder, the ball slapped the underside of the bar and set the fans off like fireworks.

PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights:

Promptly punished with a move to left back, Marfan met his match in Dominic Oduro. A true one-trick pony, Oduro is incredibly dangerous when his touch is on. It rarely is, but Saturday was that rare exception.

Peter Nowak believes that Carlos Ruiz and Seba Le Toux looked for each other almost too much during the Fire match. That’s an odd way of saying that the strike duo remains critically out of sync.

PSP Photo Essay

Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more.

Scoring Summary:
PHI — Michael Farfan 1 (Kyle Nakazawa 1) 64
CHI — Dominic Oduro 2 (Gonzalo Segares 2) 68
PHI — Carlos Ruiz 3 (unassisted) 74

Misconduct Summary:
CHI — Bratislav Ristic (caution; Reckless Foul) 30
PHI — Danny Califf (caution; Reckless Tackle) 41
PHI — Jordan Harvey (caution; Dissent) 54
CHI — Dominic Oduro (caution; Reckless Foul) 59′
CHI — Daniel Paladini (caution; Reckless Tackle) 72
CHI — Gaston Puerari (caution; Reckless Foul) 92+

Lineups:
Chicago Fire— Jon Conway, Yamith Cuesta, Cory Gibbs, Gonzalo Segares, Bratislav Ristic, Daniel Paladini, Corben Bone (Logan Pause 60), Baggio Husidic (Gaston Puerari 61), Marco Pappa, Dominic Oduro, Diego Chaves (Orr Barouch 46).
Substitutes Not Used: Jalil Anibaba, Cristian Nazarit, Dasan Robinson, Sean Johnson.

Philadelphia Union — Faryd Mondragon, Sheanon Williams, Danny Califf, Carlos Valdes, Jordan Harvey (Roger Torres 58), Brian Carroll, Michael Farfan, Amobi Okugo (Kyle Nakazawa 5), Justin Mapp, Sebastien Le Toux, Carlos Ruiz (Gabriel Farfan 80).
Substitutes Not Used: Chris Agorsor, Keon Daniel, Jack McInerney, Zac MacMath.

Referee: Hilario Grajeda
Referee’s Assistants: Bill Dittmar, Paul Scott
4th Official: Daniel Fitzgerald
Time of Game: 1:52
Weather: Cloudy and 73 degrees

September 11, 2010: Philadelphia Union 1–0 Chicago Fire

PSP Match Report Highlights:

What is that number next to Chicago? Is that a zero? Why yes it is. The Union pitched their first ever shutout on Saturday night with a deserved 1-0 victory over a tired Chicago team.

Sheanon Williams played all 90 minutes at right back in his MLS debut.

The Union’s defense was stout for the second straight week, but unlike last week when Seitz failed to make the one big save, we saw Knighton come up big.

PSP Photo Essay

Scoring Summary:
PHI – Sebastien Le Toux 11 (Justin Mapp 3) 36’

Lineups:
Chicago Fire — Sean Johnson, Dasan Robinson, Deris Umanzor, Wilman Conde, Steven Kinney, Patrick Nyarko, Baggio Husidic (Calen Carr 46), Freddie Ljungberg, Logan Pause, Nery Castillo (Corben Bone 86), Collins John (Mike Banner 57).
Substitutes Not Used: Krzysztof Krol, Peter Lowry, Kwame Watson-Siriboe, Andrew Dykstra.

TOTAL SHOTS: 5; SHOTS ON GOAL: 4; FOULS: 8; OFFSIDES: 6; CORNER KICKS: 7; SAVES: 3

Philadelphia Union — Brad Knighton, Sheanon Williams, Danny Califf, Michael Orozco Fiscal, Jordan Harvey, Sebastien Le Toux, Andrew Jacobson, Stefani Miglioranzi, Justin Mapp (Kyle Nakazawa 77), Alejandro Moreno (Shea Salinas 69), Danny Mwanga (Fred 55).
Substitutes Not Used: Cristian Arrieta, Jack McInerney, Amobi Okugo, Chris Seitz.

TOTAL SHOTS: 7; SHOTS ON GOAL: 4; FOULS: 10; OFFSIDES: 5; CORNER KICKS: 3; SAVES: 4

Misconduct Summary:
CHI — Freddie Ljungberg (caution; Dissent) 36
CHI — Wilman Conde (caution; Reckless Tackle) 47+
PHI — Andrew Jacobson (caution; Reckless Tackle) 60

Referee: Edvin Jurisevic
Referee’s Assistants: Bill Dittmar; Eric Proctor
4th Official: Andrew Chapin
Time of Game: 1:52
Attendance: 18,563
Weather: Clear-and-75-degrees

June 5, 2010: Chicago Fire 2–1 Philadelphia Union

PSP Match Report Highlights:

“The Chicago Fire played some of the ugliest, most boring soccer possible to beat Philadelphia Union 2-1 on Saturday night. They scored one early goal, packed 10 men back near the box for the rest of the game, and lucked out on a second goal gifted to them by the Union’s Stefani Miglioranzi.”

“Le Toux took most of the free kicks Saturday, and he consistently shot his corner kicks too far for the Union to touch them. The Union basically wasted most of their five corners.”

Scoring Summary:
CHI – Baggio Husidic 3 (Patrick Nyarko 6, Justin Mapp 2) 14’
CHI – Marco Pappa 3 (Unassisted) 74’
PHI – Danny Mwanga 3 (Sebastien Le Toux 3) 92’

Misconduct Summary:
PHI — Stefani Miglioranzi (caution; Reckless Tackle) 22
CHI — C.J. Brown (caution; Reckless Tackle) 45
CHI — Brian McBride (caution; Dissent) 70

Lineups:
Philadelphia Union (2-6-1) — Chris Seitz; Cristian Arrieta (Roger Torres 46), Danny Califf, Michael Orozco Fiscal, Jordan Harvey; Shea Salinas, Fred (Nick Zimmerman 82), Stefani Miglioranzi, Kyle Nakazawa (Danny Mwanga 46); Sebastien Le Toux, Alejandro Moreno
Substitutes Not Used: Andrew Jacobson, Shavar Thomas, Amobi Okugo, Brad Knighton

Shots: 11; SOG: 2; Fouls: 10; Corner kicks: 5; Offsides: 3; Saves: 4

Chicago Fire (3-3-4) — Andrew Dykstra; Dasan Robinson, C.J. Brown, Wilman Conde, Krzysztof Krol; Patrick Nyarko, Baggio Husidic, Logan Pause, Justin Mapp (Peter Lowry 90); Marco Pappa, Brian McBride.
Substitutes Not Used: Mike Banner, Julio Martinez, Deris Umanzor, Corben Bone, Kwame Watson-Siriboe, Sean Johnson

Shots: 11; SOG: 6; Fouls: 14; Corner kicks: 2; Offsides: 3; Saves: 1

Referee: Abiodun Okulaja
Referee’s Assistants: George Gansner; James Conlee
4th Official: Hilario Grajeda
Attendance: 14,658