Photo: Kyle Grantham
The Philadelphia Union dominated the Chicago Fire en route to a 4-0 win that put them back in the lead in the Supporters’ Shield race. Philly’s press suffocated a stubborn Gregg Berhalter side (a story that might sound familiar to fans of the USMNT), but the Union also showed some impressive chops in possession. Here are the ratings:
Player Ratings
GK Andrew Rick – 6
Rick performed when he had to, including on a tricky deflected shot in the 13th minute, but had a few nervy moments as well.
LB Kai Wagner – 8.5
A goal, an assist, and another outstanding performance from the Union’s talisman left-back. What more is there to say about this man’s magic left foot?
CB Olwethu Makhanya – 7
Makhanya’s positioning was outstanding all night. He seems to have developed a great understanding with Glesnes.
CB Jakob Glesnes – 7.5
Glesnes smothered Chicago whenever they tried to get forward, recording seven tackles and two interceptions on the night.
RB Frankie Westfield – 7
Put in a couple of dangerous balls, including one that led to Danley’s goal in the 73rd minute.
DM Danley Jean Jacques – 7.5
Danley’s late runs into the box are superb. On top of his goal he was absolutely dominant in midfield, completing 54/57 passes (95%).
DM Jovan Lukic – 6.5
Quietly does the dirty work in midfield that allows for the rest of the attackers to shine.
AM Quinn Sullivan – 6.5
Quinn Sullivan didn’t get on the scoresheet, but was involved in several of the Union’s goals on the night, and showed off his quality and speed throughout.
AM Milan Iloski – 8.5
Iloksi’s goalscoring has been as advertised, but his relentless pressing and crafty dribbling (including one winding run through six Chicago defenders in the 12th minute) have been an outstanding bonus. How did San Diego let this guy walk?
FWD Tai Baribo – 7.5
Missed three chances in the first four minutes, but eventually got yet another one-touch goal, this one on a cheeky finish through Chris Brady’s legs.
FWD Bruno Damiani – 6
Just one shot on the night for the big man, who continues to take a beating up front in order to hold the ball up for the other attackers.
Substitutes:
(74’) Cavan Sullivan – 5.5
Sort of helped set up Iloski’s goal, but had more enthusiasm than end product.
(74’) Mikael Uhre – 5.5
Always a willing runner, even when 4-0 up in stoppage time.
(79’) Chris Donovan – N/A
(84’) Jeremy Rafanello – N/A
(84’) Alejandro Bedoya – N/A
Geiger Counter
Rubiel Vazquez – 5
Was way too whistle-happy, but all’s well that ends well.
Player of the Match – Milan Iloski
Ernst Tanner has done it again. Through four games Iloski looks like just what the Union needed to up their level as they hunt for a trophy down the stretch.
What’s Next…
The Union head to Cincinnati on Saturday August 30 (7:30 p.m. ET/AppleTV) for a crucial game against the second-place team in the East.
Great report. Thanks!
Iloski looked fantastic. What a great pickup.
I was worried when the Union sent Gazdag and McGlynn packing, but no longer.
Still wondering what all the hype over Cavan is. I am just not seeing it. Hopefully it’s not another Freddy Adu saga, though Freddy was actually okay when he played for the Union.
The upcoming match at Cincinnati is huge. Weird how they let Yedlin go, as he was jamming for them. Evander is the real danger, though, and Denkey! Looking forward to that one. Doop!
Hope everyone is enjoying the lovely waning days of summer. Cheers!
Cavan doesn’t get many minutes. But his style of play is more dynamic. He meshes better with player that are willing to play to him. He can be a star. He has proven it with Union II
Post match, Iloski raved about Cavan. Saying he does things at his age that Iloski can’t do now. Hold off on expectations for Cavan for the time being. They are just getting him ready to shine.
Remember that Cavan Sulllivanis not quite 16 years old. He turns sixteen at the very end of September.
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He is not yet physically a full adult.
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He does not yet have the physical resources his oldest brother does, … namelynto play a full 90 on Saturday and start again on Wednesday.
Good ratings for the boys! I’m ok with Rick in goal… he’s developing. Not perfect, but we have been spoiled by Blake. With regard to Blake, I’m hoping his injury troubles don’t derail his career. Iloski is the real deal! Wow!
Rick is a bit above average as a shot stopper, with room to grow. But his distribution is better than Andre’s.
I said much earlier in the season and I stick by it, given Blake’s injury issues plus time away with the national team, it may be time to sell him while you can still get something for him and so Rick doesn’t go the way of McCarthy and Freese.
@Andy – Blake is 34 and often injured. What would you hope to get for him?
They may not get much for him but they’ll get more now than they will in 2 or 3 years.
There’s no reason to move on from Andre. Rick is very very young for a keeper and Andre’s contract expires (after an option) after 2027. That’s a perfect timeline for a hand-off and a fair honor for our greatest player ever.
Iloski has awareness and the fundamentals to make this national team before WC 2026….damiani and glesnes are our issues once this team hits playoffs. Harriel should be the starting cb as we start getting closer to playoffs. Glesnes is too slow and teams attack him because of it. Damiani has had ample opportunity to at least show something. He has shown absolutely nothing and we have a bench of strikers we could use.
Other than this, Head coach Carnell is the mvp he’s making all the right moves and finally showing this fan base how poor of a situational coach Jim Curtin was.
Given the new contract, benching Glesnes is not going to happen. And Harriel has issues of his own.
Harriel is not a CB. Can he fill in, sure. But Glesnes (slow as he is, but partnered with Makhanya)is a better choice than Harriel.
Harriel is a last choice in my book
Technically, by roster, Neil Pierre is the 4th choice CB.
Glesnes is not a weak link. 2024 Jake? Absolutely was a weak link, especially paired with Elliott. 2025 Glesnes looks more like 22-23 Glesnes. He’s been playing at a very high level all season.
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I also wonder how close Pierre is to making his first team debut as a sub? Seeing as the Union have not yet signed another CB.
I like Glesnes in the middle.
There is a reason guys can play CB into old age in European leagues, even against the fastest and best FWDs in the world. Speed is important, but so is size, positioning and anticipation. A large frame is needed inside to enforce your will against tall, powerful Strikers. I’m a Harriel fan, just at RB.
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As far as against Cincy, I hope Carnell puts Uhre up top, with Baribo. That combo works better. Maybe Damiani can be more effective subbing, against tired defenders.
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Totally agree, on Iloski and the USMNT. It would be great to see him and Pulisic playing the Wings together. I just hope he and Sullivan still have time to crack the politics of US Soccer, and get on the WC roster. US Soccer seems to have their favorites, and it’s tough to crack through and displace many of the perpetual players on the 1st team.