First Half

The Union entered their first playoff match since 2023 with six players making their first MLS postseason appearance. Under the glow of a packed Subaru Park and a newly unveiled Supporters’ Shield banner, the opening half was a tight, physical affair.

Philly’s first real look came in the 8th minute, when Jovan Lukic volleyed wide from the edge of the box after a recycled corner. Both sides traded half-chances through the opening 30 minutes, with Danley Jean Jacques and Kai Wagner each firing over from distance.

As the half wore on, Chicago began to press forward, forcing Andre Blake into a sharp save in the 39th minute to deny Jonathan Bamba from close range. Despite the intensity and a handful of fouls, neither side broke through before the whistle, sending the teams into halftime scoreless.

Second Half

After a sluggish start to the second half, Bradley Carnell’s substitutions shifted the momentum. In the 64th minute, Mikael Uhre and Frankie Westfield came on for Bruno Damiani and Nathan Harriel, and the change paid off almost immediately.

In the 70th minute, Uhre linked up beautifully with Indiana Vassilev, slipping a clever pass into the box for the midfielder to finish low into the right corner for 1–0. Just five minutes later, Philly doubled the lead when Milan Iloski danced through defenders before blasting a left-footed shot into the top corner for 2–0, with Tai Baribo providing the assist.

The Union looked to close things out, bringing on Jesús Bueno and Cavan Sullivan in the 82nd minute to tighten midfield control. But the Fire refused to fade. In the 84th minute, Bamba pulled one back from close range after a scramble in front of goal.

Then, deep into stoppage time, former Union defender Jack Elliott unleashed a low drive from distance that slipped through traffic and found the bottom corner in the 90+3 minute, leveling the match at 2–2.

Tempers flared soon after as a scuffle broke out in stoppage time, with Chicago’s Sergio Oregel Jr. sent off for violent conduct after a clash with Kai Wagner and Brian Gutiérrez, leaving the visitors down to ten men heading into the shootout.

Penalty Shootout

With the crowd on its feet, the shootout opened dramatically as both goalkeepers stole the spotlight early. Chris Brady denied Mikael Uhre, only for Andre Blake to respond moments later by saving from Jack Elliott, keeping things level.

From there, the Union’s shooters took control:

• Frankie Westfield buried his attempt down the middle.

• Milan Iloski followed with a confident strike to the top right.

• Tai Baribo slotted home to the lower right.

When Chicago’s Joel Waterman hit the crossbar moments later, the door opened for another Union postseason hero moment and Jesús Bueno delivered. The Venezuelan midfielder calmly rolled his shot into the bottom right corner to clinch the shootout victory, sparking celebrations across Subaru Park.

Three Points

• Uhre Unlocks the Attack: Once again, Mikael Uhre’s presence completely changed the Union’s offensive rhythm. Even without scoring in open play, it’s obvious that Philly’s attack just flows better when Uhre’s on the pitch.
• The Bus Broke Down: After going up 2–0, Philly’s defensive shape got passive, allowing Chicago to dictate tempo and claw back two goals. It’s a cautionary tale: this team thrives in transition and chaos, not when sitting back and absorbing pressure.
• Chicago’s Oregel Problem: The Fire’s late red card to Sergio Oregel adds insult to injury. His dismissal for violent conduct means Chicago will be without one of their more versatile midfielders for Game 2.

Lineups