The Philadelphia Union edged a dramatic win over the Chicago Fire after a 2-2 draw in regulation forced a penalty kick shootout. Indiana Vassilev opened the scoring from Mikael Uhre’s cross, before a beautiful solo goal from Milan Iloski looked to seal the deal for the Union. But, Chicago wasn’t finished, and the Men in Red stormed back to even things up in 2nd half stoppage time. The Boys in Blue had the last laugh in the shootout, as an Andre Blake save and a decisive Jesús Bueno take brought home the dub for Philly. Let’s get into the ratings.

Player Ratings:

Andre Blake – 9

Several patented ‘Saves by Dre’ kept Chigaco off the board until late in the game. Key stop in the penalty kick shootout to deny former Union player Jack Elliot. Hardly at fault for either Fire goal.

Kai Wagner – 8

Nigh impassable on defense and threatening going forward, Kai’s essentiality to the team was again on display. Not a perfect night for the German fullback as he overcooked a few passes and the majority of his crosses only found the head of Elliot. But, he got Oregel sent off near the end of the second half to give the Union a man advantage. 

Interesting to note – Carnell elected to remove him from the shootout as rules dictate each team must have the same number of takers. You can read the full IFAB section here.

Olwethu Makhanya – 8

Cool under pressure, calm on the ball, and strong in the air Makhanya had one of his most complete performances in a Union shirt in his MLS Playoffs debut. 

Jakob Glesnes – 6

Some great defensive plays to minimize Chicago entries into the Union’s third as well as plenty of forward passes. But, he was beaten in the air by his former teammate on the Fire’s opener, and his ill-timed slide tackle led to the free kick that the Fire equalized from.

Nathan Harriel – 6

Solid on defense but a noted hesitancy on attack slowed the Union’s attack on the right side. It was this that spurred the introduction of Frankie Westfield, which helped unlock Chicago’s defense.

Jovan Lukić – 8

Nearly found an early goal with a spectacular strike that whistled wide. Held down the center of the park with his usual tenacious tackles and defense. His interception and forward pass started the attack that ended with Vassilev’s opener.

Danley Jean-Jacques  – 8

In a word: Ubiquitous. The Haitian international was simply everywhere on Sunday, either tackling opposition players or keeping the ball in Philly’s possession. 

Indiana Vassilev – 8

Brought Uhre’s cross down with his chest before finishing past Chris Brady to score the opener. Since returning to the starting eleven after his concussion, Vassilev has been in fine form. 

Milan Iloski – 9

Beautiful goal to put the Union up two. His 4 shots led the Union. Credited with the secondary assist on Philly’s opener.

Tai Baribo – 7

No goals but the Union’s leading scorer was still involved. Baribo was clean on the ball, and nabbed the assist on the Union’s second. Converted his penalty kick in the shootout.

Bruno Damiani – 5

For all his workrate, Damiani’s impact was limited in this one. At least he softened the Chicago defenders up.

Substitutes:

Mikael Uhre – 6

The Dane’s introduction opened the game up for Philly. His cross to the back-post set up Vassilev for the opener and he generally threatened the Chicago backline. Didn’t look confident in the shootout, and missed the starting kick.

Frankie Westfield – 7

The introduction of Westfield saw the Union’s attack operate in a much smoother fashion down the right side. Went second in the shootout and converted at an important juncture.

Cavan Sullivan – 6

Brought on to help close out the game, but the Fire’s tying goal changed the momentum of the game. Cavan was active enough, but only had a few touches. Anyone else feel he would have scored in the shootout?

Jesús Bueno – 7

Important tackles in midfield to win possession back. Slotted home the decisive penalty kick in the shootout with aplomb, sending Chris Brady the wrong way.

Geiger Counter:

Sergii Boiko – 2

Woof. Both sets of players and fans were likely not happy with Boikov and his crew’s performance. Officiating is a tough job and – just like players – refs can have off days, but the overall showing smacked of indecision and lacked conviction.

Player of the Match: Milan Iloski

Wow. Iloski ‘broke out’ for the Union – if a player can break out twice in one season – against Chicago back in August. He posted another impressive game in this one, grabbing the secondary assist on Philly’s opener, and scoring a solo banger for the other Union tally. He converted in the shootout with a top corner placement. With a knack for coming up clutch, Iloski will undoubtedly play a big role for the Union in the playoffs.

What’s Next

Philadelphia will now travel out to Soldier Field to try and finish Chicago off in Game 2. A win would see the Union advance, whereas a loss would set up a decisive Game 3 with the Fire back in Chester.