Photo courtesy of Ron Soliman

Who: Philadelphia Union (#1 seed) vs. Charlotte FC (4th place, 56 points, 18-2-3)
What: 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, Round 1 Game 2
Where: SeatGeek Stadium
When: Saturday, November 1st, 5:30 PM
Watch: MLS on Apple TV, Radio: 97.5 FM
Whistle: REF: Jon Freemon, AR1: Corey Rockwell, AR2: Adam Garner, 4TH: Chris Penso, VAR: Fotis Bazakos, AVAR: TJ Zablocki

Ding, ding. It’s time for Game 2. The Philadelphia Union will fly out to Chicago for the second game of their Round 1 series with the Fire. In the first match, the Union gave up a 2 goal lead, but were able to come back in a dramatic penalty shootout to secure the victory. Will the Boys in Blue get another win to advance to the Conference Semi-Finals? Or will the Fire be able to force Game 3? 

Scouting report: Chicago Fire FC

• Time wasting galore in Game 1, surely Gregg Berhalter needs to opt for a more attacking game plan from the start
• Zinckernagel returns, Oregel suspended.

At the Soob last Sunday, Gregg Berhalter started with a defensive lineup designed to soak up the Union’s pressure. Homegrown player Brian Gutiérrez was left on the bench but MLS-All Star, and Chicago’s leading goal contributor, Philip Zinckernagel was unable to play due to an injury suffered in the warm-up. Although this tactical set-up frustrated Philadelphia’s attack for about the first hour, it also left the Fire with very few chances of their own. Once the Union adjusted, making some key substitutions, Philly opened the game up. 

Since they need a win, it’s logical to assume Berhalter switches to the 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 that he utilized with the US National Team. The Fire have played some of their best soccer this year with that set-up, but they lost 4-0 in Philly when they employed it during the regular season. 

Expect Zinckernagel to return to the starting eleven, as he has reportedly returned to training. Between him, team top scorer Hugo Cuypers, and budding star Gutiérrez, Chicago’s attack can be quite formidable. 

But, all is not well on the injury front for the Men in Red. Goalkeeper Chris Brady, whose time-wasting and theatrics during the penalty shootout drew criticism from Union fans, is listed as questionable. Should the young keeper be unavailable, it would be a big blow to their chances. 

• Injury report: OUT: Leonardo Barroso (lower body), OUT: André Franco (lower body), OUT: Chris Mueller (not due to injury), OUT: Viktor Radojević (lower body), QUESTIONABLE: Chris Brady (lower body)
• Suspended: Sergio Oregel
• International duty: N/a

Scouting report: Philadelphia Union

There are no easy games in the playoffs. Last week should have re-enforced that lesson for Philadelphia. Despite getting through a tough opening hour that saw Chicago more interested in time wasting than actually playing soccer, the Union looked set to earn a solid win in regulation. The introduction of Frankie Westfield and Mikael Uhre jump started the Boys in Blues’ attack, with Indiana Vassilev and Milan Iloksi making good on their chances. But then, things took a dramatic turn. 

The Fire made a late comeback with former Philly favorite Jack Elliot playing a role in both of the Fire’s goal. His stunning strike in stoppage time tied things up and forced the game into a shootout. While the Union were ultimately able to prevail in dramatic fashion, it will be a mistake they are looking to avoid repeating in Game 2. It’s likely Chicago will opt for a more offensive minded approach this time. But more open attacking play could be just what the doctor ordered for Philly. The Union thrive on the counter. Carnell might choose to start both Uhre and Westfield to offer a greater threat in these situations. In particular, Andrew Gutman pushes very high from his left back spot. Both Union goals came from counter down that side last match and there will likely be space ripe for the taking again.

Although it may seem counter intuitive, Chicago was actually weaker at home this season, only getting 6 of their 15 wins in Illinois. The Union picked up a 1-0 win last time they made the trek to the Windy City, dousing the Fire via a 1-0 scoreline. Philly was pretty good on the road this season, grabbing 8 wins as the away team. For all you stat nerds out there though, today’s game takes place at SeatGeek Stadium as opposed to Soldier Field, Chicago’s usual home field over the past years. The last time both teams met there it was during the 2019 season, and Chicago came away with the 2-0 win. Needless to say, much has changed for both franchises since that match.

• Injury report: OUT: Quinn Sullivan (knee)
• Suspended: N/a
• International duty: N/a

Key matchup

Union Center Backs vs. Chicago Forwards

With Zinckernagel likely back in action, and the Fire needing to win, Jakob Glesnes and Olwethu Makhanya will need to be at their best to keep Chicago’s attack off the board. The Union cannot afford another late collapse like in Game 1.

Player to watch: Mikael Uhre

The Danish Designated Player was unable to start due to a knee issue last week but still changed the game off the bench. His ability to stretch the field and create chances for his team is a key aspect of the Union’s attack and it’s probably that Bradley Carnell will start Uhre, as he appeared to win his starting role back down the stretch of the regular season.

Prediction: Chicago Fire 1-2 Philadelphia Union

Gregg Berhalter will have the Fire lined up more aggressively to start this contest. But this will actually play into the Union’s pressing and counter tactics, and Philly should have more life in the attack. Chicago still score, but it’s not enough to get a result.