Damiani’s Brace Powers Union to Eighth Straight Title Win

Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union

The Philadelphia Union traveled to Soldier Field on Wednesday night looking to extend their club-record unbeaten streak and winning streak. Chicago Fire FC made the Union work for it, taking a late first-half lead, but Philadelphia answered with three goals after the break to earn a 3-1 comeback victory.

Maren Haile-Selassie gave Chicago the lead just before halftime. Jack Elliott, already booked, was sent off in stoppage time after receiving a second yellow card. The Union took advantage of the extra player: Milan Iloski equalized four minutes into the second half, and Bruno Damiani scored twice to put Philadelphia in control.

The victory extended the Union’s unbeaten run to 14 matches and their winning streak to eight. Interim head coach Ryan Richter also extended his record unbeaten start to an MLS coaching career to 14 regular-season matches.

How the Match Unfolded

First Half

The Union’s first-half challenge became more difficult late in the period. Haile-Selassie put Chicago ahead in the 45th minute, with Noah Allen and Jonathan Bamba credited with the assists.

Elliott had been cautioned in the 41st minute. He received a second yellow in first-half stoppage time, leaving Chicago with 10 players for the remainder of the match.

Chicago made a change at the break, bringing on Andreas Hanche-Olsen for Bamba. Philadelphia went into halftime trailing 1-0, but had a numerical advantage to exploit.

Second Half

The Union needed only four minutes after the restart to draw level. Iloski scored his 18th league goal of the season, with Damiani assisting.

Philadelphia moved in front in the 55th minute. Cavan Sullivan set up Damiani, who scored his 10th league goal of the season. Damiani struck again in the 67th minute, finishing a pass from Jovan Lukić to complete his brace and bring his season total to 11.

Sullivan’s assist on the go-ahead goal was his 14th of the season. With 21 goal contributions, he set a new MLS single-season record for a teenager. Iloski’s goal brought him to 18 for the season, the third-highest total in the league.

Philadelphia finished with 19 shots to Chicago’s eight and held 51 percent possession. The Union also had the edge in expected goals, 2.22 to 0.83.

The final whistle confirmed another comeback win for the Union. They have now outscored opponents 41-16 during their 14-match unbeaten streak.

Three Takeaways

PSP’s Three Points

• The Union keep making history: Philadelphia’s eighth straight win is a club record. The Union also became just the third MLS club in the post-shootout era to win eight consecutive matches in a single season.

• Damiani is in outstanding form: His two goals and an assist brought his season total to 11 goals. He has recorded eight goals and three assists in his last six league appearances.

• Sullivan keeps setting records: Sullivan’s assist on Damiani’s first goal gave him 21 goal contributions this season, the most ever by a teenager in MLS. He also has 14 assists.

Lineups

Philadelphia Union (4-4-2):

André Blake (C), Frankie Westfield, Neil Pierre, Nathan Harriel, Kai Wagner, Cavan Sullivan (Ben Bender 80’), Jesús Bueno (Indiana Vassilev 56’), Jovan Lukić, Quinn Sullivan (Japhet Sery Larsen 90+2’), Milan Iloski (Malik Jakupovic 90+2’), Bruno Damiani (Ezekiel Alladoh 80’).

Substitutes not used: Andrew Rick, Geiner Martinez, Jeremy Rafanello, Alejandro Bedoya.

Chicago Fire FC (4-4-2):

Chris Brady, Jonathan Dean (Leonardo Barroso 68’), Jack Elliott, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Noah Allen, Johan Gómez (Puso Dithejane 67’), Anton Salétros (Sergio Oregel Jr. 72’), Mauricio Pineda, Jonathan Bamba (Andreas Hanche-Olsen 46’), Robert Lewandowski (Philip Zinckernagel 67’), Maren Haile-Selassie.

Substitutes not used: Jeffrey Gal, Josh Cohen, Andrew Gutman, Dawid Poreba.

Scoring Summary:

CHI – Maren Haile-Selassie (Noah Allen, Jonathan Bamba) 45’
PHI – Milan Iloski (Bruno Damiani) 49’
PHI – Bruno Damiani (Cavan Sullivan) 55’
PHI – Bruno Damiani (Jovan Lukić) 67’

Disciplinary Summary:

CHI – Mbekezeli Mbokazi (caution) 34’
CHI – Jack Elliott (caution) 41’
CHI – Jack Elliott (second caution, ejected) 45+1’
PHI – Indiana Vassilev (caution) 85’
CHI – Philip Zinckernagel (caution) 88’
PHI – Neil Pierre (caution) 90+3’

The Union return to Subaru Park on Saturday, October 17, to face Charlotte FC.