Philly Sports Jabronis
Report From Philadelphia Union
CHESTER, Pa. – Philadelphia Union fell to Chicago Fire 3-0 Saturday night in front of a crowd of 16,102 at Toyota Park. The loss drops the Union to 11-10-7 on the year. The Union will be back in action on Saturday when the host Montreal Impact at Talen Energy Stadium. This will be the only home match in the month of September for Philadelphia. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be televised on The Comcast Network.
The match was scoreless through the first 20 minutes, but Chicago created an opportunity in the 22nd minute. Arturo Alvarez set up Matt Polster with a pass towards the box. Polster attempted to dish the ball to striker Michael de Leeuw, but Roland Alberg deflected the pass while backtracking. Unfortunately for Philadelphia the deflection got by goalkeeper John McCarthy for an own goal, and Chicago jumped to an early 1-0 lead.
Philadelphia created their best opportunity in the first half in the 31st minute. The Union’s leading goal-scorer Chris Pontius sent a shot that looked destined for the back of the net via the top corner. Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson leaped in the air and deflected the ball over the bar for one of his five saves of night and Chicago finished the first 45 up 1-0.
The Union made several attempts to equalize the match in the second half, but Chicago was able to extend their lead on a counter-attack. Luis Solignac was alone with McCarthy, but was denied a goal. Fortunately for Chicago the rebound found a trailing de Leeuw who notched the second goal of the night for Chicago in the 71st minute.
Chicago earned their third goal of the night in the 90th minute. The goal was set up similar to their second goal on a counter-attack with the Union pushing forward. Alvarez was able to beat McCarthy, finding the back of the net to secure the victory.
Philadelphia will return to action looking to break the club record for wins in a season this Saturday when they host Montreal Impact at Talen Energy Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be televised on The Comcast Network.
MATCH RECAP
Chicago Fire 3, Philadelphia Union 0
Toyota Park
Bridgeview, Ill.
FINAL MATCH STATS
Shots: 16-12 Chicago
Shots on Target: 5-4 Chicago
Possession: 58.1 – 41.9 Union
Passing Accuracy: 77-72 Union
Fouls: 16-8 Chicago
Corners: 5-3 Union
Duels won: 68-44 Union
Tackles won: 15-14 Union
SCORING SUMMARY
CHI – Roland Alberg (Own Goal) 22’
CHI – Michael de Leeuw (71’)
CHI – Arturo Alvarez (Michael de Leeuw) 90’
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY
CHI – Joao Meira (Yellow) 58’
CHI – Razvan Cocis (Yellow) 62’
CHI – Johan Kappelhof (Yellow) 64’
PHILADELPHIA UNION STARTING XI
John McCarthy; Fabinho, Richie Marquez, Ken Tribbett, Keegan Rosenberry; Warren Crevalle , (Leo Fernandes 82’); Tranquillo Barnetta ©; Chris Pontius, Roland Alberg, Fabian Herbers (Ilsinho 69’), C.J. Sapong (Charlie Davies 81’)
Substitutes not used: Matt Jones, Ray Gaddis, Brian Carroll, Auston Trusty
CHICAGO FIRE STARTING XI
Sean Johnson; Brandon Vincent, Joao Meira, Jonathan Campbell, Joahn Kappelhof (Michael Harrington 66’), Matt Polster, Razvan Cocis; Luis Solignac, John Goosens (Michael Stephens 73’), Arturo Alvarez (Joey Calistri 90’+1’), Michael de Leeuw
Substitutes not used: Matt Lampson, Rodrigo Ramos, Eric Gehrig, Nick LeBrocca,
OFFICIALS
Toledo Baldomero (referee), Eric Boria (assistant referee), Logan Brown (assistant referee), Marcos de Oliveira (fourth).
ATTENDANCE
16,102
TEAM NOTES
- Keegan Rosenberry played in his 28th consecutive match. He is the only player this season in MLS to play every minute.
- Richie Marquez has now started in 27 consecutive matches.
- Philadelphia remains one victory shy of tying a club record for most in a season.
- John McCarthy made his first MLS start of the season tonight.
