On Wednesday, Chicago Fire faced off against Philadelphia Union in an intense matchup for Week 18 of the MLS, where the visiting team took home a narrow 1-0 victory. The only goal of the match was scored by Bruno Damiani from the penalty spot in the 9th minute, which ultimately secured the win for Philadelphia.
Chicago Fire had an opportunity to equalize in the 38th minute when Philip Zinckernagel’s shot hit the post, denying them the chance to level the scores.
Bruno Damiani was undeniably the standout performer of the match, not only scoring the decisive goal but also registering two attempts on target.
Another significant player from Philadelphia was Indiana Vassilev, who contributed with three shots on goal throughout the game.
Chicago Fire coach Gregg Berhalter implemented a 4-3-3 formation, featuring Jeffrey Gal as goalkeeper, with Leonardo Barroso, Omar González, Jack Elliott, and Andrew Gutman on defense. The midfield included Sergio Oregel, Mauricio Pineda, and Brian Gutiérrez, while the front line comprised Philip Zinckernagel, Hugo Cuypers, and Jonathan Bamba.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia Union, managed by Bradley Carnell, lined up in a 4-4-2 formation with Andrew Rick Jr. in goal. The defense consisted of Alejandro Bedoya, Jakob Glesnes, Olwethu Makhanya, and Kai Wagner. The midfield included Indiana Vassilev, Jeremy Rafanello, Jovan Lukic, and Benjamin Bender, while the attack featured Bruno Damiani and Chris Donovan.
Greg Dopka officiated the match as the referee.
Looking ahead, Chicago Fire will travel to face FC Cincinnati, while Philadelphia Union will take on Nashville SC at Geodis Park in their next respective matches.
Substitutions for Chicago Fire
69’ 2T – Sergio Oregel off for Kellyn Perry-Acosta, Jonathan Bamba off for Maren Haile-Selassie, and Chris Donovan off for Markus Anderson. 72’ 2T – Hugo Cuypers off for Tom Barlow. 79’ 2T – Leonardo Barroso off for Jonathan Dean.
Yellow Card for Chicago Fire:
35’ 2T – Omar González (Repetitive fouls).
Substitutions for Philadelphia Union
64’ 2T – Benjamin Bender off for Jesús Bueno. 87’ 2T – Bruno Damiani off for Edward Davis.
Yellow Cards for Philadelphia Union:
34’ 1T – Jovan Lukic (Unsporting behavior), 4’ 2T – Jakob Glesnes (Unsporting behavior), 26’ 2T – Jesús Bueno (Unsporting behavior), 44’ 2T – Olwethu Makhanya (Delay of game), and 46’ 2T – Alejandro Bedoya (Holding an opponent to prevent advancement).