Philadelphia Union Launch Postseason Quest Against Chicago Fire

The Philadelphia Union begin their quest for a first MLS Cup title with a three-game series against the Chicago Fire, starting on Sunday night in Chester, Pennsylvania. Under the leadership of Bradley Carnell, the Union have transformed from a team that finished 12th in the MLS Eastern Conference last season into the 2023 Supporters’ Shield winners. The club is looking to make history by becoming the eighth team to win the MLS title after finishing with the best regular-season record.

The last team to achieve this was Los Angeles FC in 2022, when they triumphed over the Union in a penalty shootout following a thrilling 3-3 draw. Now, the Union aim to capitalize on their home advantage during the postseason. Defender Nathan Harriel emphasized the significance of playing at home, stating, “It makes a big difference being home versus away in these games. It’s great to know that the rest of this year can run through Philadelphia.”

Carnell’s tactical approach has been marked by a structured defense that has conceded the fewest goals in MLS this season, allowing only 35. Key players like Kai Wagner and Jakob Glesnes, both nominees for MLS Defender of the Year, have been pivotal in achieving 14 clean sheets, including two against Chicago.

In their last encounter on August 23, 2023, the Union dominated the Fire with a convincing 4-0 victory, featuring goals from four different players. Tai Baribo leads the Union with 16 goals this season, showcasing the team’s offensive depth.

Despite their recent struggles, Chicago has rebounded with a strong performance, going 5-1-2 in their last eight matches. Their momentum includes a 3-1 win over Orlando City in the Eastern Conference wild-card game, where Hugo Cuypers scored two goals to secure their playoff spot. Carnell acknowledged Chicago’s evolution, noting, “They’ve changed formations. They’ve changed a lot of different things that have matched up to the opponent. But what they don’t change is the quality of their group.”

The Fire’s attacking trio, which includes Cuypers, Philip Zinckernagel (15 goals, 17 assists), and Jonathan Bamba (five goals, 11 assists), has propelled their offensive output to 68 goals this season, the second highest in the league. This resurgence has led Chicago to their first playoff appearance since 2017.

Reflecting on the Union’s prowess, Fire coach Gregg Berhalter remarked, “They’re Supporters’ Shield champs for a reason. They have a deep squad, so we’ll have our hands full.” As the postseason unfolds, both teams are set to showcase their strengths in what promises to be an exciting series.

With the stakes high, the Union are determined to leverage their home field advantage to secure a coveted position in MLS history. The first match of the series will kick off a dramatic journey for both clubs as they vie for the ultimate prize in American soccer.