Major League Soccer Regular Season - 5

Philadelphia Union 1 - 2 FT Chicago Fire

Subaru Park

Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching

Futmetrix Verdict
48
FT
Sat, Mar 21
Philadelphia Union
1-2
Chicago Fire
⚡ Intensity 32
⚖️ Balance 63
🏆 Stakes 44
🎲 Upset 34
Chicago steals the first leg away.

A 13-Minute Blitz Torches Subaru Park

Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 48/100. Chicago snatched a vital first-leg advantage on the road, leaving a struggling Philadelphia desperate for answers before the return fixture.

A Gritty Opening

Subaru Park expected a dogfight. Philadelphia Union came into this first leg carrying the weight of a horrific losing streak. They desperately needed a spark. Chicago Fire had other plans. The visitors edged possession early on, trying to quiet the home crowd and dictate the tempo. Neither team found immediate rhythm in the final third. The Intensity remained high, marked by 26 combined fouls disrupting the flow of the game. Frankie Westfield tried to anchor the Philadelphia backline, shutting down passing lanes and keeping the Fire at bay. The defensive lines held firm for 44 minutes, suggesting a tight tactical stalemate. Chicago created more high-danger chances, racking up an impressive 2.52 expected goals by the final whistle. The first half felt like a powder keg waiting for a match.

The 13-Minute Firestorm

The powder keg exploded right on the stroke of halftime. The Balance of the match shattered in an instant. A. Gutman found space and delivered a precise setup for H. Cuypers, who buried the opening goal. Philadelphia responded instantly. Before the referee could even think about blowing the halftime whistle, M. Iloski struck back to level the score at 1-1. The crowd erupted, believing the momentum had swung back to the home side. But Chicago possessed too much firepower. Just 13 minutes after the halftime interval, J. Bamba silenced the stadium. He carved through the defense and netted the decisive blow. That wild scoring sequence defined the entire contest, proving Chicago's lethal efficiency inside the box.

Looking Ahead to October

The final half-hour turned into a tense survival test. The Stakes are massive in this two-leg tie, and Chicago knew a road win was absolute gold. They absorbed Philadelphia's desperate late pressure, restricting them to low-percentage looks from outside the penalty area. The Union launched 12 total shots, but only managed a mere 0.85 expected goals. This Upset adds another dark chapter to Philadelphia's miserable season, leaving them anchored at the bottom of the form table. Chicago now holds all the cards. They carry a 2-1 aggregate lead into the second leg on October 15. The Union face a monumental task in the Windy City. Win or go home, Philadelphia has months to figure out how to crack this Fire defense.

Key Questions

Who scored the winning goal for Chicago Fire?

Jonathan Bamba netted the decisive goal in the 58th minute to secure the away victory.

When is the second leg of this tie?

The return leg will be played in Chicago on October 15, 2026.

What is the Futmetrix Score?

The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.

Match Statistics

Possession
47%
53%
Philadelphia Union 47%
Chicago Fire 53%
Shots
12
11
Philadelphia Union 12
Chicago Fire 11
Shots on Target
3
4
Philadelphia Union 3
Chicago Fire 4
Expected Goals (xG)
0.85
2.52
Philadelphia Union 0.85
Chicago Fire 2.52
Passes
373
431
Philadelphia Union 373
Chicago Fire 431
Pass Accuracy
73%
73%
Philadelphia Union 73%
Chicago Fire 73%
Corners
6
2
Philadelphia Union 6
Chicago Fire 2
Fouls
11
15
Philadelphia Union 11
Chicago Fire 15
Yellow Cards
1
3
Philadelphia Union 1
Chicago Fire 3
Red Cards
0
0
Philadelphia Union 0
Chicago Fire 0

Match Events

Robin Lod 🟨 8'
Dje Tah D'Avilla 🟨 23'
P. Zinckernagel M. Haile-Selassie 🔄 31'
37' 🟨 Philippe Ndinga
H. Cuypers (A. Gutman) 45'
45' M. Iloski
HT
46' 🔄 J. Bueno J. Lukic
A. Gutman V. Radojevic 🔄 46'
J. Bamba 58'
62' 🔄 A. Bedoya I. Vassilev
62' 🔄 C. Sullivan M. Jakupovic
66' 🔄 D. Jean Jacques J. Rafanello
76' 🔄 P. Ndinga B. Bender
R. Lod J. Shokalook 🔄 89'
J. Bamba J. Dean 🔄 89'
FT

Player Cards

Our take on every player in this match

Philadelphia Union

Goalkeepers
A. Blake
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
F. Westfield
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
2
Key Passes
2
Key Passes
0
Assists
19%
Pass Acc
N. Harriel
STORMTROOPER
STORMTROOPER
2
Shots
2
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
O. Makhanya
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
P. Ndinga
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
14
Late Mins
14
Late Mins
76
Total Mins
76
Entry
Midfielders
A. Bedoya
PROVIDER
PROVIDER
1
Assists
1
Assists
2
Key Passes
6.6
Rating
D. Jean Jacques
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
66
Total Mins
66
Entry
J. Bueno
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
46
Entry
C. Sullivan
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
62
Total Mins
62
Entry
Forwards
M. Iloski
FINISHER
FINISHER
1
Goals
1
Goals
3
Shots
7.2
Rating
B. Damiani
MAGNET
MAGNET
49
Activity
49
Activity
30
Passes
19
Duels
BENCH
A. Rick
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
J. Sery Larsen
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
G. Martinez
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
I. Vassilev
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
28
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Lukic
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Rafanello
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
24
Total Mins
Started
Entry
B. Bender
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
14
Total Mins
Started
Entry
S. Korzeniowski
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
M. Jakupovic
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
28
Total Mins
Started
Entry

Chicago Fire

Goalkeepers
C. Brady
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
L. Barroso
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Waterman
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
M. Mbokazi
PROVOCATEUR
PROVOCATEUR
2
Fouls Won
2
Fouls Won
8
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
A. Gutman
PROVIDER
PROVIDER
1
Assists
1
Assists
1
Key Passes
6.9
Rating
Midfielders
A. Saletros
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
D. D'Avilla
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
P. Zinckernagel
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
31
Total Mins
31
Entry
R. Lod
STORMTROOPER
STORMTROOPER
2
Shots
2
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
J. Bamba
SNIPER
SNIPER
100%
Conversion
100%
Conversion
1
Goals
1
Shots
Forwards
H. Cuypers
MAGNET
MAGNET
50
Activity
50
Activity
33
Passes
17
Duels
BENCH
J. Gal
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
M. Pineda
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
V. Radojevic
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Sandmeyer
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
M. Haile-Selassie
STORMTROOPER
STORMTROOPER
2
Shots
2
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
J. Dean
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
1
Total Mins
Started
Entry
S. Oregel
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Shokalook
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
1
Total Mins
Started
Entry
P. Dithejane
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry

Head to Head

Date Home Score Away Competition Venue
11/01/2025 Chicago Fire 0 - 3 Philadelphia Union Major League Soccer SeatGeek Stadium
10/26/2025 Philadelphia Union 2 - 2 (PEN 4-2) Chicago Fire Major League Soccer Subaru Park
08/23/2025 Philadelphia Union 4 - 0 Chicago Fire Major League Soccer Subaru Park
06/26/2025 Chicago Fire 0 - 1 Philadelphia Union Major League Soccer Soldier Field
07/04/2024 Chicago Fire 4 - 3 Philadelphia Union Major League Soccer Soldier Field
02/25/2024 Philadelphia Union 2 - 2 Chicago Fire Major League Soccer Subaru Park
04/16/2023 Chicago Fire 2 - 2 Philadelphia Union Major League Soccer Soldier Field
03/12/2023 Philadelphia Union 1 - 0 Chicago Fire Major League Soccer Subaru Park
08/13/2022 Philadelphia Union 4 - 1 Chicago Fire Major League Soccer Subaru Park
11/01/2025
Major League Soccer SeatGeek Stadium
10/26/2025
Major League Soccer Subaru Park
08/23/2025
Major League Soccer Subaru Park
06/26/2025
Major League Soccer Soldier Field
07/04/2024
Major League Soccer Soldier Field
02/25/2024
Major League Soccer Subaru Park
04/16/2023
Major League Soccer Soldier Field
03/12/2023
Major League Soccer Subaru Park
08/13/2022
Major League Soccer Subaru Park
Philadelphia Union Win
Chicago Fire Win
Draw

League Standings

Pos Team P Pts GF GA GD Form
1 Inter Miami 4 10 9 5 +4 WNew York City FC 2 - 3 Inter Miami (22-03-2026)DCharlotte 0 - 0 Inter Miami (14-03-2026)WDC United 1 - 2 Inter Miami (07-03-2026)WOrlando City SC 2 - 4 Inter Miami (02-03-2026)
2 Nashville SC 3 9 10 1 +9 WNashville SC 5 - 0 Orlando City SC (21-03-2026)WColumbus Crew 0 - 1 Nashville SC (14-03-2026)WNashville SC 4 - 1 New England Revolution (22-02-2026)
3 Chicago Fire 4 7 6 3 +3 WPhiladelphia Union 1 - 2 Chicago Fire (21-03-2026)LChicago Fire 1 - 2 DC United (15-03-2026)DColumbus Crew 0 - 0 Chicago Fire (08-03-2026)WChicago Fire 3 - 0 CF Montreal (28-02-2026)
4 Toronto FC 3 7 4 2 +2 WToronto FC 2 - 1 Columbus Crew (21-03-2026)DToronto FC 1 - 1 New York Red Bulls (14-03-2026)WFC Cincinnati 0 - 1 Toronto FC (08-03-2026)
5 DC United 4 7 4 3 +1 DAtlanta United FC 0 - 0 DC United (21-03-2026)WChicago Fire 1 - 2 DC United (15-03-2026)LDC United 1 - 2 Inter Miami (07-03-2026)WDC United 1 - 0 Philadelphia Union (22-02-2026)
6 New York Red Bulls 5 7 5 11 -6 LCharlotte 6 - 1 New York Red Bulls (21-03-2026)DToronto FC 1 - 1 New York Red Bulls (14-03-2026)LNew York Red Bulls 0 - 3 CF Montreal (08-03-2026)WNew York Red Bulls 1 - 0 New England Revolution (28-02-2026)WOrlando City SC 1 - 2 New York Red Bulls (22-02-2026)
7 New York City FC 3 6 9 4 +5 LNew York City FC 2 - 3 Inter Miami (22-03-2026)WNew York City FC 5 - 0 Orlando City SC (07-03-2026)WPhiladelphia Union 1 - 2 New York City FC (01-03-2026)
8 FC Cincinnati 4 6 7 10 -3 WFC Cincinnati 4 - 3 CF Montreal (22-03-2026)LNew England Revolution 6 - 1 FC Cincinnati (15-03-2026)LFC Cincinnati 0 - 1 Toronto FC (08-03-2026)WFC Cincinnati 2 - 0 Atlanta United FC (21-02-2026)
9 Charlotte 2 4 6 1 +5 WCharlotte 6 - 1 New York Red Bulls (21-03-2026)DCharlotte 0 - 0 Inter Miami (14-03-2026)
10 Atlanta United FC 3 4 3 3 0 DAtlanta United FC 0 - 0 DC United (21-03-2026)WAtlanta United FC 3 - 1 Philadelphia Union (14-03-2026)LFC Cincinnati 2 - 0 Atlanta United FC (21-02-2026)
11 New England Revolution 3 3 7 6 +1 WNew England Revolution 6 - 1 FC Cincinnati (15-03-2026)LNew York Red Bulls 1 - 0 New England Revolution (28-02-2026)LNashville SC 4 - 1 New England Revolution (22-02-2026)
12 CF Montreal 4 3 7 9 -2 LFC Cincinnati 4 - 3 CF Montreal (22-03-2026)LOrlando City SC 2 - 1 CF Montreal (14-03-2026)WNew York Red Bulls 0 - 3 CF Montreal (08-03-2026)LChicago Fire 3 - 0 CF Montreal (28-02-2026)
13 Orlando City SC 5 3 5 17 -12 LNashville SC 5 - 0 Orlando City SC (21-03-2026)WOrlando City SC 2 - 1 CF Montreal (14-03-2026)LNew York City FC 5 - 0 Orlando City SC (07-03-2026)LOrlando City SC 2 - 4 Inter Miami (02-03-2026)LOrlando City SC 1 - 2 New York Red Bulls (22-02-2026)
14 Columbus Crew 3 1 1 3 -2 LToronto FC 2 - 1 Columbus Crew (21-03-2026)LColumbus Crew 0 - 1 Nashville SC (14-03-2026)DColumbus Crew 0 - 0 Chicago Fire (08-03-2026)
15 Philadelphia Union 4 0 3 8 -5 LPhiladelphia Union 1 - 2 Chicago Fire (21-03-2026)LAtlanta United FC 3 - 1 Philadelphia Union (14-03-2026)LPhiladelphia Union 1 - 2 New York City FC (01-03-2026)LDC United 1 - 0 Philadelphia Union (22-02-2026)