Philadelphia Union 3-4 Chicago Fire – Philadelphia Football Page

Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union

Another game, another last-minute collapse that led to a Union loss. Despite a 3-1 lead in Chicago in the second half, the final 10 minutes of the game proved fatal for the Union, as Chicago scored 3 unanswered goals to win the game 4-3. This result marked a first for the Philadelphia Union franchise: it was the first time the team had lost 5 consecutive games.

On that note, let's move on to the rankings, I guess?

Starting lineup:

Olivier Semmle – 2

Say what you will, but I believe that the goalkeeper and backline can only be as good as they allow each other to be. Semmle seems to lack the ability to direct his defenders, which leaves them (and him) staring wide-eyed when a ball flies past them and into the net. I will say that while I can understand the frustration, the obvious tantrums after a goal belong in the dressing room, not in the net.

Kai Wagner – 2

A horrible miscalculation by the running back who tried to stop Chicago's first goal. He wasn't as active on offense as expected.

Jakob Glesnes – 2

He doesn't know if he saw the ball during Chicago's first goal? He continues his series of late reactions, he is slow to return to the back line and he does not anticipate the opponents' passes.

Jack Elliott – 2

You have to appreciate his speed to come back in the hope of trying to block the opening goal, but he ended up leaving the ball at the feet of Haile-Selassie. Another breathtaking performance from the duo who have been the heart of this Union side in recent years.

Nathan Harriel – 3

It's no secret that Harriel could become more dynamic on defense. For now, though, it's hard to see how he could do that when the defense is lacking on all sides.

Good Jesus – 4

He wasn't involved in any of the goals scored or conceded, but seemed to be everywhere at all times with an energy that I wish the rest of the team had. Many thanks to him for his mission of preventing tantrums.

Jack McGlynn – 5

Drawn both Messages for a goal? Call me crazy, but sometimes I dream about what Jack McGlynn would do if we played him as a striker instead of in midfield. (I said you're calling me crazy, didn't I?)

Leon Flach – 4

He tried to help everywhere throughout the night, but a turnover led to Chicago's first goal. I don't know if his assist to Donovan was intentional or if it was made at the right place and time.

Daniel Gazdag – 5

What could be more fitting to make Gazdag the Union's all-time leading scorer than a penalty? It puts the team up 2-1 at halftime, which is a rare occurrence these days. Say what you will, but with Julian Carranza gone, I think Gazdag could do better in more ways than one and become a leader for this team.

Chris Donovan – 4

First goal of the season, even if it was a deflection! At this point, I think I'll just settle for what I like.

Quinn Sullivan – 3

Early assist for Gazdag for a potential goal early in the first half, eventually ruled out for offside. Other than that, an unusually quiet game.

Replacements:

Jeremy Rafanello – N/A

Geiger counter:

Abdou Ndiaye – 7

He did everything in his power, and that of the VAR, to give us a lifeline.

Player of the match:

VAR? Goal posts? Surely it wasn't someone wearing a Union shirt.

And after

The Union will travel home to host the New York Red Bulls at Subaru Park for a rivalry match. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 6, with the action on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.