In a dramatic-filled match, the Union faced the Chicago Fire FC on Sunday night at Subaru Park in the opening match of the 2025 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best-of-3 series, earning the first victory of the matchup. We can break it all down here:
2-For-5
After a scoreless first half that frustratingly saw Philadelphia struggle to get the ball off their feet, midfielder Indiana Vassilev finally broke through with a tally in the 70th minute. Teammate Mikael Uhre found Vassilev at the side of the Chicago net with a nice aerial pass. Vassilev alertly took the ball on his chest before placing a left footed shot in the lower right zone of the net.
“I didn’t know if I wanted to head it or chest it,” Vassilev admitted postgame. “I decided to chest it, it ended up being a good touch, and I wanted to hit it into the ground.”
Just five minutes later, forward Milan Iloski scores for the Union with an fantastic solo run of his own after the Fire turned the ball over. Both Philly goals began on the right side of the pitch with the Union dissecting the Fire on that side before the finishes came on opposite side of the field. Stylistically, it is the Philadelphia blueprint on goal creation this season.
“I honestly think it’s just constant pressure,” Vassilev said. “It’s tough to go 0-0 against our team so far into the match. We want to put teams under pressure. That’s our style, that’s our game model. If you don’t know it, surprise. I think it just wears teams down.”
Familiar Foe
Of course, it would not be a Philadelphia playoff match without some drama. Chicago would respond with two late goals to even the match with one of those markers coming from none other than Jack Elliott. Obviously, Elliott was once a fixture with the Union, spending eight seasons with in the blue and gold before signing in Chicago this off-season. It was as unlikely of a goal as you’ll find from a player not known to fill the net.
“They had some good dribbles coming up,” Mikael Uhre said. “It caught us a little bit open, some good passes, and a little bit fortunate with some the of the bounces also. I don’t think Jack is going score that 9-out-10 times, so… ”
Nevertheless, Elliott’s hit would force a post-regulation shootout.
Ice Cold ChuChu
In the shootout, it was Goalkeeper Andre Blake making two saves, and midfielder Jesus Bueno converting the game-winning finish to clinch the first win of the series. Frankie Westfield, Tai Baribo and Illoski also scored in the PKs as well. It was all class in some big moments, especially for young upcomers such as Westfield and Bueno. From coaches and teammates alike, they trust these young players.
“The confidence my coaches put in me, gives me motivation,” Bueno said. “I was a little nervous, but once Blake handed me the ball, we laughed, and I knew everything was going to be okay.”
Did You Know?
Per the club, this match is the Union’s first-ever playoff matchup against the Chicago Fire FC. With the win, Philadelphia is currently riding a 15 home match unbeaten streak against Chicago across all competitions.
They Said It
Mikael Uhre on how the Union should attack game 2: “If we can get them out moving, we can cut them open. That’s definitely something we need to take to game 2.”
Andre Blake on goalkeeper coach Phil Wheddon helping him in Pks: “He’s a great person, a great goalkeeper coach, we’ve been working together for a while now. He prepares me for these moments and I just have to go out there and try to do my best.”
On Deck
The Union return to action next Saturday, November 1st, when they head to the windy city to take on the Fire for game 2. With a win, Philadelphia can advance to round 2. The match is set for 5:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on FS1.
