CHESTER, Pa. — Borek Dockal and the Union are officially on a roll.
With a goal and two assists, Dockal edged the Union past Bastian Schweinsteiger and the Chicago Fire, 3-1, on Wednesday night at Talen Energy Stadium, helping the team claim victory for the third time in four games.
Unbeaten in their last four, the Union moved to 5-5-3 on the season, while the Fire fell to 4-7-2.
• Ilsinho broke the ice with a thriller of a goal just before the half. Grabbing possession at the top right corner of the box, the Brazilian put the ball on a string to split Brandon Vincent and Schweinsteiger. Leaving the duo stunned, Ilsinho gained ground before firing off a strong shot that found the net for a 1-0 Union lead heading into half.
The goal was Ilsinho’s third in his last seven games and second in his last three, and set the tempo for the Union heading into the second half.
• Feeling inspired just out of the half, Dockal jumped on the ball, and with a right-footed volley on the right side of the box, floated a perfect cross that found the head of Cory Burke for the clean goal and a 2-0 lead.
For Burke, making the start up front for C.J. Sapong, the goal was his second in two starts this season. He’s been a productive addition for Union manager Jim Curtin.
• But with the two-goal cushion, the Union took a nap. In the 56th minute, Brandt Bronico gained the box and slid a rolling pass to Alan Gordon to cut the Union’s lead in half, 2-1.
• More bad luck struck the Union just prior to the 60th minute. Rookie defender Mark McKenzie, who has been a revelation for the Union, went down clutching his right knee. He walked off under his own power but was replaced by Jack Elliott.
• Burke made his presence felt yet again in the final moments of the contest, when he drew a foul in the box off a tricky header pass from Marcus Epps.
Stepping up to the spot, Dockal buried the goal down the middle for the 3-1 Union lead. It was a welcomed sight for the Union, who watched Sapong miss a crucial penalty kick last weekend at Red Bull Arena.
• The productive night from Dockal wasn’t anything new. After going without a goal or assist in his first seven games, the attacking midfielder has produced three goals and five assists in his last seven games, including five assists in his last four matches.
• The Union’s streak will be tested Saturday, when they travel to face Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on short rest. Lucky for them, Atlanta also played on Wednesday.