Mike Magee finally got onto the scoresheet, but thanks to his inability to covert from the spot in stoppage time, Chicago couldn’t break into the win column. Failing to beat Zac MacMath with either his late penalty kick or his rebound attempt, Magee was forced to content himself with a one goal, one assist afternoon as the Fire drew the Union, 2-2.
Given the quality of opposition, however, the Fire could still take solace in the result, but given how many chances Frank Yallop’s team had to take this game, regret would be a more appropriate response. With Philadelphia scoring both of its goals over a eight-minute span of the first half, Chicago was the better team for most of the afternoon. After Magee’s failed conversion, the Fire were left with their fourth draw in a row.
This performance, however, may have been the team’s best of the season. While they also gave decent performances in draws against Portland, New York, and D.C. United, Saturday was the first time this season where Chicago was indisputably the better side. Despite being out-numbered in midfield, they won the possession battle (52-48) while putting seven shots on goal to Philadelphia’s two. Jhon Kennedy Hurtado and Bakary Soumaré held Conor Casey, making his first start of the season, without a shot, let alone one on target. This was Chicago’s best performance.
It may also have been Philadelphia’s worse. With a midfield of Maurice Edu, Brian Carroll, and Vincent Nogeuira going up against Matt Watson and Jeff Larentowicz, the Union should have exacted the same control on this game that they had against New England and Montréal. But that didn’t happen. When Philadelphis broke through in the 32nd minute through Maurice Edu, it was against the run of play and with the help of a fortunate deflection. When Leo Fernandes gave them the lead seven minutes later, it was through the generosity of a chaotically played free kick. The Union were fortunate to be in front.
Given its talent and how it sets up, Philadelphia should have been able to see the game out. Instead, for the second straight week, they gave up a late goal, with Juan Luis Anangonó given an easy header from a yard out off a ball from Magee. In the first half, Magee was also allowed to score from close range, with Amobi Okugo playing a part in each conceded goal.
With Aaron Wheeler conceding the late penalty, both Philadelphia defenders were guilty of making mistakes, though they weren’t the only ones who underperformed on the day. Five games into the season the Union have their first truly disappointing performance.
It’s a fact makes the result all the more regrettable for the Fire. Whether they caught Philly on an off day or this is the Union showing their true colors, Chicago should have beat them. Unable to come through, Yallop’s team keeps their “0" in the win column.
