A stellar first half powered Philadelphia Union into the Eastern Conference Semifinals as they blanked Chicago Fire FC by a 3-0 margin in the Windy City.
Tai Baribo bagged the first two goals of his Audi MLS Cup Playoff career with quick finishes in the eighth and 16th minute to break the match opener. Fellow forward Bruno Damiani added a third to complete the dominant opening half with a 35th minute goal. Philly earned the clean sheet with Andre Blake making a penalty kick save in the 32nd minute for his only stop of the night.
With the win, Philadelphia Union is into the Eastern Conference Semifinals and will play the remainder of their 2025 postseason at Subaru Park after claiming the Supporters' Shield as the club with the most points in the regular season. The Boys in Blue will host either Charlotte FC or New York City FC the weekend of November 22nd. Union fans don't have to wait however with tickets for the match at Subaru Park on sale by clicking here!
Lineup notes
Head Coach Bradley Carnell sent out a never-before-see starting XI for the team’s second match of their Best of Three first round series against Chicago Fire, adding Frankie Westfield into the mix. The 19-year-old Homegrown featured in the starting xi out his typical right back position, while Nathan Harriel, Kai Wagner, Jakob Glesnes, and Olwethu Makhanya made up the backline.
In the midfield, Carnell started Jovan Lukic, Danley Jean Jacques, Milan Iloski, and Westfield, while Tai Baribo and Bruno Damiani were paired up top.
On the bench, Rick was the backup, sitting alongside Cavan Sullivan, Jesus Bueno, Alejandro Bedoya, Jeremy Rafanello, Olivier Mbaizo, Ben Bender, Indiana Vassilev, and Chris Donovan.
As for the hosts, they made multiple changes to their starting group -- Chris Brady started in Philly but didn't appear in the team's matchday roster on Saturday night due to injury, while Philip Zinckernagel returned to the group after picking up an injury during warmups before Game 1.
Baribo opens scoring! | Philadelphia Union started strong with an impressive goal from Tai Baribo to give them a 1-0 lead in the opening 10 minutes. The 27-year-old Israeli striker pressured backup keeper Jeffrey Gal for a steal then an open-net shot in front of Chicago's Supporters' Section.
Baribo again! | Baribo doubled Philadelphia Union's lead less than 10 minutes later -- a pass from Jovan Lukic to Kai Wagner set up a the German left back for a lofted pass into the box for a leaping headed finish.
Massive save from Andre Blake | Three-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Andre Blake made an all-important stop in the 32nd minute, diving to save a shot from the penalty spot taken by Chicago Fire Homegrown Brian Gutiérrez.
Damiani makes it 3-0! | With a comfortable two goal lead and major momentum, Philadelphia continued their persistent press and it paid off when Milan Iloski diverted a kick from Gal, allowing Damiani to find the rebound for a one-touch open net goal.
