February 24, 2024
Chester, PA
The healthy-sized crowd that braced against the cold at the Philadelphia Union’s home opener witnessed a feisty Union side determined to overcome calls and bring the score even with the Chicago Fire before the game’s end.
The home opener saw the loss of Philadelphia’s capable keeper, Andre Blake with an adductor strain. In the post season, Philadelphia moved on from last year’s back-up keeper, Joe Bendit, having signed Oliver Semmle from USL Louisville City FC. The Union handed Semmle his first start against Chicago Saturday.
The scoring started in the first half by Chicago, with Brian Gutiérrez’s stinger off of his right foot just south of the Philadelphia crossbar. Gutiérrez’s goal was assisted by the former Philadelphia Union player, Fabian Herbers.
Then came the first VAR drama. Just as the second half started, Philadelphia’s Dániel Gazdag scored off of a Nathan Harriel cross from, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review. But shortly thereafter, Philadelphia’s Mikael Uhre was on the receiving end of a cross by Quinn Sullivan and tapped the ball into Chicago’s goal. At that point, the score was even at 1-1.
It felt like Philadelphia was in control of the game when, in the 82nd minute, Chicago’s Fabian Herbers again teamed up with Brian Gutiérrez (assist) to score after the ball had rattled around in front of the Union’s box following a Semmle save. The score then was Chicago ahead 2-1.
Minutes later, Chicago headed a Philadelphia corner back to Sullivan, who passed to Low, who then crossed to Gazdag, who then passed to Harriel. Unmarked, Harriel shot to the left side of the goal. But a VAR review again rescinded the goal for offside.
An extended 8 minutes of stoppage time gave Philadelphia the time it needed to level the score. The play started with a lofted put from Sullivan to Bedoya who tapped the ball through to Martinez who then crossed to Gazdag, who ended up with the score at 2-2.
Former Philadelphia Union player Fabian Herbers had a fine evening, with one goal and one assist.
Damion Lowe controlling the ball and Chicago’s Xherdan Shaqiri.
Philadelphia’s Nathan Harriel has made great strides, including a rescinded goal and assist on the evening.
Qunn Sullivan looked positively possessed Saturday, with an assist and a near miss siren shot.
