Match Recap: Union Grit Out 1–0 Road Win Over Chicago Fire with Damiani’s Penalty
Makeshift Union Lineup Holds Firm, Extends Unbeaten Streak to 11 with Glesnes' late Goal-Line Clearance
Chicago — It wasn’t the prettiest game at times, but it didn’t need to be, as the Union secured a 1–0 win over the Chicago Fire with Bruno Damiani’s penalty kick in the 10th minute. In a match where the Chicago Fire outpossessed and outshot them, the Union dug deep with six blocked shots. When the game called for slowing down, they drew 21 fouls to help secure the victory.
With nine players out due to international duty and injuries, Bradley Carnell was forced to field another makeshift starting XI. Andrew Rick started in goal for his ninth appearance of the season. With all three right backs unavailable, the Union deployed a patched-together backline, with Alejandro Bedoya starting as the emergency right back. Jakob Glesnes, Olwethu Makhanya, and Kai Wagner completed the backline. In midfield, Jeremy Rafanello started for the first time this season, paired with Jovan Lukić as the second No. 6. Ben Bender and Indiana Vassilev started as the two No. 10s, with Bruno Damiani and Chris Donovan as the forwards.
As they have often done this season, the Union opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a Bruno Damiani penalty. Alejandro Bedoya tackled the ball off Jonathan Bamba, sparking a Union counterattack. The ball eventually reached Chris Donovan on the right side of the penalty area. His cross into the box was knocked down by an Andrew Gutman handball. With his goal, Damiani scored his third of the season and his first since April 26 against D.C. United.
The Union had a chance to make it 2–0 in the 14th minute with a long-distance shot from Jovan Lukić, which was easily saved by Chicago goalkeeper Jeff Gal.
Andrew Rick made his first save in the 34th minute, stopping Filip Zinchernagel’s strike from outside the 18-yard box after some sharp ball movement by Chicago.
Chicago had their first real chance in the 39th minute after Jeremy Rafanello attempted to dribble past two Fire players in the Union’s defensive half. Filip Zinchernagel received a pass from Jonathan Bamba outside the 18-yard box, and his strike rattled the crossbar.
The Union went into halftime up 1–0, marking the 11th time this season they scored the first goal of a match. It was also the eighth time they held a halftime lead, and their first on the road. Chicago led in possession at the half, 55–45, with both teams tied at seven shots, though three of the Union’s were on target.
Bradley Carnell made his first substitution in the 65th minute, bringing on Jesús Bueno for Ben Bender.
Chicago created their most significant chance of the second half in the 69th minute after dispossessing Chris Donovan in the Union’s half. Filip Zinchernagel played a floated ball into the penalty area for Hugo Cuypers, who chested it down for Brian Gutiérrez, whose shot was blocked by Jakob Glesnes.
Carnell made his second change in the 70th minute, bringing on Markus Anderson for Chris Donovan.
Carnell’s third and final substitution came in the 88th minute, with Eddy Davis making his MLS debut, replacing Bruno Damiani.
Chicago had one last chance in the 93rd minute off a set piece. Zinchernagel played the ball short to Gutiérrez, who blasted a powerful shot from outside the 18-yard box through heavy traffic. The ball beat Andrew Rick, but Jakob Glesnes cleared it off the goal line.
DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY
PHI – Jovan Lukic (caution) 35’
PHI – Jakob Glesnes (caution) 50’
PHI – Jesus Bueno (caution) 72’
CHI – Omar González (caution) 81’
PHI – Olwethu Makhanya (caution) 90’
PHI – Alejandro Bedoya (caution) 90+2’
With the 1–0 win, the Union improved to a 12–3–4 record for 40 points, four points clear of San Diego for the Supporters’ Shield lead. They also secured their sixth road win of the season, tying FC Cincinnati and the Chicago Fire for the most in the league. The Union extended their unbeaten streak to 11 games.
Key Moments
10’ | Bruno Damiani goal
39’ | Phillip Zinckernagel hits crossbar
93’ | Jakob Glesnes goal line clearance
Great recap as always!