Chicago Fire FC Comes from Behind to Defeat Philadelphia Union 4-3 at Soldier Field

July 4, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release

Chicago Fire FC on game night
(Chicago Fire FC)

CHICAGO – Chicago Fire FC (5-10-6, 21 points) scored three unanswered goals late in the second half to win 4-3 over the Philadelphia Union (4-9-8, 20 points) on Wednesday night at Soldier Field. Trailing 3-1 as the game approached the final whistle, the Fire scored in the 82nd, 89th and 90+2nd minutes to come from behind and win their fourth match at Soldier Field in 2024.

Both Hugo Cuypers and Maren Haile-Selassie continued their scoring form, with Gastón Giménez also opening his 2024 account. Cuypers scored his first career MLS brace, including the game winner in the 90+2nd minute, extending his team-leading tally to nine goals. Haile-Selassie scored in his fourth-straight game, and assisted on Cuypers’ game winner. He is the third Fire player since the 2020 season to score in four straight matches, and the ninth different player in Club history to accomplish the feat.

Chicago broke through in the 30th minute when Haile-Selassie scored his fifth goal of the season. Chicago played the ball up the right flank for Allan Arigoni, who sent a cross into the six-yard box. The ball was mis-hit by a Philadelphia defender and landed in front of Haile-Selassie, who struck it past goalkeeper Oliver Semmle.

The Union responded to Haile-Selassie’s finish with three straight goals, including consecutive goals on either side of halftime. In the 38th minute, Chris Donovan capitalized on a pass from Leon Flach in the box and redirected the ball into the back of the net.

Philadelphia’s second goal was a penalty kick awarded to the Union after Video Assistant Review. The referee determined that Chicago goalkeeper Chris Brady fouled Philadelphia’s Nathan Harriel in the box, pointing to the spot. Daniel Gazdag scored the penalty in the 45+7th minute for his 11th goal of the season. The Union’s third came in the 49th minute when Jack McGlynn sent a shot to the lower left corner past a diving Brady.

Despite having a goal overturned by VAR in the 54th minute, Chicago continued to push forward in the second half and began its comeback in the 82nd minute when Cuypers scored his team-leading eighth goal of the season. A short corner on the left was played across the box where Chris Mueller headed it back across the goal. Cuypers was ready, redirecting the ball inside the far post with a powerful header.

The Fire leveled the score from another short corner…