The Union returned home after an extended break to take on the Chicago Fire. In their last meeting the Fire took down a 10-man Union in Chicago. The Union, in first, needed a good result against last place Chicago to extend their lead over NYCFC. After a tough start in New York, the Union fought back from down 3-0 to pull back two goals, which were unfortunately not enough as the Union lost 3-2.
David Accam got on the board early for Chicago in the 2nd minute. After winning a 50/50 with Ken Tribbet the pacy forward was able to push the ball past Brian Carroll and slot past Blake when put 1-on-1 with the Jamaican keeper.
Despite giving up the early goal the Union started the game well, pressing high and getting the ball into the Chicago box early and often. Chicago started the game with 5 in the back, showing their desire to prevent the Union from getting chances, and a defend first mentality.
It didn’t take long for the Union to equalize. Roland Alberg faked on his right, cut to his left, and hit a rocket off of the near post. His shot bounced back into play, and off Chicago defender Jonathan Campbell ricocheting in the back of the net. The play started with a great Pontius run down the left side. He cut in and picked his head up, ready to make a killer pass. Alberg made a great run down the middle, but Pontius elected to play it wide to Ilsinho on the right side. Ilsinho passed back to Keegan Rosenberry whose cross was right at Pontius. The former DC man had the brains to leave the pass for Alberg at the back post who finished the job off.
The Union took the lead in the 15th minute from yet another Roland Alberg shot. This time it wasn’t an own goal and Alberg will take most of the credit. Sean Johnson parried Barnetta’s initial shot off of the post. The ball came back out to Fabian Herbers who was unable to gain control, and defelcted the ball towards Alberg who made no mistake launching the ball into the back of the net.
Accam missed a great chance to equalize when Razvan Cocis found him in the Union box. Cocis’s cut-back cross was perfect, but Accam leaned back and launched his shot over the bar.
A series of terrific sliding challenges by Union defenders kept Blake from having too much work near the 30th minute. Tribbet had one in particular that surely saved a goal as Cocis was through on net. Tribbet took the risk and slid from behind, nicking away the ball.
Alberg almost struck again when his first timed volley came inches away. A great counter attack ended with Rosenberry crossing to Alberg who used terrific technique to swat the ball out of the air, narrowly missing an early brace.
Alberg did get his second, however just before the end of the half. Ilsinho played Barnetta into space in front of the Fire backline. The Swiss midfielder then, after drawing a defender, played Herbers behind the Chicago line putting him one on one with Johnson. The Fire keeper came up with a big save, but it ended up back in play, and fell to Roland Alberg. The Dutch man’s first shot was saved by a stumbling Chicago defender, which rebounded back to Alberg who made no mistake with his second attempt, slotting past two defenders and a goalkeeper.
At the half the Union led 3-1 despite only 45% possession. Chicago has struggled to deal with the Union counter, and has done woefully marking in the box. The Fire’s use of possession has seemed uninspired, as they aimlessly knock the ball around the backline. Meanwhile the Union are looking to play forward any chance they get.
Roland Alberg must really be feeling it as he continues to threaten the goal. His shot in the 46th minute was extremely close to his 3rd of the night. Rosenberry crossed to Alberg 20 yards out, the Dutchman took a touch, and volleyed out of the air, forcing a top-notch save from Johnson in net. His dipping effort was surely headed for the top corner before being parried by the Fire goalkeeper.
The Union got a penalty in the 55th minute when Alberg and Pontius combined to get into the Chicago box. Pontius was pulled back while chasing down the ball and a penalty was given. Alberg stepped up to take the shot and sealed his hat trick by sending Johnson the wrong way.
The Fire got one back in the 69th minute. A cross by Rodrigo Ramos found Cocis at the near post. All Cocis had to do was get a slight touch on the ball to put it past Blake in net.
The Fire then made it a one-goal game not too long after. Khaly Thiam put in a corner kick in the 80th minute as the game began to get interesting.
Keegan Rosenberry almost got one back off of a Union corner. Rosenberry found space when the ball to the near post was flicked to him at the back post.The Chicago man on the post, Ramos, stopped his near post shot brilliantly.
In the waning minutes the players on both teams fatigued. It became difficult for either sides players to make runs into space left by tired defenders. The game became sloppy and Chicago failed to get any real chances in the last 10 minutes. Credit should be given to the Union for seeing the game out when tired legs and tired minds kicked in and concentration was imperative.
Thoughts:
Between Accam and Igboananike Chicago presented a great threat on the counter. While the Union looked the better team there is no doubt that Chicago presented a threat on the counter.
By playing two attacking minded midfielders in Barnetta and Alberg, Philadelphia possed multiple threats all over the field. Ilsinho and Pontius are another set of technical players, each of whom can create a threat from anywhere.
In the absence of CJ Sapong, Alberg has stepped up brilliantly. He is confident on the ball, and is ruthless finding space and finishing in the box.
Bringing on Yaro was a terrific decision. His pace was needed against Accam and Igboananike. Not to mention the fact that Tribbet was on a yellow and was beaten for pace in multiple occasions.
Barnetta plays well in a deeper midfield role. He isn’t as influential as when he is further up the field, but is still an impact player. He is very similar to Nogueira in style and could play a similar role.
Alberg scored the second hat trick in Union history tonight. The first by Sebastien Le Toux in 2010, the Union’s founding year. He was responsible for 4 goals tonight, the first, an own goal, however will come down to his shot off the post but he will receive most of the credit.
Chicago switched to 4 in the back in the 60th minute when Goossens came on for Gehrig. This change has changed the way Chicago has played, and they suddenly look much more assured on the attack.
Chicago Fire
Sean Johnson
Eric Gehrig (6), Jonathan Campbell (16), Johan Kappelhof (4)
Michael Harrington (5) Khaly Thiam (19) Brandon Vincent (3)
Michael Stephens (26), Razvan Cocis (30)
Kennedy Igboananike (77), David Accam (11)
Chris Pontius(13) Fabian Herbers (11) Ilsinho (25)
Tranquillo Barnetta (10), Roland Alberg (6)
Brian Carroll (7)
Fabinho (33), Richie Marquez (16), Ken Tribbet (4), Keegan Rosenberry (12)
Andre Blake
Philadelphia Union:
Summary:
Yellow PHL: Carroll 36’
Yellow PHL: Tribbet 37’
Sub PHL: Yaro for Tribbet 45’
Sub CHI: Rodrigo Ramos (13) for Michael Harrington (5) 45’
Yellow PHL: Alberg 58’
Sub CHI: John Goossens (7) for Eric Gehrig (6) 60’
Sub PHL: Le Toux for Ilsinho 72’
Sub PHL: Creavalle for Alberg 77’
Sub CHI: Alex Morrell (29) for Michael Stephens (26) 85’
Yellow CHI: Campbell 86’
