Chester, PA
August 1, 2021
Sunday evening’s game against Chicago ended in yet another draw for the Philadelphia Union, in a pattern that is becoming somewhat familiar. Chicago scored early in the 10th minute when Przemyslaw Frankowski headed a cross from Boris Sekulic past Philadelphia’s keeper, Andre Blake.
The score evened when Philadelphia Captain Alejandro Bedoya looped a near perfect pass to Cory Burke, who went stride for stride with Chicago’s Wyatt Omsberg. VAR review revealed that Omsberg pulled Burke down, resulting in a red card for Omsberg. Kai Wagner took the free kick on goal from outside the box. Although the former Union player Fabian Herbers was on the ground under the the wall, Wagner found a hole and an open net to the right of the Chicago keeper, Bobby Shuttleworth, setting the score even at the 36th minute.
Despite Chicago being down a man, Philadelphia was unable to dominate play. The game tempo increased when the once and future super-sub, Ilsinho came onto the pitch at his anointed 63rd minute. The crowd was thrilled when Ilsinho was able stymie Chicago’s defense. The “young subs” (Quinn Sullivan and Jack McGlynn) added more juice to the Union’s attack, but of none the Union’s seven shots taken after the Ilsinho substitution were successful.
Chicago was all too willing to take the 1-1 tie, with seemingly numerous “injury delays.” The medical team trotted on pitch to give Shuttleworth attention more than once in the last twenty minutes of play.
The Union’s Leon Flach followed by with the familiar face of the former Union player, Herbers.
Chicago’s Przemyslaw Frankowski celebrates with Ignacio Aliseda and Chinonso Offor after scoring early.
Jack Elliott holding back Offer on a high jump.
Chicago’s Álvaro Medrán reaching wide for the ball.
Chicago’s Wyatt Omsberg leaving Subaru Park after the red card for pulling down Cory Burke
The once and future super-sub Ilsinho making his way through Chicago’s defense.
Philadelphia’s Dániel Gazdag looking to pass.
Kacper Przybylko maneuvering near the box late in the game.
Philadelphia’s Bedoya, followed by Chicago’s Jonathan Bornstein
Jakob Glesnes supporting the late game effort in Chicago’s half.
Philadelphia’s Burke worked hard all evening setting up plays and pressuring the defense.
Philadelphia Union
