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MLS Philadelphia Union

Match Preview: Philadelphia Union vs. Chicago Fire

June 21, 2016 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Philadelphia Union News Release


CHESTER, Pa. - Philadelphia Union return to Talen Energy Stadium on Wednesday to take on Eastern Conference foe Chicago Fire. Philadelphia has not lost at home this season, riding a nine-game unbeaten streak at home that dates back to Sept. 20, 2015. A result against Chicago would tie a franchise record for consecutive home games unbeaten at 10. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be televised on The Comcast Network.

Philadelphia owns a 5-6-5 record all-time against Chicago. This is the second meeting of the season between the two clubs, with the previous meeting taking place on April 2 at Toyota Park. The match saw bizarre wintry conditions throughout the match. Warren Creavalle was sent off in the 47th minute and Chicago's Kennedy Igboananike scored five minutes later. Despite attempts to get on the board, Philadelphia fell 1-0.

After falling 3-2 to NYCFC this past Saturday, the first-place Union will look to start a new point streak against Chicago. The loss on Saturday was the first for the Union since April 16 at Seattle. NYCFC jumped on the Union early and often with goals from Frank Lampard, David Villa and Andrea Pirlo. Philadelphia gained life after Roland Alberg converted a penalty kick in the 55th minute. The second goal came after Brian Carroll sent a header towards the net that deflected off Frederic Brilliant of NYCFC and into the back of the net. In the final minute of play Alberg was taken down in the box, but the foul was not awarded and the furious comeback attempt fell short.

Philadelphia's goalkeeper Andre Blake will be a prime player to watch. In eight career matches at Talen Energy Stadium, the 2014 No. 1 overall pick owns a 5-1-2 record with a 0.63 GAA. The last time the Jamaican goalkeeper lost at home was Aug. 29, 2015. He has never allowed more than two goals in a match in Chester.

Chicago Fire enters Wednesday's matchup 2-6-5 this season, 10th in the Eastern Conference. The Fire have had their troubles on the road this season, earning a 0-4-2 record. The club is led by Igboananike who has scored four goals for Chicago this season. The head coach for the Fire is former Union player Veljko Paunovic. He took over the club after leading Serbia to a FIFA U-20 World Cup championship in 2015.

MATCH INFORMATION

2016 MLS Regular Season

Date: Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET

Location: Talen Energy Stadium

Chester, Pa

Philadelphia Union: 6-4-5 (23 points)

Chicago Fire: 2-6-5 (11 points)

Media Game Notes: http://bit.ly/28NgDx3

BROADCAST INFORMATION

TV: The Comcast Network

Play-by-play Marc Zumoff

Color: Peter Pappas

Check out the Philadelphia Union Statistics



Major League Soccer Stories from June 21, 2016


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