Game Recap: Daniel Gazdag’s late goal rallies Philadelphia Union 2-2 draw with Chicago Fire
The Philadelphia Union were back in action over the weekend as they kicked off Game 1 of the MLS season hosting the Chicago Fire at Subaru Park.
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After 90+8 minutes of play, the teams couldn’t be separated and the match finished in a 2-2 draw.
First and foremost, this game was one of the most entertaining games Union fans have been treated to in a long time. Although the final result was not good enough to reflect the team’s standards, their skill, and potential were put on display.
The Union ran their unique 4-1-2-1-2 formation (triangle midfield – one defensive midfielder, two central midfielders, and an attacking midfielder) which tends to transform into a 4-2-2-2 with Jack McGlynn playing alongside José Andres Martinez when the opposing team has possession.
Like last season, the formation that heavily relies on its fullbacks to play forward on the wing has its repercussions – the opposing team’s counterattacks remain dangerous.
When facing Chicago’s counterattack, the Union relied on Martinez to slow down the ball carrier, allowing the fullbacks to return to their positions.
Although this tactic has proven to work at times last season, it was ineffective multiple times throughout the game. When the opposing team is equipped with a midfielder like Chicago’s Xherdan Shaqiri (who played for Bayern München, Inter, and Liverpool) who can stay composed and consistently make great passes in the final third, the aggressiveness of Martinez can become a liability.
In the 39th minute, Chicago’s 20-year-old Brian Gutierrez scored an absolute rocket from outside the box to make it 1-0.
Brian Gutierrez gives Chicago Fire a 1-0 advantage
It’s not difficult to figure out what went wrong for the Union – Jose Andres Martinez had stepped away from Gutierrez, anticipating a pass that did not come to fruition. In addition, Nathan Harriel should have been more aggressive in sealing off the shot lane – altogether a poor defensive possession.
Down 1-0 at halftime, the Union’s inability to find consistent offense came down to their inability to make progressive passes. Every time the Union got the ball up the field, it had to be sent back to the backline – there was no creativeness or aggressiveness.
One of my favorite moments of the game was when center-back Damion Lowe yelled at the team mid-game after dribbling the ball for about 10-15 seconds. Nobody made themselves available to receive the ball, and Lowe was having none of it.
True Captain material if you ask me.
The Union completely turned the page in the second half, coming out of the locker room on fire. Although their first goal by Dániel Gazdag was disallowed due to it being offsides, they quickly struck again with Mikael Uhre redirecting the ball past the Fire goalkeeper on a great pass by Quinn Sullivan.
Quinn Sullivan to Mikael Uhre – Union level 1-1
Beautiful possession by the Union with Harriel finding Gazdag who spots Sullivan in the box.
The Union continued to knock on the door with Julián Carranza and Quinn Sullivan creating chances, but the Fire only needed one opportunity to make it 2-1.
A great save by the Union’s new goalkeeper Oliver Semmle unfortunately created multiple rebound opportunities for the Fire who eventually put it in the back of the net.
The energy was completely drained from the stadium, but the Union showed determination to find the equalizer.
Just three minutes later, Damion Lowe and Nathan Harriel connected for a goal that was called back due to offsides. From a fan’s perspective, it felt like that was the best chance the Union was going to get to tie the game – but thankfully that would have been wrong.
In extra time, Dániel Gazdag headed in the ball from a beautiful Jose Andres Martinez pass that was set up by the veteran Alejandro Bedoya.
Daniel Gazdag Equalizer
The Union didn’t take their foot off the gas pedal and continued to create chances until the final whistle was blown.
Although the Union drew with the Fire 2-2 after 90+8, it felt like a moral victory after the team’s disappointing first-half performance. If the second half is indicative of what’s to come this season for the Union, then fans should be optimistic moving forward.
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Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Union Twitter
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