CHICAGO (April 13, 2023) _- Chicago Fire FC II will close out a three-game homestand against Philadelphia Union II on Sunday, April 16 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Ill. The Fire will hope to reverse fortunes following a 1-0 loss against Columbus Crew 2 last Sunday, while Union II look for their first win of the 2023 season. First kick from Bridgeview is slated for 6 p.m. CT and can be streamed on MLSNEXTPro.com.
Chicago Fire II (2-1-0-0) ran into its first hiccup of the year in a 1-0 loss to defending MLS NEXT Pro champions Columbus Crew 2 last Sunday, April 9. After a similar start to the preceding Toronto FC II match – losing a player to a red card shortly before the end of the first half – the Fire could not break the opposing defense. Instead, Columbus applied relentless pressure that eventually led to an 88th minute goal by Gibran Rayo, his first of the year. Despite the loss, Chicago ended Matchday 4 in playoff position – fourth overall in the Eastern Conference and second in the Central Division with six points.
Philadelphia Union II (0-3-0-0) have not had a strong start to the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season, currently last in the Eastern Conference with no points. Following a pair of close home losses to start the year, the Union went on the road for the first time this Monday, April 10, when they faced first place New England Revolution II in Foxborough, Mass. Philadelphia took an early 1-0 lead following a penalty kick converted by Stefan Stojanovic, but the home side scored five unanswered goals to complete the rout and assure themselves of first place in the East.
Two of the Union’s three losses, however, have come against first-place teams: the latest to Northeast Division leader New England, and their first against the Central’s top team, Orlando City B.
KEYS TO THE MATCH
Firing On All Cylinders. Sunday’s 1-0 loss to the Crew marked the first time Chicago Fire II was shut out in a match in 2023. The attack has been efficient to start the season, placing in the league’s top 10 in both shots and shot accuracy. Last season, it took five matches for the Fire to score five goals; this year, it only took two. On the defensive side, the Fire is even better: the two goals allowed has the team tied for third in the league in the category. The Fire will hope to put this balance on display against Philadelphia on Sunday.
Variety Show. Remarkably, the Fire’s five goals in 2023 have been scored by five different players, all of whom are deployed in different positions. From forwards like Alex Monis and Billy Hency, to defenders in Eric Leonard and Charlie Ostrem, and even a holding midfielder like Matteo Kidd, a player's place on the field has had no bearing on the final tally. Chicago has also found several different ways to get the ball across the line – be it from a high press turnover, a set piece, or the run of play.
Settling The Score. Chicago and Philadelphia met twice in 2022, and results were split evenly: both matches ended in draws and resulted in the home team winning a shootout for an additional point. The Fire’s 2-point performance at SeatGeek Stadium was a match to remember, with former Fire forward Chinonso Offor scoring two goals – one of which tied the match 3-3 in stoppage time. The Fire will hope the third time's the charm for three points against the Union.
HOW TO WATCH
Chicago Fire FC II will close out a season-opening three-game homestand against Philadelphia Union II on Sunday, April 16 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Ill. Gates will open at 5 p.m. and match entry and parking are free. First kick is set for 6 p.m. CT and can be streamed live on MLSNEXTPro.com.
