Categories: Chicago FireEastern ConferenceMLSPhiladelphia UnionProst International

Philadelphia Union Dominates Chicago Fire F.C. 4-0

Chester, PA

August 23, 2025

The Philadelphia Union returned to Subaru Park to face the Chicago Fire F.C. on Saturday evening following the 1-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls on August 16, 2025 — the first Philadelphia loss to the Red Bulls in six years. If that loss had anything to do with Philadelphia’s performance against the Fire, the adverse result may have been worth it. The Union dominated Chicago in play, and more importantly in scoring, ending the match with a 4-0 victory.

Philadelphia’s four goals started with a classic tap-in by Tai Barbibo in the 34th minute of play. The newest fan-favorite Milan Iloski passed left to Quinn Sullivan, who held up play just long enough to pass left again to Kai Wagner cutting down the wing. Wagner crossed right close to Chicago’s goal, allowing Barbibo to step into the pass and place the shot between the legs of Chicago’s keeper, Chris Brady. The one-goal Philadelphia lead continued into the half-time break.

The scoring resumed in the 64th minute when Philadelphia was presented with a set-piece opportunity outside of the Chicago box. Iloski took the kick in lieu of Wagner – the usual set-up man – which allowed Wagner to take a beauty of a left foot shot into the bottom right corner of Chicago’s goal.

The third Philadelphia goal occurred in the 73rd minute after a melee in front of the Chicago goal. First, Sullivan passed back to Frankie Westfield who lofted the ball into the box at Baribo. Baribo headed the ball toward Chicago’s goal but the shot was blocked by its defense. The rebound landed right at the feet of Danley Jean Jacques, who then popped the ball in for the third goal on the evening.

Finally, in the 80th minute, Iloski had his turn. Cavan Sullivan lifted the ball toward goal, but Chicago’s Christopher Cupps headed the ball away. That headed ball, however, was blocked by Iloski’s chest, and as the ball landed, Iloski scored on a shot to the bottom left corner of Chicago’s goal.

The 4-0 victory placed Philadelphia again at the top of the MLS East table.

Photographs of the match appear below:

Philadelphia’s young defender Olwethu Makhanya on the ball.

Philadelphia’s Bruno Damiani and Chicago’s Brian Gutierrez vie for possession.

Philadelphia’s Tai Baribo getting a push from Chicago’s Kellyn Acosta.

Chicago’s Andrew Gutman tries to hold back Milan Iloski.Cavan Sullivan gets past Chicago’s Acosta.