Fire 2, Union 1
CHESTER, Pa. -- The Chicago Fire stayed on a hot streak with a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night in Major League Soccer.
Mike Magee's eighth goal in 10 games with the Fire was the difference-maker as Chicago continued to move back into the playoff picture.
After Chicago took an early 1-0 lead, Philadelphia scored the equalizer in the 60th minute. Sebastian Le Toux's cross found a diving Sheanon Williams, who missed a header attempt but still managed to make some contact with the ball and direct it into the back of the net.
The Union continued to apply pressure, getting four consecutive corner kicks in the 64th and 65th minute, but it was the Fire who would eventually take control in the 75th minute.
Chicago's Patrick Nyarko found Magee alone near the left side of the goal and Magee buried a shot past Philadelphia goalkeeper Zac MacMath for the winner.
The Union had won both previous matchups this season -- 1-0 victories in May -- on Jack McInerney goals.
Magee joined the Fire back on May 25 in a trade from Los Angeles, and it's clear his presence is paying dividends for Chicago.
Nyarko got the scoring started in the ninth minute. Joel Lindpere's cross found the Fire midfielder alone on the right side of the goal about 10 yards out. Nyarko's shot into the far post beat MacMath for his fourth goal of the season.
That goal ended a 265-minute scoreless streak for Philadelphia that dated to a July 12 match against Chivas USA, which scored in the 14th minute of that game.
Early on, the Fire had a number of chances thanks to good ball movement between the forwards and midfielders, especially within 30 yards of the goal. Chicago at one point had five shots to Philadelphia one, though it would be just a 6-5 advantage going into the break.
The Union's offense got more chances as the half wore on. One close call came off the foot of Danny Cruz, whose rocket from just outside the 18-yard box was knocked away by Fire keeper Sean Johnson in the 41st minute.
Cruz did not score but found another way to impact the game. Chicago picked up two yellow cards in the first half as Jalil Anibaba was whistled in the 16th minute and Alex picked one up in the 40th minute. Both times, Cruz drew the penalty.
NOTES: Coming into the game, Magee (70) and Chris Rolfe (53) had the most combined shots between two MLS teammates this season, eight more than any other pair. ... The game marked the return of Bakary Soumare to Philadelphia. Soumare was traded to Chicago on May 23 for allocation money and a 2014 MLS SuperDraft natural second-round draft pick. ... Le Toux's assist was his league-leading 10th of the season.
