Union Hold Off Fire in Dramatic Shootout After 2-2 Draw
October 26, 2025 – Subaru Park, Chester, PA — The Philadelphia Union and Chicago Fire FC played out a thrilling opening match of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best-of-Three Series, with the Union ultimately prevailing 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw in regulation time before a lively Subaru Park crowd.
The Union, who secured the Supporters’ Shield during the regular season as MLS’s top-seeded club, looked in control for much of the second half. After a scoreless first 45 minutes, Indiana Vassilev broke the deadlock in the 70th minute, finishing off a well-worked move that energized the home side. Five minutes later, Milan Iloski doubled the lead for Philadelphia, burying a chance that seemed to put the game out of reach.
However, the Fire showed resilience. Jonathan Bamba pulled one back in the 84th minute, capitalizing on a breakdown in the Union defense, and deep into stoppage time Jack Elliott — a former Union defender — delivered a dramatic equalizer with a powerful strike to make it 2-2 and force the contest into penalties.
The shootout proved tense. Both goalkeepers made key saves early, but the Union ultimately converted more reliably from the spot. Jesús Bueno buried the decisive penalty to seal the win for Philadelphia, sending Subaru Park into celebration.
Match Facts (Oct. 26, 2025):
• Final Score (Regulation): Philadelphia Union 2, Chicago Fire FC 2
• Shootout: Union win 4-2 on penalties
• Goals: Vassilev (PHI), Iloski (PHI), Bamba (CHI), Elliott (CHI)
• Venue: Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania
• Final Score (Regulation): Philadelphia Union 2, Chicago Fire FC 2
• Shootout: Union win 4-2 on penalties
• Goals: Vassilev (PHI), Iloski (PHI), Bamba (CHI), Elliott (CHI)
• Venue: Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania