Gazdag's late goal earns Philadelphia draw with Chicago

Updated: Feb 24, 2024, 10:17 pm

Daniel Gazdag scored in the third minute of stoppage time to allow the host Philadelphia Union to complete a 2-2 draw against Chicago Fire FC on Saturday in Chester, Pa.

Mikael Uhre added one goal for the Union (0-0-1, one point) in their season opener.

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Goalkeeper Andre Blake was injured and unavailable, so Oliver Semmle made his Union debut.

Brian Gutierrez had one goal and one assist while Fabian Herbers also scored for Chicago Fire FC (0-0-1, one point).

Midfielder Kellyn Acosta made his anticipated debut for Chicago Fire FC as a substitute in the 73rd minute.

In the 74th minute, Chicago Fire FC goalkeeper Chris Brady made a solid save on a strike by Quinn Sullivan.

Herbers gave Chicago Fire FC a 2-1 lead in the 82nd minute as he corralled a rebound and connected against his former club.

Philadelphia looked to respond in the 85th minute, but Nathan Harriel's goal was ruled offsides.

But in the third minute of stoppage time, Gazdag headed home the equalizer at 2.

In the sixth minute of stoppage time, Chicago Fire FC's Thomas Barlow had a shot at point-blank range saved by Semmle.

Chicago Fire FC defender Andrew Gutman fell to the ground in the third minute and ultimately left in the fifth minute with an undisclosed injury.

The Union controlled the tempo through the opening 25 minutes and earned several free kicks with their aggressive play.

In the 29th minute, Gutierrez headed a cross on goal and Hugo Cuypers also had a strong chance for a tap-in at the far post. But the ball was just out of his reach.

Gutierrez gave Chicago Fire FC a 1-0 lead in the 39th minute when he fired a shot from the top of the box.

Sullivan sent a crisp pass through the box in the 41st minute, but Uhre was a tad late getting to the ball.

The Union appeared to equalize in the 46th minute when Gazdag scored off a crisp pass from Harriel. But after a video review, Gazdag was ruled offsides.

Philadelphia soon tied the game at 1 when Uhre tapped in a pass from Sullivan in the 55th minute.

--Field Level Media