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There was no comeback or need for a penalty shootout on Saturday night as the Philadelphia Union took care of the Chicago Fire with a 3-0 win in Bridgeview. Now we wait. And wait. And wait. At the earliest until November 22 but definitely by November 23.

In the email today:

1. 👨‍🚒 Union capitalize on mistakes to advance to MLS Eastern Conference semifinals

The Philadelphia Union extinguished the Chicago Fire, 3-0, by capitalizing on two errors from backup goalkeeper Jeffrey Gal at Seatgeek Stadium on Saturday, to wrap up the first round series of the MLS Cup Playoffs with two wins.

The Union advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals after a one-year hiatus in 2024, and will make their fourth appearance in the round in five years. The Union will play the winner of Charlotte FC and New York City FC at Subaru Park in a one-off elimination match at a time to be determined on the weekend of November 22nd after Charlotte won game two in a lengthy penalty shootout.

The 32-year old Gal made his playoff debut with just seven previous MLS caps under his belt after Chris Brady was scratched after picking up an injury late in the week. Gal gave away two backpasses right to the feet of the Union in an eventful first half. Tai Baribo scored twice and Andre Blake saved a penalty kick to keep the game at 2-0, before Bruno Damiani made it 3-0, all within 35 minutes.

From there, the Union more or less saw out a comfortable second half to sap any hope of a Fire fightback and end with a shutout. While the xG finished 1.8 to 1.5 in favor of the Union, the massive swing from a potential one-goal game to a three-goal gulf gave the Supporters Shield winners too much padding.

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🐍 Union II Season Ends in Harrison

Philadelphia Union II fell just short in the MLS Next Pro Eastern Conference Final on Saturday night, losing the match 2-1 to New York Red Bulls II.

Stas Korzeniowski scored the first goal to give Union II the lead, but Roald Mitchell’s second half brace motivated a comeback for Red Bulls, ending the Union II season.

Union II traveled to Sports Illustrated Stadium for the Eastern Conference Final, which was played at the site of New York Red Bulls’ senior team. For a spot in the MLS Next Pro Cup Final, Union II had to defeat their bitter rivals who finished just ahead of them in the regular season, earning hosting priority for the Eastern Conference Final. Union II were looking to return to the MLS Next Pro Cup Final for the second year running after losing the final in Dallas in 2024. The young Philadelphia team was looking for revenge on New York after dropping their most recent regular season match 2-0.

3.💧Water Cooler: 🔥 or 🦁 Results

Charlotte FC and NYCFC play Friday with a trip to Chester, Pa. on the line. Who do you want to win?

3. 😗 Social Post of the Day: Washed Up Soccer Coach

4. 🔗 Link Roundup

• Paul VI girls won their first South Jersey Coaches Cup on Saturday night in dramatic fashion. Washington Township boys followed it up with some late drama of their own.

• Head coach Danny Cruz and Louisville City had an unforgettable regular season that ended in a second straight Players’ Shield but their quest for more hardware ended before it ever really could get started.

• State playoffs begin this week for boys and girls in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and boys in Delaware. Follow the action on Philadelphia Soccer Now.

• The local D1 women’s soccer season has come to an end with Delaware’s heartbreaking penalty shootout loss.

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