CHICAGO (AP) — Tai Baribo scored two early goals as the Philadelphia Union defeated the Chicago Fire 3-0 on Saturday, completing a sweep of the best-of-three first-round series in the MLS Cup playoffs.
Philadelphia, the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, will now host either fourth-seeded Charlotte or No. 5 seed New York City in the one-game conference semifinals.
Baribo opened the scoring in the sixth minute after dispossessing goalkeeper Jeff Gal—who started in place of the injured Chris Brady—at the edge of the 18-yard box and rolling his next touch into a wide-open net.
Ten minutes later, in the 16th minute, Wagner’s header from in front of the goal, off a cross played by Kai Wagner, extended the lead to 2-0.
Bruno Damiani put the Union further ahead in the 35th minute. Milan Iloski blocked a failed clearance attempt by Gal, who was making his eighth appearance and seventh start of 2025. Damiani then converted a first-touch shot from the center of the penalty area.
Philadelphia goalkeeper Andre Blake made two saves during the match, while Gal was unable to prevent any shots on goal.
The Union, who won both regular season matchups against the Fire by a combined score of 5-0 and held on to win Game 1 of the series on penalty kicks (4-2), have now won four straight games against Chicago.
https://mymotherlode.com/sports/soccer-general-news/10133106/tai-baribo-scores-2-goals-union-beats-fire-3-0-to-sweep-first-round-series.html