Philadelphia Union extinguish Chicago Fire

A first half goal from Tai Baribo and a late flurry of goals led the Philadelphia Union to a 4-0 win over the Chicago Fire at home on Saturday night and a return to the top of the standings.

Baribo opened the scoring with a one-touch finish on a cross from Kai Wagner near the end line in the 34th minute after the All-Star left back was played into space by Quinn Sullivan. It was Wagner’s 10th assist of the season and the third time in his Union career he’s reached double digits in assists.

Andrew Rick, playing for the injured Andre Blake, had to make a finger tip save off a deflected shot in the 13th minute and was forced to make a low save on a Kellyn Acosta shot in the 88th minute with the score 4-0 en route to his fifth career clean sheet.

The Fire hit the left post on a shot from long range by Sergio Oregel in the 59th minute that would’ve tied the game but minutes later Wagner scored on a free kick from inside the D and Danley Jean Jacques and Milan Iloski added goals in the 73rd and 80th minute to put the game out of reach.

Iloski’s goal was his first in MLS play for the Union and capped a great night for the newcomer who also scored a goal in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal win over the Red Bulls. The California native notched his first Union assist on the Wagner free kick goal his second start in MLS play.

Saturday night’s win over the Fire marked just the second time this season the Union have scored four times in a match, dating back to their 4-1 win over FC Cincinnati at home in March. They’ll visit Cincinnati for the away fixture next Saturday in a marquee match-up between the top two teams in the Eastern Conference. Just two points separates the rivals both in the conference and Supporters’ Shield standings. San Diego FC is even on points with Cincinnati behind the Union in the shield awarded to the team with the best regular season record.