Player Ratings: Philadelphia Union 2 (4), Chicago Fire 2 (2)
The Chicago Fire will enter Game 2 of their First Round playoff series knowing they must beat the Philadelphia Union to stay alive. Despite a tremendous 2-2 comeback in Chester on Sunday night, they lost on penalties and now find themselves in a 1-0 hole in the series.
Here’s how their individual players performed.
Starting XI (5-2-3) — Chris Brady; Andrew Gutman, Jack Elliott, Joel Waterman, Sam Rogers (Sergio Oregel, 73'), Jonathan Dean (Tom Barlow, 90'); Djé D’Avilla (Mauricio Pineda, 68'), Rominigue Kouamé (Brian Gutiérrez, 73'); Jonathan Bamba, Maren Haile-Selassie, Hugo Cuypers
Goalkeeper: Chris Brady (6)
Brady did not have a save in the 90 minutes, though he did manage to save one of the Union’s four penalties in the shootout. His clever passing from goal kicks was an asset.
Left back: Andrew Gutman (7.5)
Tasked with more defensive responsibility than usual, Gutman had a fine night. He was credited with the assist on Bamba’s goal.
Left center back: Jack Elliott (8.5)
Excellent night for Elliott, who was the Fire’s best center back and scored the late equalizer. Unfortunate to miss his penalty, but looking back at his best at the right time.
Center back: Joel Waterman (7)
Defense was largely solid, though Waterman wasn't as involved or effective on the ball as he was in previous matches. His penalty miss in the shootout was also a decisive one.
Right center back: Sam Rogers (7)
Rogers had an okay outing in his return to the XI. He was quite good for the first 70 minutes or so, but Indiana Vassilev's opening goal could arguably have been his mark.
Right back: Jonathan Dean (6)
Dean has performed well in recent weeks since the injury to Leo Barroso, and Sunday was always going to be a big test. Not his best outing defensively or with the ball.
Central midfield: Djé D'Avilla (6)
The lone fixture in the Fire's midfield has been D'Avilla, which also means he's the only midfielder not to get much rest. It was not his best night as a few passes did not meet their targets, and he was substituted early in the second half.
Central midfield: Rominigue Kouamé (6.5)
He brought good energy to the midfield, but Kouamé's overreliance on his left foot did kill some sequences. He also found good space on goal kicks as Brady played out of the back. Probably still the best man (besides an out-of-form Kellyn Acosta) for the two-man midfield without André Franco.
Left wing: Jonathan Bamba (8)
Bamba grew into the game quite a bit after missing a big chance late in the first half. He scored a scrappy goal and got the assist for Elliott's equalizer. He seemed slated to take the Fire's fifth penalty, but did not get the chance to do so.
Right wing: Maren Haile-Selassie (7.5)
Haile-Selassie was not supposed to start, but was thrust into the lineup when Philip Zinckernagel pulled out of warmups. He did quite well, and was the Fire's top offensive outlet for most of the game. It's also quite puzzling that he didn't take a penalty in the shootout.
Center forward: Hugo Cuypers (7)
It was always going to be a difficult game for Cuypers, knowing that Philly would have most of the ball. He only had one shot (a half chance in the 96th minute) but was fine defensively and scored in the shootout.
Substitute: Mauricio Pineda (6)
Quiet night for Pineda after his second half introduction as he didn't have much defensive involvement. He had one shot, from way out, which was calmly saved by Blake.
Substitute: Brian Gutiérrez (7)
This wasn't a game for Guti to start, but he did well off the bench and brought energy to a game state that had dramatically changed since the first half. Scored his penalty, too, keeping his record perfect.
Substitute: Sergio Oregel (6.5)
Oregel did quite well prior to his red card. Probably should have won a penalty in the 78th minute when his shot was blocked by Tai Baribo's arm.
Substitute: Tom Barlow (NR)
Only had one touch, a headed clearance. The Fire did score a few moments after he subbed on.
Head Coach: Gregg Berhalter (8)
Got the starting game plan almost perfect as the Union offense was totally contained for 70 minutes. The biggest questions surround the shootout, as Jonathan Bamba, Maren Haile-Selassie, and Andrew Gutman were all passed over for Jack Elliott and Joel Waterman, but that is easier said with the benefit of hindsight.
