Union stops Fire 2-1

CHESTER, Pa. — Dominic Oduro slammed home the equalizer goal in the 64th minute, but the Fire’s comeback attempt fell short in a 2-1 loss to Philadelphia Union at PPL Park on Saturday night.

The loss snaps the Fire’s four-game unbeaten streak. With the defeat, the Fire dropped to 1-4-5 for 8 points through the team’s first 10 MLS matches.

The first interval saw both teams hold possession and push for first blood in lengthy stretches. Carlos de los Cobos’ side had the better of the first 25 minutes before the Union applied pressure to close out the first 45 minutes and finish the half in a scoreless tie.

Philadelphia broke through in the 63rd minute when Michael Farfan scored his first MLS goal.

Four minutes after Farfan’s goal, Gonzalo Segares sent a lofted cross across the Union penalty area to an open Oduro. The striker collected the ball, beat Farfan with a crafty move before whizzing the ball past Union goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon to tie it at 1-1.

The Union regained the lead on a goal from Carlos Ruiz, who collected a Fire clearance before playing the ball to himself. The veteran playmaker, in full volley, placed the ball off the bottom of the crossbar and over the goal line.