Union Wrap Up March With Loss to Chicago Fire

Philadelphia Union fall 2-1 despite Iloski's first-half goal

Mar. 22, 2026 at 1:00am

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The Philadelphia Union concluded March with a 2-1 loss to the Chicago Fire FC at Subaru Park on Saturday night. After Chicago's Hugo Cuypers opened the scoring, Union midfielder Milan Iloski notched his first goal in league play with a floating header right before halftime. However, a counter attack finish from Chicago's Jonathan Bamba in the 58th minute proved to be the difference.

Why it matters

The loss marks the end of a challenging month for the Union, who were experimenting with their lineup and looking to build momentum heading into the FIFA international break. The team will now have some time off before returning to league action against Charlotte FC on April 4th.

The details

Head Coach Bradley Carnell continued to tinker with the Union's lineup, sending out a fifth different starting group. The match featured a lengthy stoppage in the first half due to an injury collision between Jesus Bueno and Phillip Zinckernagel. Despite the Union creating several chances, including a shot that hit the crossbar, Chicago was able to capitalize on a counter attack in the second half to secure the victory.

  • The match took place on Saturday, March 22, 2026.
  • There was a lengthy stoppage in the first half due to an injury collision.
  • Chicago's Hugo Cuypers opened the scoring in stoppage time of the first half.
  • Milan Iloski scored the Union's equalizer just before halftime.
  • Jonathan Bamba scored the game-winning goal for Chicago in the 58th minute.

The players

Bradley Carnell

The head coach of the Philadelphia Union who continued to experiment with the team's lineup.

Milan Iloski

The Union midfielder who scored the team's lone goal with a floating header just before halftime.

Hugo Cuypers

The Chicago Fire FC player who opened the scoring in stoppage time of the first half.

Jonathan Bamba

The Chicago Fire FC player who scored the game-winning goal in the 58th minute.

Alejandro Bedoya

The Union midfielder who directed the ball with his head to set up Iloski's goal.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to build and learn from these types of matches as we head into the international break.”

— Bradley Carnell, Head Coach, Philadelphia Union

“It was great to get my first goal of the season, but we're disappointed we couldn't come away with the three points.”

— Milan Iloski, Midfielder, Philadelphia Union

What’s next

The Philadelphia Union will return to league action after the FIFA International break with a road trip to Eastern Conference side Charlotte FC on Saturday, April 4th. Kick off from the Queen City is set for 7:30PM ET with coverage on Apple TV.

The takeaway

The Union's loss to the Chicago Fire FC marks the end of a challenging month for the team as they continue to experiment with their lineup. While they were unable to secure the victory, the team will look to build on the positives, such as Iloski's first goal of the season, as they prepare for their next match against Charlotte FC.