MLS Playoffs: Philadelphia Union Survive Scare to Beat Fire in Shootout

Philadelphia Union edges Chicago fire in penalty shootout thriller

The Philadelphia Union, top seeds in the MLS playoffs, eked out a nail-biting win over the Chicago Fire on Sunday, surviving a late dramatic turn of events to take the first game of their best-of-three series.

The drama wasn't over yet, as Chicago's Sergio Oregel was fortunate to avoid a red card moments later following a confrontation with Philadelphia's Kai Wagner...

The top-seeded Philadelphia Union barely edged out the Chicago Fire in the first game of their best-of-three series, relying on a penalty shootout to secure the win. Despite dominating the regular season as Supporters Shield winners, the Union struggled to put away the eighth-seeded Fire.

Philadelphia had appeared set for an easy victory after Indiana Vassilev and Milan Iloski scored in the 70th and 75th minutes, respectively, giving them a comfortable 2-0 lead. However, the Fire staged a dramatic comeback, with Jonathan Bamba scoring in the 84th minute and Jack Elliott equalizing in stoppage time to force the match into a penalty shootout.

The Union ultimately prevailed 4-2 in the shootout, thanks to clutch performances from goalkeeper Andre Blake and midfielder Jesus Bueno, who scored the winning penalty. The win gives Philadelphia a 1-0 lead in the series, setting up a crucial Game 2 at SeatGeek Stadium on November 1.

The game had a nail-biting finish, with Chicago's hopes raised when left winger Jonathan Bamba scored a crucial goal in the 84th minute, pulling one back for his team.

However, the drama wasn't over yet. In the third minute of stoppage time, former Union defender Jack Elliott produced a stunning moment of brilliance, unleashing a powerful low shot from outside the penalty area that flew into the bottom corner, silencing the home crowd and securing a dramatic equalizer for Chicago.

The drama wasn't over yet, as Chicago's Sergio Oregel was fortunate to avoid a red card moments later following a confrontation with Philadelphia's Kai Wagner. However, the Fire managed to hold on and secure a spot in the penalty shoot-out. The Union ultimately emerged victorious, thanks to Jesus Bueno's calm and composed winning kick, while Chicago's Joel Waterman hit the crossbar with his penalty attempt.

Late drama. A shootout. And a @PhilaUnion W.

Game One goes to the U. // Audi MLS Cup Playoffs pic.twitter.com/L4llS2BSYz

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 27, 2025

San Diego FC kicked off their playoff run with a 2-1 win over eighth-seeded Portland, while second-seeded Vancouver Whitecaps dominated seventh-seeded FC Dallas 3-0 in their series opener.

Thomas Muller was instrumental in the Whitecaps' victory, scoring the second goal from the penalty spot in the 60th minute after Daniel Rios had given Vancouver the lead with a header in the first half. Kenji Cabrera sealed the win for the Whitecaps with a goal seven minutes from the end.