The Philadelphia Union fell 4-2 to Chicago Fire in their second 2016 preseason match up at Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex on Thursday in Clearwater, Fla.
The Union had moments in which they looked strong with good passing accuracy and width stemming from the defense, especially during the first half.
Ken Tribbett, Keegan Rosenberry and Fabian Herbers made their first starts for the team.
Chicago was first to mark a tally with David Accam scoring from a penalty after Vincent Nogueira handled the ball in the box in the 15th minute.
2016 MLS SuperDraft pick Herbers soon equalized in 16th minute, tapping in Sebastien Le Toux’s cross with the back of his heel.
Accam found the back of the net again for the Fire in the 40th minute to make the score 2-1.
Tribbett, who is training with the Union after signing with Bethlehem Steel FC, prevented the score from becoming 3-1 after Accram beat Union goalkeeper Andre Blake and was clear on goal. The defender slid and kicked the ball out of bounds in the 58th minute.
Moments later in the 60th minute, Accam was at it again, but this time with an assist. Blake saved his shot but LaBrocca got the rebound to make the score 3-1.
The Union made no changes at half time, but several substitutions came at 60th minute mark.
New signing Matt Jones replaced Andre Blake. SuperDraft picks Taylor Washington and Joshua Yaro replaced Fabinho and Richie Marquez in the back line joining Tribbett and Rosenberry.
In the midfield, Cole Missimo (Le Toux), Warren Creavalle (Nogueira), Bolu Akinyode (Leo Fernandes), Walter Restrepo (Chris Pontius) and Brian Carroll (Tranquillo Barnetta) entered the game.
Up top, Eric Ayuk played a new position replacing Herbers as the stand-alone forward.
Five minutes later, Gilberto made the score 4-1 from a defensive error as the Union now found themselves with a three goal deficit.
Missimo put Union on the scoreboard again in the 83rd minute tapping in Restrepo’s cross. The Union also looked close to making the game 4-3 in 86th minute when Carroll’s shot hit the crossbar.
The game ended 4-2 and the Union have a small break before returning to preseason action on Wednesday, Feb. 17 when they face D.C. United as part of the 2016 Suncoast Invitational.
