CHICAGO (Interstat) — Bruno Damiani scored twice and added an assist as Philadelphia Union beat Chicago Fire 3-1 Wednesday at Soldier Field in Chicago. Milan Iloski also scored for Philadelphia, and Maren Haile Selassie scored for Chicago. Philadelphia improved to 2 wins, 0 losses in the competition and 2 wins, 0 losses across all competitions. Chicago moved to 1 win, 1 loss in the competition and 1 win, 1 loss across all competitions. The Union trailed at halftime before taking control after the break.

Chicago struck first in the 44th minute when Haile Selassie scored, with Noah Allen providing the assist. The Fire’s lead lasted only until early in the second half. Philadelphia equalized in the 49th minute through Iloski, with Damiani setting up the goal. Damiani then put Philadelphia ahead in the 55th minute, and he added another goal in the 67th minute to complete the scoring. Jovan Lukic and Cavan Sullivan each recorded an assist for Philadelphia. Damiani played 80 minutes and finished with two goals and one assist. Iloski scored once. Haile Selassie scored Chicago’s only goal, and Allen had the assist. Philadelphia’s three goals came after it fell behind, and the Union never trailed again once Damiani gave them the lead.

Chicago’s discipline became an issue before halftime. Mbokazi received a yellow card in the 34th minute, and Elliott was booked in the 41st. Elliott then received a second yellow card in first-half stoppage time, leaving Chicago a man down. Philadelphia later picked up a yellow card when Vassilev was booked in the 85th minute. Chicago’s Zinckernagel was booked in the 88th, and Philadelphia’s Pierre was booked in the 90+3 minute. The second-half goals came after Chicago had been reduced to 10 players, and Philadelphia capitalized with a steady attack that produced the decisive stretch of the match.

Substitutions shaped the second half as both teams looked for fresh legs. Chicago’s changes included Bamba at halftime, Lewandowski, Gomez and Dean in the 68th minute, and Saletros in the 72nd. Philadelphia’s changes included Bueno in the 57th minute, Damiani and Sullivan C in the 80th, and Sullivan Q and Iloski in the 90+2 minute. The Union’s ability to rotate while protecting a lead helped close out the win, while Chicago’s earlier sending-off limited its options as it chased the game.

Philadelphia’s victory continued a strong start in the competition and across all competitions. Chicago’s loss evened its record in both. The Fire had entered the match after a previous result this season, while Philadelphia also came in with a win. The game at Soldier Field drew attention for Damiani’s attacking output and Philadelphia’s second-half response. Chicago’s only goal came from Haile Selassie, but the Fire could not build on the lead after Elliott’s second booking changed the match before the break. Philadelphia’s defense held firm after taking the lead, and the Union added another goal to put the result beyond doubt.

Philadelphia had beaten Real Salt Lake in its previous match, and Chicago had beaten New York City. Next, Philadelphia will host Charlotte, while Chicago will visit New England Revolution. The Union will look to maintain their momentum, and the Fire will seek a rebound on the road. Both teams will return to league play in their next matches.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Philadelphia Union 2, Chicago Fire 1. Interstat’s ELO system had projected Chicago Fire with a 64.8 percent probability to win. Chicago Fire had been installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of -0.25. The total score of 4 went under the over/under line of 3.5.