Can The Union Continue Their Hot Streak?

The Philadelphia Union are entering Soldier Field with a 13-game unbeaten streak since league play resumed after the World Cup. The Union sits in sixth place with 42 points, while the Chicago Fire are in third with 48, making this a crucial match for both clubs. A win will make the postseason seeding much closer, as the higher seeds will host a playoff game. With only six games left, neither club has room for error, so it will be a high-pressure match for Philadelphia and Chicago. A huge part of the Union's success has come from interim manager Ryan Richter, forward Milan Illoski, 18-year-old defender Neil Pierre, and wonderkid Cavan Sullivan. Interim Manager Ryan Richter took over after head coach Bradley Carnell was fired in May after the Union posted the worst record in MLS. This was a shock because Carnell led the Union to its second ever supporters shield title in 2025. The Supporters Shield is a trophy that is awarded

to the best team in all of MLS.

Under Carnell, the Union finished the 2025 season with 66 pts. Unfortunately, at the start of this season, the Union had only 7 points across the first 15 games. This resulted in Ryan Richter taking over, and the results quickly added up. Since the World Cup, the Union is 13 games unbeaten, consisting of 11 wins and 2 draws. Some of the standout results include a comeback against Kansas City after being down 3-0 and winning 4-3, two 5-0 wins against Cincinnati and San Diego, and a 3-2 victory against rivals NYCFC. Safe to say that Richter is pulling all the right strings since taking over, but he isn’t the one helping the team win big.

Millan Illoski is currently leading the Union in goals. He has produced 17 goals and 2 assists in 28 matches so far, so he has been a serious threat to the opposition and has had a huge impact on the Union’s rise this season. Illoski’s form so far has led him into the golden boot race. The golden boot is awarded to the player who has the most goals in MLS. The golden boot leader is currently Lionel Messi with 23 goals, but right behind him is Petar Musa (Vancouver) with 19, and Milan Illoski (Philadelphia) with 17. With the golden boot race being close and the momentum of the Union’s form, Illoski is sure to make an impact in Chicago.

With Richter’s tactics and Illoski’s amazing form, it’s hard not to include the two teenagers who are taking the league by storm. Neil Pierre and Cavan Sullivan are making their own noise that should have everyone worried. Neil Pierre, who is just 18 years old, has been a crucial starter for the Philadelphia Union’s back line as the club transferred Jakob Glesnes and Jake Elliot. There were questions about this Union defense, but Neil Pierre has stepped up big and is a regular starter and has been playing like he’s been in the league for years. His defensive contributions are nothing short of perfect, but where he stands out is that Pierre has 4 goals. One of these goals came in their comeback win against Atlanta United. In the 96th minute, Pierre scored, tying the game. Just minutes later, the Union net a third goal, giving them the win and three crucial points. Pierre can be a solid goal scorer for his position and for his age; it is no secret that he is one of the standout players ahead of the next match.

It is impossible not to talk about 17-year-old wonderkid Cavan Sullivan. As if his brother, Quinn Sullivan, wasn’t enough to deal with, Cavan brings a whole new spark to the Union’s attack. Cavan not only leads the team in assists, but he is also tied for second with the most assists, with 13 so far. Only Seattle’s Albert Rusnak is ahead with a league high of 14 assists. Cavan’s playmaking abilities have boosted his teammates and his image. His impressive campaign has earned him a call-up to the US national team and the trust of head coach Mauricio Pochettino to start. Just like Illoski, the Union can expect another solid performance from the wonderkid. Without Cavan, who knows what this season would look like for the boys in blue.

Based on the Union’s unimaginable form and Chicago’s impressive campaign, fans can expect this to be one of the games of the year. This match is even more important for the Union because four of their last six matches are against top five opponents. In a league where momentum is everything, finding a win at Soldier Field will be massive going into the gauntlet of opponents.

Photo Credits:  Creative Commons