Published Oct 29, 4:49am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Oct 29, 4:49am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Oct 29, 4:49am ET
The pressure increases on teams in the MLS Playoffs this weekend, as Game Twos across the competition are staged. Find our Chicago Fire vs. Philadelphia Union picks here.
The Union secures a Game One advantage on Sunday after holding their nerve from the penalty spot. However, it could be argued that they were hugely fortunate to avoid a shock defeat.
Philadelphia scored twice in the final 20 minutes to seize control of the game, before Chicago netted twice in the closing stages to force a penalty shootout.
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|
|---|---|
| Chicago Fire | +127 |
| The Draw | +250 |
| Philadelphia Union | +195 |
There were high hopes ahead of the playoffs for the Union after topping the Eastern Conference standings. However, they were below their usual high standards in the opening game of the series against the Chicago Fire.
They registered just two shots on target in the win, and were almost forced to pay the ultimate price after switching off defensively.
Fortunately, they were able to hold their nerve from the penalty spot. However, they were reminded of the offensive quality boasted by Chicago in the final ten minutes, meaning that this series is far from over.
The Chicago Fire have enjoyed their best MLS campaign since 2017, but their playoff aspirations could end on Saturday.
However, their offensive quality was on full display in their game one loss against the Union. The Fire created the better scoring opportunities throughout the clash, and ultimately had only themselves to blame after not taking the lead.
However, their character was evident after coming back from two goals down to force a penalty shootout. Regardless, they will need to be more clinical in Game Two. Sergio Oregel will be suspended after being sent off in the closing stages in game one.
| TOTAL | Chicago | Philadelphia | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | 43 | 13 | 19 | 11 |
| Goals | 131 | 58 | 73 |
Chicago will have a mountain to climb if they are to secure a place in the second round of the playoffs.
However, they showed more than enough in their first game defeat against the Union. Therefore, we could foresee a home win being among the logical Chicago Fire vs. Philadelphia Union picks this weekend.
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Pick
Chicago Fire (+127)
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