A third US Open Cup final appearance coming up for Philadelphia Union after they knocked off Chicago Fire 3-0 on Wednesday night. The Union were by far the better team, but they struggled to create good chances in the first half against the visitors, who did their best to frustrate Philly with a man-marking system that took the best players out of the match.
Breakthrough breaks their backs
Once the Union got their opener, the Fire quickly folded. Why? Because the Chicago’s man-marking system required their midfielders to constantly run after Philly’s big three in the center.