Soccer's Union lose to Chicago Fire

Shots were hard to come by, as were goals, and the Union lost, 2-1, on Saturday night to the Chicago Fire at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill.

Coming off their first road win in franchise history, a 3-2 victory at Houston on May 29, the Union surrendered a goal in the 14th minute to Baggio Husidic and found it difficult getting shots against Chicago's conservative, defensive-oriented setup.

The Union (2-6-1) controlled play for much of the game, but it didn't result in many opportunities. They managed just two shots on goal against Chicago (3-3-4).

"I think we were surprised from the minute the game started," Union team manager Peter Nowak said to reporters afterward. "The team that is supposed to play attractive soccer, attacking soccer at home played with 10 guys in the back, behind the ball."

Marco Pappa increased the Fire's lead to 2-0 in the 74th minute, scoring after intercepting a failed clear by the Union's Stefani Miglioranzi.

The Union got on the board when rookie Danny Mwanga scored his third straight stoppage-time goal, this one in the 92d minute off a feed from Sebastien Le Toux.

There will be little time to rebound. The Union visit the Kansas Wizards on Thursday. Coached by former Delran High star Peter Vermes, the Wizards are 2-5-3.