Union's playoff hopes take a hit in tie with Fire

The Union had to settle for a disappointing tie Thursday against a team that is known for its ability to force a draw.

After taking a 1-0 lead on a goal by Amobi Okugo in the 88th minute, the Union couldn't hold on as Chicago's Robert Earnshaw scored in stoppage time during a 1-1 Major League Soccer draw before 14,838 at PPL Park.

The Union are 9-10-12 for 39 points. They are in seventh place but two points behind the fifth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot with three games remaining. The six teams ahead of the Union have at least one game in hand.

Chicago (5-8-17) set an MLS record with its 17th tie this season.

This one left the crowd and the team stunned.

"After Amobi gets the goal, you feel high, you feel you have a chance even though it wasn't our best night," interim coach Jim Curtin said. "And then to have that happen, it is tough for the guys. Sickening is the word everybody feels right now. It's tough."

The tying goal came when Earnshaw intercepted an attempted clear by Union goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi. Earnshaw took a few dribbles and then chipped it over Mbolhi's head from just outside the box, silencing the home crowd.

"I know we need the three points tonight and unfortunately I made the mistake on the back," Mbolhi said. "It is very hard for me tonight, but these football mistakes happen all the time. But hopefully we will win the next game."

Later in stoppage time, Okugo sent a header from close range wide for the Union's final chance.

The Union broke a scoring drought with Okugo's goal. They had been shut out in their two previous MLS games.

Danny Cruz started the play with a cross from the right side. The ball deflected off teammate Brian Brown to Okugo, who shot into an open net for his second goal of the season.

"As you saw, our center mid gets in there and does a good job with the finish," Cruz said. "It doesn't matter now. We put ourselves in a big hole and have to figure a way to dig out of it."

The team understands the dire situation it is in concerning the playoffs.

"It's not in our hands anymore, that is for sure," Curtin said. "We will need a miracle or less. We will have to win our last three and need a lot of help."

The Union couldn't capitalize on several chances.

One in particular came in the 72d minute.

Andrew Wenger weaved his way through three Fire defenders and sent Brown toward the goal. Brown's shot from 14 yards out went way wide of the far post.

The Union's leading scorer, Sebastien Le Toux, was not among the team's 18. Le Toux is bothered by an ankle injury. Also not available because of injury were second-leading scorer Connor Casey (knee) and defender Sheanon Williams (quadriceps).

@sjnard