By RYAN TOLMICH
For the second time this week, Philadelphia Union forward Sebastian Le Toux was clinical from the penalty spot, but Saturday’s equalizer proved to be a bit more meaningful.
Le Toux converted from the spot in stoppage time, earning the Union a late 1-1 draw with the Chicago Fire at Toyota Park.
After an end-to-end first half that failed to produce a goal, the Fire finally found the back of the net in the 60th minute via a Jeff Larentowicz header off of a corner. The 30-year-old midfielder, who missed a similar header in the 37th minute, made no mistake this time around, taking advantage of some highly questionable Union set piece defending to give his side the lead.
Rookie sensation Harrison Shipp played the ball into the box and into the path of a wide open Larentowicz near the penalty spot. The midfielder turned and whipped the ball back across his body and past Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath into the back of the net.
The hosts protected that lead until the 90th minute before conceding a late penalty to pave the way for Le Toux’s equalizer. The penalty came as a result of Le Toux’s own handiwork, as the French forward’s desperation volley from outside the box came was driven right into the hand of Gonzalo Segares. Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson guessed correctly on the ensuing spot kick, but Le Toux’s shot was just powerful enough to squeeze past the 25-year-old goalkeeper.
With the draw, the Union and Fire pick up their 23rd and 20th points, respectively. The Union will now enjoy a six-day layoff before taking on Premier League side Crystal Palace Friday. Meanwhile, the Fire face a short turnaround when they face the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday.
Here are the match highlights:
