Gazdag’s late goal rallies Union to 2-2 draw with Fire in opener

CHESTER, Pa. (AP) — Dániel Gazdag scored in the third minute of second-half stoppage time, rallying the Philadelphia Union to a 2-2 draw with the Chicago Fire in a season opener on Saturday night.

Brian Gutiérrez found the net in the 39th minute and Chicago took a 1-0 lead into halftime.

Mikael Uhre pulled Philadelphia even 10 minutes into the second half.

The Fire regained the lead in the 82nd minute on a goal by Fabian Herbers but couldn’t hold it.

Oliver Semmle finished with two saves for Philadelphia in his MLS debut. Chris Brady saved three shots for Chicago.

The Fire are hoping to end a six-year playoff drought with the acquisitions of Hugo Cuypers and Kellyn Acosta. Cuypers won the Golden Boot in Belgium’s top flight last season with 34 goals in 56 matches. He cost the Fire a club-record $12 million transfer fee. Acosta, signed as a free agent, delivers veteran knowledge and success after helping Los Angeles FC advance to the final of the CONCACAF Champions League and MLS Cup last season.

Chicago returns home to host defending Supporters’ Shield winners FC Cincinnati on March 2. Philadelphia travels to play Sporting Kansas City on March 2.

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