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McInerney scores again as Union douse Fire

May 19, 2013 - 2:46 AM Chester, PA (Sports Network) - Jack McInerney scored his league-leading eighth goal of the season on Saturday to lift the Philadelphia Union to a 1-0 win over the Chicago Fire on a rainy night at PPL Park.

The result gives Philadelphia its second win in its last three matches and second win over Chicago in a span of eight days.

"(That was) a big win for our club tonight," Union head coach John Hackworth said. "It's extremely difficult to beat a team in our conference twice in eight days."

Philadelphia broke the deadlock just three minutes in when Sebastien Le Toux whipped a corner kick into the box that was headed out of danger, but Le Toux tracked it down on the left flank and sent it back into the mixer where a completely unmarked McInerney nodded it past Chicago goalkeeper Sean Johnson.

Chicago had a few good scoring chances in the first half but Philadelphia goalkeeper Zac MacMath had his second strong performance in his last three outings and made four saves to keep the Union ahead at the break.

After the break Chicago had a fantastic chance to equalize on the hour mark when Dilly Duka ripped a shot from the edge of the Union penalty area on the turn that appeared to be headed for the top right corner, but MacMath punched it over the crossbar to keep his side in front.

Things became more difficult for the visitors in the 63rd minute when Chicago defender Wells Thompson brought down Philadelphia's Danny Cruz from behind and was issued his second yellow card, reducing the Fire to 10 men.

Chicago did manage to produce a few chances despite being a man down, but could never find an equalizer and is still searching for its first road win this season.

"We gave up a fast goal, then we created chances," Chicago head coach Frank Klopas said. "You come on the road, you have to take advantage of your chances. We tried to get that goal back, but it didn't work."

Philadelphia, meanwhile, picked up just its second home win of the campaign and improves to 18 points to remain in fifth place in the Eastern Conference.