Major League Soccer wrap: Union end away win drought

Philadelphia Union beat Chicago Fire 3-1 on Wednesday, recording their first road victory in Major League Soccer since July 4.

Jack McInerney scored Union’s opener in the seventh minute of the match at Toyota Park after a pass from Danny Cruz split the Fire’s defence.

Hosts Chicago threatened an equalizer when Daniel Paladini’s free kick in the 19th minute hit the post, but a McInerney assist to substitute Gabriel Gomez’s header on 67 minutes doubled Union’s lead.

Dominic Oduro gave the home side hope, netting a low shot two minutes later to make it 2-1.

But Antoine Hoppenot secured the result for Union, back-heeling a low cross from Michael Farfan for the away side’s third.

After suffering their second loss in the space of six stays, Chicago Fire sit five points behind front runners Sporting Kansas City in third position in the MLS Eastern Conference standings – Union are eighth on 33 points.

In the other match on Wednesday, Vancouver Whitecaps moved closer to a playoff berth after their convincing 4-0 defeat of Chivas USA at BC Place.

Gershon Koffie scored Vancouver’s first in the 11th minute past Chivas goalkeeper Dan Kennedy.

A finish into the inside of the far post in the 35th minute from Dane Richards after a long, right-wing run secured Vancouver’s second goal.

Camilo Sanvezzo converted Vancouver’s third goal from a Richards cross in the 62nd minute, and Barry Robson capped off the win with 18 minutes remaining.

Vancouver are five points ahead of FC Dallas on 42 points with two games to go in the regular season, while Chivas remain bottom of the Western Conference on 28 points.