Chicago Union Earn 100th Franchise Win With 18–16 Victory Over Madison
By Elise Gan
Photography by Noah Moell
CHICAGO — Energy and exhilaration were the themes of the Chicago Union’s 100th win, as the team defeated the Madison Radicals 18-16 on Friday night. Chicago delivered its most complete performance of the young season, finishing 288-of-299 on throws for a 96% completion rate while showcasing balanced, disciplined play on both sides of the disc.
The Union wasted no time taking control over the Radicals, feasting off the energy of the Evanston crowd and defying the windy conditions. Both the offensive and defensive lines played with their strongest determination of the season, hungry for the 100th win in Union history and the first of the summer. Cullen Baker got things rolling right from Chicago’s opening possession, launching a 74-yard dime to Ben Preiss for the first score of the game and bringing the Union sideline to life. The players jumped ecstatically for the early head start, but the biggest celebration belonged to Jake Rubin-Miller—a former Madison Radical.
Rubin-Miller, though not rostered for the match, showed up ready to support his team. And by ready, the bleach-blonde stood on the sidelines in a navy suit and tie, asserting himself as Lazier Field’s “best dressed” and biggest Union fan. Rubin-Miller’s energy was infectious, as he pushed his teammates to keep up the strong pace. That was only the start of a momentous first quarter for Chicago.
The Union defense was automatic, pressing the Radicals hard on their first possession. The man-on-man strategy forced a quick turnover that Chicago immediately capitalized on with Greg Moreno connecting with Ben Brink seamlessly in the endzone. The Radicals interrupted the Union’s jubilant vibe, eventually putting themselves on the board to make the score 2-1. However, Chicago only used that as a motivator, resuming the intensity and piling on four straight goals to expand their lead over Madison. After nearly six minutes of scoreless play for the Radicals, the opposing team managed another goal on the board. The Union capped off the remaining seconds of the first quarter with a toe-tapping snag from Wilson Matthews, bringing the score to 7-2.
The second twelve minutes of play started no differently than the beginning of the match, as the Union took advantage of their first possession with Ben Zhang making a stellar catch in the far right corner of the endzone for the first score of the second quarter. The theme of the first quarter continued, as the Union forced another turnover on Madison’s first possession and used it to score their ninth goal of the first half. Despite their strong start, Chicago began to let their guard down, allowing Madison to score two straight goals. By the end of the first half, the Radicals managed to briefly close their deficit, but the Union remained ahead 10-5.
Yet again, the Union took control of the first few minutes of the quarter, beginning the third with a 72-yard huck from Henry Goldenberg—another former Radical—to Matthews to put Chicago ahead 11-5. With the Radicals unable to execute in their next possession, the Union then padded on to their six-point lead, with Moreno leaping over two Madison defenders to snag a towering pass for Charlie Vukovic, making the score 12-5.
However, the Radicals were nowhere close to giving up. Madison thrived in the second half, beginning their run after Chicago’s quick third quarter success, breaking the Union’s scoring streak. After the Union retaliated with a goal of their own, the Radicals remained poised, going on a two-goal scoring spree. By the end of the third quarter, Madison had drawn their deficit to only four points, just trailing the Union 14-10.
Out of a 48 minute battle, the last twelve minutes of play took the crown for the most intense chunk of the game. The Radicals were relentless, continuing their improved momentum into the fourth quarter. Madison kicked things off with a 25-yard goal, setting the tone for the remainder of the match. Shaking it off, the Union found a way to return the gesture, with Preiss standing in a wide-open endzone to eventually receive a 50-yard huck from Janas. After the quick and casual back-and-forth between the two teams, the Radicals took control of the wheel.
Scoring two straight goals, Madison sent a scare through the Evanston crowd, forcing fans to hold their breaths as time wound down. By the final two minutes of the game, the Radicals had closed in on the Union, riding its tail, only two points behind. With a score of 17-15 and the seconds ticking down, the Union were forced to play a game of keepaway with the Radicals, eventually scoring their final goal with 22 seconds remaining, locking in the win. Madison managed a last second goal, but was unable to catch up with Chicago, as the Union took its first win of the season 18-16.
Chicago will look to build on the milestone victory next Sunday, June 14, when the Union travel to Pittsburgh to play the Thunderbirds at 1:00 p.m. CT. The game will stream live on WatchUFA.TV. They will return to Evanston on Sunday, June 21st for their Father’s Day game at 6:00 p.m. CT. Fans can purchase tickets online or at the gate.
