Top-seeded Philadelphia Union survived a huge scare before opening their Major League Soccer playoff campaign with a nervy victory over Chicago Fire on Sunday.

Philadelphia, the Supporters Shield winners after finishing the regular season with the best record in the league, needed a penalty shoot-out to beat Chicago in the first game of their best-of-three series.

The Union had looked to be cruising towards a straightforward win against eighth-seeds Chicago after second half goals from Indiana Vassilev and Milan Iloski eased them into a 2-0 lead with 15 minutes remaining.

But Chicago set up a nervy finish when left winger Jonathan Bamba pulled a goal back in the 84th minute.

Chicago's former Union defender Jack Elliott then silenced the home crowd in third minute of stoppage time, unco

See Full Page