Chicago Union Weekend Recap: Doubleheader Sweep, Moves to 10-0
July 7th, 2025
Article by Weldon Genies
Photography by Noah Moell
CHICAGO—The Chicago Union had a spectacular Fourth of July weekend, beating UFA powerhouse Minnesota Wind Chill 25-15 dominantly on Friday at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Saturday, they then took a trip to Pittsburgh to wrap up the weekend with a close 21-19 nailbiter victory against the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds, moving to 10-0 on the season!
In the first matchup against the Wind Chill, Chicago got off to a solid 6-3 start in the first quarter, thanks to pivotal blocks by their defensive line, which quickly gained traction during the match. Eight Union players registered a block on Friday afternoon, demonstrating a consistent defensive focus that is emphasized by co-head coaches Dave Woods and Charlie Furse, who stress the importance of generating stops and making defense their best offense. The Union maintained a gradual lead throughout each quarter and were able to keep Minnesota off balance offensively, forcing them to turn the ball over 27 times. When you can force opposing O-lines to turn over the disk at a high clip, you position yourself with a great chance to win week in and week out, which has been the winning formula for Chicago this entire season. The U had the advantage in every significant statistical category against the Wind Chill, which ultimately displayed complete dominance throughout the team, enabling them to execute and outperform Minnesota, leading to a 25-15 victory.
For Chicago, Daan De Marrée had an outstanding game on Friday, tallying 574 total yards, 404 receiving yards, 170 passing yards, seven goals, two assists, two hockey assists, and two blocks while leading the Union in plus-minus at +10. De Marrée put on a masterclass on how ultimate should be played, creating opportunities on offense and defense for the U to capitalize on. No matter if it’s two defenders on him, he still makes the improbable play on the disk and comes down with it. Nate Goff made a highlight reel play, where he made a run on a huck downfield and reached over a Wind Chill defender to make a sick grab. Even Jesse Johnson made such an impressive deflection layout goal that it was chosen as No.6 on SportsCenter’s Top 10 on Friday night! When everyone buys in and plays their part, this is when the fun takes place, as everyone is playing free and creating favorable opportunities for one another. Generating turnovers and stops always creates an advantage for the O-line to get behind the D-line and set up chunk plays while the opposing team is still trying to get back on defense. Paul Arters had a fabulous afternoon as a handler, tallying 408 throwing yards, four assists, one hockey assist, and one block. Brandon Van Deusen was also a major contributor as a handler, tallying 312 total yards, 218 throwing yards, 94 receiving yards, three assists, three hockey assists, and one goal.
In the second matchup of the weekend, the Union took their talents to Pittsburgh to face the Thunderbirds on Saturday afternoon, and the match was neck-and-neck the entire time. While the Union was missing key contributors such as Nate Goff and Jack Shanahan, Chicago was able to grind out this game and ultimately come out on top, 21-19, which makes them the sole leader in the Central division with home-field advantage in the playoffs. Daan De Marrée somehow one-upped his fantastic outing Friday night with an even crazier performance, tallying 754 total yards, 502 receiving yards, 250 throwing yards, eight goals, four blocks, three assists, and three hockey assists. As a rookie in the UFA, it is absurd to produce at such a high level in their first season, but De Marrée seems to have everything figured out. His talents are showcasing why he was named European Player of the Year in 2024. Additionally, Ben Preiss had an outstanding outing as a receiver with 462 receiving yards, five goals, two assists, two hockey assists, and one block.
Following the 25-15 defeat, the Minnesota Wind Chill sit at 7-2, which is tied for second in the UFA Central division with the Madison Radicals. Following the 21-19 defeat, the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds sit at 3-8, which is fourth in the UFA Central division. The top three teams of each division will advance to playoffs.
The Chicago Union gets a week break off before their return on Saturday, July 19th at 6:00 P.M. CT hosting the Detroit Mechanix at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Then, the Union cap off their regular season play as they travel to Madison to face the Radicals, on Sunday, July 20th, at 5:00 P.M. CT. Fans can watch live on WatchUFA.tv!
