Union Win 21-16 Against Division Rival Madison Radicals
June 12, 2025
Article by Weldon Genies
Photography by Noah Moell
CHICAGO—The Chicago Union shined bright in their home opener at Northwestern this past Sunday against the Madison Radicals with an exciting 21-16 victory, moving to 3-0 on the year.
This UFA Central division matchup was an entertaining one, as the match was very close throughout the entire first half, with the score tied 11-11 at halftime. Both squads had a high completion percentage during this match, with the Rads completing 94% and the Union completing 96% of their throws, respectively, showcasing their sharp handling and decision-making. They were going blow for blow in the first half, trading scores and stops, but in the third quarter, the elite Union D-line showed out and caused crucial turnovers for the Rads’, which sparked a 7-3 run for the Union that ultimately made the difference in the match. Nine Union players registered a block in this outing, once again highlighting their superb ability to generate stops and contain the Rads’ O-line. Once the Union began to hold their own defensively, their offensive line also began to shine and control the disk with confidence, as they had an offensive line percentage of 64% to the Rads’ 46%. Another significant stat that ultimately went in Chicago’s favor was turnovers, as their ferocious D-line forced Madison into turning over the disk 18 times, which is a consistent recipe for success.
The phrase “strength in numbers” perfectly encompasses the Union’s overall team production to start the year, as their depth has been something to behold. In each of their games, there has been a constant cycle of different contributors who have had a positive impact on that given day. Rookie phenom Daan De Marrée showed out in his second game with the Union, tallying 219 receiving yards, 103 throwing yards, three hockey assists, two goals, two assists, and two blocks. Filling up the stat sheet, De Marrée always finds himself open to making plays for himself or his teammates, and this level of production is very unusual for a UFA rookie in their second match. While he was seen as a highly touted prospect due to his success in Belgium, there was an expectation of a learning curve with his transition to the UFA; however, De Marrée is operating like a veteran.
Paul Arters, who is in his fourth season with the U, had a fantabulous outing this past Saturday, racking up 482 total yards with 351 throwing yards, 131 receiving yards, four assists, and one hockey assist. Team captain Ben Preiss had a stellar showing, tallying 276 receiving yards, 72 throwing yards, three goals, and two assists. Brandon Van Deusen continued to showcase his prowess as a handler, racking up 328 throwing yards, three assists, three hockey assists, one goal, and one block. Henry Goldenberg had an outstanding evening, putting up 239 receiving yards, 63 receiving yards, two hockey assists, one goal, and one assist. Jack Shanahan, once again, showed up big for the Union, tallying 294 total yards, three goals, three hockey assists, and one block. Nate Goff had a great outing with 280 total yards, two goals, one hockey assist, and one block. Wilson Matthews had a nice match as a receiver with 178 receiving yards, two goals, and one assist. Xavier Payne handled the disk with composure and accuracy, tallying 180 throwing yards and three assists. Nate Astrom filled up the stat sheet nicely with 131 total yards, two blocks, one goal, and one assist.
For the Rads’, Andrew Gutowsky had a fantastic outing, tallying 212 receiving yards, three goals, one assist, and one hockey assist. Being the technician that Gutowsky is as a receiver with his cuts and swift movements to create separation, he will never be fully neutralized by the opposing team’s D-line. Still, through the constant pressure that the Union D-line applied on Sunday, they were able to force Gutowsky to turn over the disk twice. Third-year stud Kai Marcus had a special day for the Rads, tallying 306 throwing yards, 142 receiving yards, four assists, three hockey assists, and one goal. Long-time veteran Kelsen Alexander showed up once again for his squad, racking up 295 total yards, two goals, two hockey assists, and one assist. This loss puts the Madison Radicals at 3-2, which is third in the Central division. The Rads’ have a crucial divisional matchup on Friday, June 13th at 7:00 P.M. CT against the 2024 defending champions, the Minnesota Wind Chill, which will have significant implications for divisional standings and playoff seeding.
The Union looks to take the show on the road to Indianapolis to face the AlleyCats on Saturday, June 14th at 5 P.M. CT. The opening pull is scheduled for 5:00 P.M. CT and will stream live on WatchUFA.tv. Their next home game is Friday, June 20th at 6:00 P.M. CT as they take on the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds for their 80s Night. Fans can secure tickets at gochicagounion.com.
