Splitsville: Chicago Union Post 1-1 Record Over Home-And-Away Weekend


Photo credit: Tyler Hoff

June 3, 2024
By Grant Loehrke

The Chicago Union had two games in a matter of 24 hours this past weekend. Fresh off a Texas road trip earlier in the week, the Union took on the Madison Radicals on Friday night at Martin Stadium in Evanston, followed by a matchup with the Indianapolis AlleyCats on the road Saturday afternoon.

In their matchup against the Radicals, the Union trailed at the half 10-11, but came from behind to secure an exciting 20-19 win in front of their home crowd in Evanston. Top performers included Grant Harris and Henry Goldenberg, each of whom tallied four assists on the night. Union rookie Nate Astrom, an alumni of the local New Trier ultimate program, was among the leading scorers of the game, catching four goals and continuing his impressive first year in the UFA. On the other side of the disc, yet another local product, Anthony Gutowsky led the Radicals in scoring, clocking four goals of his own. The Union outperformed the Radicals in hucks, going 10/14 to outdo Madison’s 6/13. Both Chicago and Madison topped 90% in overall completion percentage in a game that was close from front to back. The two teams were also relatively even in their turnover and block stat lines.


Photo credit: Kim Alifen

The following day, the team traveled to Grant Park, just outside of Indianapolis, for their next game against the AlleyCats. Coming off of their victory against the Radicals the previous evening, the Union’s team morale was at a peak going into this road trip and ensuing matchup. Andrew Sjogren led the charge in goals scored for the Union in this game with five total. Among other standout stats from Saturday, Dex Dremann’s total of eight assists was especially impressive. For the AlleyCats, 12-year UFA veteran Travis Carpenter logged a game-high 84 completions on his own in Indy’s 20-21 victory over the Union. D-line conversion percentage was the Union’s main pitfall, with the team scoring on just 33% of their attempts compared to Indy’s 75%. Both teams recorded completion percentages over 95%, which also made for relatively high hold percentages. The loss marks just the second for the Union of the 2024 season. 

The Union now have a two week hiatus, sitting at a 4-2 record so far this season and currently holding onto second place in the Central Division. The team will be back home at Martin Stadium on Friday, June 14th, when they will take on the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds at 7:00p.m. The crowd theme will be “white-out” and everyone wearing a white Union shirt, jersey, or hat gets $5 in free Union Bucks for use at Concessions or the Merchandise tent.