Minnesota United 2-3 Chicago Fire
ST. PAUL, MN–One wondered how the Chicago Fire would fare after being off for 12 days and entering the new Leagues Cup competition against Minnesota United. They initially showed rust, and then showed resiliency, and then they showed that they are capable of retaining the form they had entering said break as they defeated Minnesota United, 3-2, at Allianz Field.
The Fire were fortunate not to fall behind in the first chance after the Loons had numerous chances to score–most coming from Emmanuel Reynoso. Some chances were wide of target, others were stopped by Spencer Richey. The Loons finally broke through in the 62nd minute after Bongokuhle Hlongwane beat Richey far post after a setup from Hassani Dotson.
Frank Klopas soon made a triple sub which included recent acquisition Ousmane Doumbia, Kei Kamara, and Xherdan Shaqiri. Within a few minutes, Shaqiri would convert a spot kick after Brian Gutierrez drew a penalty off two Minnesota defenders. Minnesota would go up again in the 73rd minute after Hlongwane picked up his second of the evening.
The Fire would equalize a second time in minute 79 as Dayne St. Clair would deflect a cross from Miguel Navarro, but right towards an unmarked Arnaud Souquet who managed to come in and score from an acute angle. Four minutes later, Kei Kamara would head in a looping ball from Mauricio Pineda to put the Fire ahead. Almost immediately after, lightning was seen in the area and the match was delayed for 34 minutes.
When play resumed, Richey would make one more save against Kervin Arriaga, though the Fire had chances for a fourth as well. Still, it was the Fire’s sixth win in their last seven matches in all competitions and an amazing seventh win in eight in all comps against Western Conference opposition in 2023.
“I think for me the team again tonight showed a lot of character,” said Fire head coach Frank Klopas. “We had a slow start a little bit in the game but then I think we picked up in the second half but even falling behind and against a really good team, difficult place, we stayed in the match. We found ways to score three goals on the road. That’s massive.”
The Fire are back in action at SeatGeek Stadium to face Liga MX side Puebla in Leagues Cup on Monday at 7:30pm. The Fire just need to avoid a defeat of three goals or more to advance to the next round.
