After getting blown out 3-0 at home versus the young NY Red Bulls, Chicago needed a good performance to right the ship as we near the World Cup break. It wasn’t looking good as they gave up the opening goal while mostly controlling the game..
The second half started the same but Robin Lod‘s goal in the 62nd minute sparked the Fire attack. They went on to score 3 goals in 25 minutes as the rain started intensifying. It wasn’t pretty but Berhalter’s men got all 3 points. They need to win these types of game if they want to stay near the top of the East.
Up next is a trip to Montreal on Saturday.
Tactics
- Tai Baribo loves playing the Fire and he chipped in with another goal.
- Curious to hear why Anton Saletros and Sergio Oregel did not even make the bench. Not surprised D’Avilla and Mauricio Pineda went the full 90.
Stats
- xG Battle: Chicago (2.29) v DCU (0.69)
- Fire: 6 Big Chances
- Hugo Cuypers gonna Hugo Cuypers. The man cannot stop scoring. He now leads MLS with 12 goals in only 9 games. He is averaging a goal every 67 minutes this season.
- Philip Zinckernagel led everyone with 1.41 xG +xA and its safe to say his early season slump is firmly in the rearview.
- D’je D’Avilla (Innocent Dje) picked up a soft yellow card for his 5th in 12 games. He is now suspended for Saturday’s game at Montreal. After a shaky start for him and Pineda, they grew into the game.
- Chris Brady had a steady performance with .45 goals prevented on 5 saves.
- Puso Dithejane only had 16 touches in his 30 minute stint but it was exactly want you want from substitute. He earned a penalty, nearly had a goal on a breakaway and kept the DC defense on their toes.
- The Fire are now up to #3 in MLS in xG Difference.
Highlights
- AppleTV production has been bad all season but tonight was especially bad. They literally missed the Cuypers goal as they were on a zoom in on Phil right after he missed the PK as Andrew Gutman collected the ball and fed Hugo. Then later in the game, they cut to a sponsored replay as the Fire were on a dangerous counter.
- It was the only foul D’Avilla committed