HARRISON, N.J. – The Chicago Fire raced out to a two-goal lead against the New York Red Bulls Friday at Red Bull Arena, but the home side rallied with three unanswered goals for a 3-2 final.
The Fire drew first blood with a 14th-minute penalty kick from captain Jeff Larentowicz. Kennedy Igboananike created the opportunity after getting taken down on the edge of the box. Larentowicz then slotted his shot into the left corner for his sixth goal of the season.
Match Reaction | Postmatch Quotes
Chicago doubled its lead in the 26th minute. David Accam turned on the afterburners, chasing down a clearance past midfield and then running right into New York’s box. Accam cut back, dribbled to the middle of the area and then eluded Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles with another cutback before tapping into an open net. The goal was Accam’s eighth of the season.
Moments later, the Red Bulls pulled one back. Sacha Kljestan slid a pass to Bradley Wright-Phillips near the top of the box, and the Englishman buried his shot at the near post past Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson.
Mike Grella leveled the match seven minutes before halftime. Lloyd Sam found Grella open at the near post and the midfielder didn’t waste his chance, slipping a shot past Johnson to make it 2-2.
Match Stats & OPTA Chalkboard
New York completed their comeback in the 71st minute with a penalty kick of their own. Lloyd Sam was deemed to have been tripped by Fire midfielder Michael Stephens and Kljestan found the net with the ensuing spot kick.
Chicago previously had won three straight against the Red Bulls and two of its last three at Red Bull Arena.
The Men in Red return to action on Saturday, Sept. 19 against Orlando City SC at Toyota Park. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. CT on CSN Chicago Plus.
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MLS Regular Season
Chicago Fire (7-15-6, 27 pts.) 2:3 New York Red Bulls (13-7-6, 45 pts.)
Sept. 11, 2015 – Red Bull Arena
Attendance: 17,184
Scoring Summary:
CHI – Jeff Larentowicz (penalty kick) 14
CHI – David Accam (Michael Stephens) 26
NY – Bradley Wright-Phillips (Sacha Kljestan) 28
NY – Mike Grella (Lloyd Sam) 38
NY – Sacha Kljestan (penalty kick) 71
Misconduct Summary:
CHI – Kennedy Igboananike (caution) 51
CHI – Matt Polster (caution) 65
CHI – Daneil Cyrus (caution) 74
NY – Bradley Wright-Phillips (caution) 81
CHI – Ty Harden (caution) 84
Chicago Fire: Sean Johnson, Daneil Cyrus, Ty Harden, ©Jeff Larentowicz, Joevin Jones, Patrick Nyarko (Jason Johnson 80), Matt Polster, Michael Stephens (Razvan Cocis 71), Harry Shipp, David Accam, Kennedy Igboananike (Mike Magee 61).
Shots: 8; Shots On Goal: 3; Saves: 4; Fouls: 15; Corner Kicks: 2; Offsides: 0.
New York Red Bulls: Luis Robles, Connor Lade, Matt Miazga, Damien Perrinelle, Kemar Lawrence, Lloyd Sam (Shaun Wright-Phillips 77), ©Dax McCarty, Felipe, Sacha Kljestan, Mike Grella (Gonzalo Veron 67), Bradley Wright-Phillips (Ronald Zubar 85).
Shots: 16; Shots On Goal: 7; Saves: 1; Fouls: 14; Corner Kicks: 12; Offsides: 3.
Chicago Fire Fall Short in 3-2 Road Loss Against New York Red Bulls
