CHICAGO (Oct. 7, 2023) – Chicago Fire FC (10-13-10, 40 points) fell 2-0 against Charlotte FC (9-11-12, 39 points) on Saturday night at Soldier Field.
Chicago falls to 11th place in the Eastern Conference standings, tied on points with the New York Red Bulls and D.C. United, who has been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. The Fire are followed by Charlotte with 39 points, and Decision Day rival New York City FC who has 38 points.
Charlotte opened the scoring in the eighth minute via captain Ashley Westwood. The visitors doubled the score in the 58th minute when Charlotte was granted a penalty for a foul in the box. Karol Świderski sent the ball just past the diving Chris Brady.
Just one minute later, Brady made an important save as Charlotte came barreling down the left flank. Kamil Jóźwiak took a quick shot that Brady kick-saved at the near post.
Chicago pushed forward to create several chances as a ball was sent across the goalmouth in the 68th minute where Maren Haile-Selassie met it, sending a sharp, low shot that Kristijan Kahlina got down to save. In the 73rd minute, Kacper Przybyłko won the ball on the left flank and sent it toward the box. Brian Gutiérrez flicked it, sending it toward Rafael Czichos at the near post. Czichos reacted quickly, sending the ball toward the goal but Kahlina once again made the save.
NEXT MATCH: Following the international break, Chicago will take to the road to face New York City FC on Decision Day on Saturday, Oct. 21 at Citi Field. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. CT and the match will be broadcast on Apple TV, streamed in English on wlsam.com and transmitted locally in Spanish on TUDN 1200 AM.
Social: Twitter - @chicagofire, @vamosfire (Hashtags: #CF97 #VamosFire) | Instagram - @chicagofire | Facebook
Notes:
- Tonight’s result ended a three-match unbeaten run for the Fire in League play since Sept. 23.
- With his three saves against Charlotte, goalkeeper Chris Brady has the most saves by a Chicago Fire goalkeeper in a single season since 2014 with 91 (Sean Johnson - 96).
- Defender/midfielder Mauricio Pineda (right lower leg), midfielders Chris Mueller (right upper leg), Federico Navarro (left upper leg) and Jairo Torres (right upper leg), and forwards Kei Kamara (upper body) and Victor Bezerra (right lower leg) were unavailable for tonight’s match.
Box Score:
Chicago Fire FC 0:2 Charlotte FC
Discipline:
CHI - Giménez (Yellow Card) 61’
CHI - Terán (Yellow Card) 80’
CLT - Jones (Yellow Card) 90+3’
CLT - Jóźwiak (Yellow Card) 90+6’
Chicago Fire FC: GK Brady, D Dean, D Omsberg (Terán, 69’), D Czichos (capt.), D M. Navarro (Aceves, 69’), M Doumbia (Haile-Selassie, 46’), M Giménez, M Herbers, M Shaqiri, M Gutiérrez, F Koutsias (Przybyłko, 46’)
Subs not used: GK Richey, D Burks, D Souquet, M Casas Jr., F M Rodríguez
Charlotte CF: GK Kahlina, D Malanda, D Byrne, D Uronen, M Privett, M Westwood, M Bronico (Jones, 70’), M Jóźwiak, F Świderski (Arfield, 76’), F Copetti (Agyemang, 86’), F Vargas (Meram, 76’)
Subs not used: GK Marks, D Afful, D Lindsey, D Tuiloma, F Gaines
Stats Summary: CHI / CLT
Shots: 11 / 7
Shots on Goal: 3 / 5
Saves: 3 / 3
Passing Accuracy: 74.3% / 78.9%
Corners: 8 / 6
Fouls: 13 / 15
Offsides: 4 / 5
Possession: 45.1% / 54.9%
Attendance: 18,308
Referee: Natalie SimonAssistant Referees: Corey Parker, Oscar Mitchell-CarvalhoFourth Official: Ramy TouchanVAR: Jorge GonzalezAssistant VAR: Kyle Atkins
