Dave Baldwin President of Business Operations | Chicago Fire FC Website
Dave Baldwin President of Business Operations | Chicago Fire FC Website
Chicago Fire FC II faced a 3-2 defeat against Columbus Crew 2 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview on Sunday afternoon. This result led to Fire II's elimination from the 2024 MLS NEXT Cup playoffs.
The match saw Columbus take the lead in the 30th minute when Chase Adams capitalized on a miscleared ball in Chicago’s defensive end, setting up Gibran Rayo for a header into the left side of the goal. Chicago equalized in the 41st minute with Christian Koffi navigating through Columbus defenders and assisting Luka Prpa, who scored with a low shot under the goalkeeper.
Columbus quickly regained their advantage in the 43rd minute as Jayden Da scored from an Adams cross. In the second half, David Poreba was fouled in the box, resulting in a penalty which he converted, marking his 20th goal of the season and leveling the score once again.
The decisive moment came in the 58th minute when Xavier Zengue received a cross from Aboubacar Keita and found the net, securing Columbus Crew 2's victory.
"With this result, Fire II is eliminated from the 2024 MLS NEXT Cup playoffs," read part of an official statement following the match.
The game statistics revealed that Chicago had more possession with 64.3% compared to Columbus' 35.7%, but Columbus had more shots on goal. The referee for this match was Nabil Bensalah.
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