Soldier Field Stadium | Chicago Fire FC
Soldier Field Stadium | Chicago Fire FC
Chicago Fire FC concluded their participation in the Coachella Valley Invitational with a 1-0 victory over LA Galaxy. The match took place at the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, California. Brian Gutiérrez scored the decisive goal in the 22nd minute with a long-range strike.
LA Galaxy, last season's MLS Cup champions, began the match aggressively. Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady was called into action early, making a significant save in the 17th minute and witnessing another attempt hit the crossbar shortly after. Despite these threats, Chicago maintained their defensive stance and capitalized on a high press strategy. Philip Zinckernagel's pressure led to a turnover, allowing Tom Barlow to assist Gutiérrez for the only goal of the game.
In preparation for the upcoming regular season starting next week against Columbus, both teams retained most of their starting players into the second half. Chicago relied on counter-attacks while Brady played a pivotal role by securing his first clean sheet of the preseason with multiple saves.
The final score was 1-0 in favor of Chicago Fire FC. LA Galaxy's Garces received a yellow card in the 53rd minute, followed by Chicago's Bamba who was also cautioned in the 62nd minute.
Chicago Fire FC: GK Brady; D Dean, D Terán, D Elliott (Rogers), D Gutman; M Oregel Jr., M Acosta (captain), M Gutiérrez, M Zinckernagel (Kouamé), M Bamba; F Barlow.
LA Galaxy: GK Micovic; D Nelson (Aude), D Yamane, D Yoshida (Zanka), D Garces (Cuevas); M Cerrillo, M Fagundez, M Sanabria (Ramos Jr.), M Pec, M Reus (Wynder); F Ramirez (Berry).
Referee duties were managed by Victor Rivas along with assistants Ben Pilgrim and Bennett Savage. Mark Verso served as fourth official.
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