Chicago City Wire

Chicago Fire FC II is set to host Columbus Crew 2 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview on Sunday, August 3. The match will begin at 1 p.m. CT and admission is free for fans. The game will be broadcast globally through MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

Chicago Fire FC II recently achieved a record-breaking 9-2 win over New York Red Bulls II. Forward Jason Shokalook scored four goals, including a hat trick within the first 20 minutes of play. Midfielder Claudio Cassano contributed with two goals and two assists, one of which was to defender Jean-Alpha Diouf. This performance marked the largest goal total and margin of victory in a single match in team history.

Columbus Crew 2 arrives in Chicago after five consecutive losses. In their last outing, they lost to New York Red Bulls II despite scoring once through Ibrahima Sy. A red card later in the match left them unable to recover, resulting in another defeat before facing Chicago this weekend.

The previous meeting between these teams ended with Chicago defeating Columbus 5-0 at SeatGeek Stadium, giving Chicago a slight lead in the all-time regular season series with a record of 5-4-1-0.

Defender Jean-Alpha Diouf has been highlighted for his consistent performances this season. He scored his fifth goal during the recent nine-goal match and has appeared in all but one of Chicago’s matches this year. His defensive work alongside Diego Konincks has contributed to Chicago's current third-place standing in the Eastern Conference.

"Nearly lost in the shuffle of a nine-goal outburst was Jean Alpha Diouf, who scored his fifth goal of the season in a 90-minute performance on Sunday.

The Senegalese center back has been a constant fixture for the Fire, appearing in all but one of Chicago’s 18 matches this season. Although his five goals would be among the top tallies for a few teams in MLS NEXT Pro, it’s his brand of defending that has caught the eyes of the league – fearless yet clean tackling that stops opponents in their tracks. His partnership with Diego Konincks at the heart of the Fire backline has helped take the team into third place in the East this season."

The match details are as follows: Chicago Fire FC (9-5-4-2, 33 points) versus Columbus Crew 2 (3-12-3-1, 13 points), taking place at SeatGeek Stadium – Bridgeview, Illinois.