Chicago City Wire

Chicago Fire FC II played to a 3-3 draw against New York City FC II on Friday night at Icahn Stadium in New York. After coming from behind twice during regulation, Chicago Fire FC II secured an extra point with a 4-1 victory in the post-match shootout.

New York City FC II took an early lead with two goals from Seymour Reid in the ninth and 21st minutes. Chicago responded in the 31st minute when Justin Reynolds’ cross was deflected into the net by a New York defender for an own goal.

Claudio Cassano tied the match at 2-2 in the 37th minute, scoring his ninth goal of the season after receiving a pass from Vitaliy Hlyut. The goal marked Cassano’s 19th goal contribution this year, with ten assists and nine goals.

In the second half, Max Murray put New York ahead again in the 59th minute. Chicago made several substitutions in the 69th minute, bringing on Dean Boltz, Emir Herrera, and Jhoiner Montiel. One minute later, Montiel recovered a loose ball and set up Jason Shokalook, who scored his team-leading 12th goal to make it 3-3.

Chicago goalkeeper Bryan Dowd made four saves during regulation and added two more stops during the penalty shootout. In penalties, Shokalook, Reynolds, Boltz, and Diouf all converted for Chicago Fire FC II.

Following this result, Chicago Fire FC II remains third in the Eastern Conference standings. Their next match is scheduled for Friday, August 15 at SeatGeek Stadium against Philadelphia Union 2. The game will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass.

“Claudio Cassano tallied his ninth goal of the season and Jason Shokalook scored his team-leading 12th goal to keep the Fire in third place in the Eastern Conference.”

“Cassano leveled the score in the 37th minute when he collected a pass from Vitaliy Hlyut inside the box and sent a one-touch blast into the back of the net. The goal marked his 19th goal contribution of the season, as he leads the team with 10 assists and nine goals so far this year.”

“Chicago’s Bryan Dowd made four important saves in regulation, as well as two in the penalty shootout, to guide the team to two points in New York.”