Introduction to the Match
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Philip Zinckernagel scored his 15th goal of the season for the Fire on Saturday night in a wild 2-2 tie with the Revolution in the regular-season finale for both teams.
Post-Season Implications
No. 8 Chicago (15-11-8) will host ninth-seeded Orlando in the Eastern Conference’s Wild Card match when the MLS Cup playoffs begin on Wednesday. Had the Fire lost, they would’ve played their playoff game on the road. The Fire will host a postseason game for the first time since 2017.
The Game’s Turning Points
Dor Turgeman flicked a header, off a free kick played into the area by Carles Gil, from near the penalty spot into the net to give New England (9-16-9) a 2-1 lead in the sixth minute of stoppage time. A couple of minutes later, Joel Waterman ran onto a loose ball along the left end line and flicked a first-touch shot that was redirected into the net by Turgeman for an own goal that capped the scoring.
Early Lead for the Revolution
Alhassan Yusuf gave the Revolution a 1-0 lead in the first minute when he dispossessed the Fire’s Dje D’Avilla at the top of the penalty area and then chipped a short shot over goalkeeper Chris Brady and inside the back post.
Fire’s Comeback
Zinckernagel put away a rising first-touch finish off a feed from Hugo Cuypers to make it 1-1 in the 82nd. He became the first player in club history with 15 goals and 15 assists in the same season. The Fire’s two goals gave them 68 for the season, a club record.
Conclusion
The Fire’s late goal draw against the Revolution not only secured a home playoff game but also marked a historic moment for the team with Zinckernagel’s achievement. The stage is now set for an exciting playoff match against Orlando, with the Fire looking to capitalize on their home advantage.
FAQs
- Q: Who scored the Fire’s goals in the match against the Revolution?
A: Philip Zinckernagel scored one of the Fire’s goals, with the other being an own goal by Dor Turgeman. - Q: What are the implications of the Fire’s draw for the playoffs?
A: The draw secured the Fire a home playoff game against Orlando in the Eastern Conference’s Wild Card match. - Q: What record did the Fire break with their goals in the match?
A: The Fire broke their club record for most goals in a season, reaching a total of 68 goals.
