Introduction to the Match
The Chicago Fire won at home for the first time this season with a 2-1 victory over Atlanta United on Saturday.
The match saw Hugo Cuypers score on a first-half penalty kick and Rominigue Kouamé deliver the winner late in the second half.
First Half Highlights
Cuypers scored on a penalty kick in the 14th minute and the Fire took a 1-0 lead into halftime. The PK was awarded after a foul on Atlanta United midfielder Alexey Miranchuk. Jeff Gal made his first career start and finished with two saves in goal for the Fire. Gal made his league debut last week after starter Chris Brady was sent off with a red card in the 36th minute of a scoreless draw with Orlando City.
Second Half Highlights
Atlanta United never found the net but an own goal by Chicago defender Sam Rogers tied it at 1-all in the 80th minute. However, Kouamé scored in the 86th minute after subbing in for Sergio Oregel in the 81st. It was his second goal in his sixth career appearance. Brad Guzan saved six shots for Atlanta United. Guzan had two saves and Gal one in the first half.
Player Performances
Maren Haile-Selassie had been the only current Chicago player with a goal against Atlanta. He subbed into the match in the 81st minute and notched his second assist this season on the winner, while 21-year-old forward Omari Glasgow collected his first in his 13th career appearance after also entering with Haile-Selassie.
Team Statistics
The Fire (4-4-4) had gone 0-4-1 through its first five matches at home. Atlanta United (2-6-4) leads the all-time series 8-5-3 but has never won at Soldier Field. The club has a minus-9 goal differential and hasn’t won on the road this season.
Upcoming Matches
Atlanta United returns home to play the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday. The Fire travel to play Charlotte FC on Saturday.
Conclusion
The Chicago Fire’s 2-1 victory over Atlanta United marked their first home win of the season. The team’s performance was highlighted by the goals from Cuypers and Kouamé, as well as the assists from Haile-Selassie and Glasgow. The win brings the Fire’s record to 4-4-4, while Atlanta United falls to 2-6-4.
FAQs
- Q: Who scored the winning goal for the Chicago Fire?
- A: Rominigue Kouamé scored the winning goal in the 86th minute.
- Q: What was the final score of the match?
- A: The final score was 2-1 in favor of the Chicago Fire.
- Q: Who made his first career start in goal for the Fire?
- A: Jeff Gal made his first career start in goal for the Fire.
- Q: What is the all-time series record between the Chicago Fire and Atlanta United?
- A: Atlanta United leads the all-time series 8-5-3.
- Q: When do the Chicago Fire play their next match?
- A: The Fire travel to play Charlotte FC on Saturday.
