“Allan Saint-Maximin booked for dissent as tempers begin to fray before the break, an early sign of the ill-discipline to come.”
“Luca de la Torre turns a Johan Gomez effort into his own net after a corner, giving Chicago Fire the lead against the run of general chaos in the box.”
Pivotal“Pep Biel booked for arguing as Charlotte's frustration mounted following a flurry of substitutions aimed at finding an equalizer.”
“Tim Ream picks up a second yellow card for arguing with the referee in stoppage time, leaving Charlotte down to ten men as they chased a leveler.”
Charlotte
Chicago Fire
Outstanding performance
Charlotte•GoalkeeperChicago Fire controlled this from start to finish, out-passing Charlotte 526 to 347 and doubling them up in shots on target, yet needed a defensive mishap to break the deadlock. Luca de la Torre's unfortunate own goal in the 58th minute, following sustained pressure and a Johan Gomez effort, proved the difference in a game Chicago dominated territorially but couldn't finish clinically despite four big chances missed apiece for both sides. The closing stages descended into indiscipline, with seven cards shown including a second yellow for Tim Ream in stoppage time, reflecting Charlotte's growing desperation as they chased an equalizer they never mustered. For Chicago, the win keeps them firmly in the title race conversation, while Charlotte's toothless attack — just 2 shots on target all game — leaves them staring at a mid-table slog with plenty of soul-searching to do.
How entertaining was this match?
Philip Zinckernagel takes a left-footed shot, but it's saved.
Allan Saint-Maximin takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Philip Zinckernagel takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Tyger Smalls takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
Ashley WestwoodYellow CardAshley Westwood receives a yellow card.
Nathan Richmond replaces Harry Toffolo.
Nathan Byrne is on, and Will Cleary is off.
David PorebaYellow CardDavid Poreba receives a yellow card.
Samuel Rogers is substituted off for Mbekezile Mbokazi.
David Poreba replaces Jonathan Bamba.
Shot - Pep Biel Mas Jaume Head Shot Missed
Shot - Jack Elliott Head Shot Missed
Philip Zinckernagel takes a left-footed shot, but it's blocked.
Corner awarded.
Substitution: Mauricio Pineda comes on for Sergio Oregel.
Andrew Gutman is on, and Leonardo Barroso is off.
Pep BielYellow CardYellow card issued to Pep Biel Mas Jaume.
Allan Saint-Maximin takes a left-footed shot, but it is saved.
Philip Zinckernagel takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
David Schnegg is substituted for Djibril Diani.
Brandt Bronico is on, and Luca De La Torre is off.
Djibril Diani takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Allan Saint-Maximin takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Luca De La Torre takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Offside.
Djibril Diani takes a left-footed shot that hits the post.
Tyger SmallsVAR decision results in a disallowed goal for Tyger Smalls.
Tyger Smalls takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Goal! The score is now 1-1.
Goal! Tyger Smalls scores, making it 1-1.
Goal! An own goal by Luca De La Torre puts the score at 0-1.
Shot - Luca De La Torre Other Body Part Shot Own Goal球
Johan Gomez takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Corner awarded.
Jonathan Bamba takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Jonathan Bamba takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Corner awarded.
Offside.
Corner awarded.
Tyger Smalls is on, and Archie Goodwin is off.
The first half ends with a score of 0-0.
Corner awarded.
Philip Zinckernagel takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Jonathan Bamba takes a right-footed shot, but it's blocked.
Allan Saint-MaximinYellow CardAllan Saint-Maximin receives a yellow card.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Djibril DianiYellow CardYellow card issued to Djibril Diani.
Allan Saint-Maximin takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Johan Gomez takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
Maren Haile-Selassie takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
Johan Gomez takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Sergio OregelYellow CardSergio Oregel receives a yellow card.
Offside.
Jonathan Bamba takes a right-footed shot that hits the post.
Maren Haile-Selassie has a left-footed shot that is saved.
Jonathan Bamba's left-footed shot is saved.
Corner awarded.
Jonathan Bamba takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Harry Toffolo takes a shot with his head but misses.
Jonathan Bamba takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
Kick-off! The referee is Chris Penso.
Charlotte FC ride an eight-game unbeaten streak into a crucial Eastern Conference clash with a struggling Chicago Fire side that's winless in six. With playoff seeding on the line, Bank of America Stadium sets the stage for a battle between a surging fourth-place host and a fifth-place visitor desperate to arrest its slide.
