“In a frantic end to the first half, Ocampos had a shot blocked and a header saved before Víctor Guzmán stabbed home from an Arteaga assist, sending Monterrey in ahead at the break.”
Pivotal“Within two minutes of the second-half substitutions being made, Philip Zinckernagel converted Andrew Gutman's assist to equalise for Chicago Fire, reigniting the tie completely.”
Pivotal“Orbelín Pineda struck in the 83rd minute to restore Monterrey's advantage and ultimately seal the win, breaking Chicago's resistance just as the Fire were threatening to push for a winner of their own.”
Pivotal
Monterrey
Chicago Fire
Outstanding performance
Chicago Fire•AttackerMonterrey edged out Chicago Fire 2-1 in a feisty Leagues Cup encounter that swung decisively in the final quarter-hour. The hosts controlled the tempo for long stretches — launching 16 shots to Chicago's nine and generating 50 dangerous attacks — yet it was the visitors who looked the more composed side in possession, completing 428 passes with 55% of the ball. The first half was defined by drama before a ball even reached the net: Lucas Ocampos saw a penalty saved and had both a shot blocked and a header stopped in a frantic five-minute spell before Víctor Guzmán capitalised on the chaos to slot home on the stroke of half-time, assisted by Gerardo Arteaga. Chicago's response after the break was sharp — Robin Lod and Mauricio Pineda were introduced and within two minutes Philip Zinckernagel had equalised, converting an Andrew Gutman assist to make it 1-1. Just as the Fire looked to be building momentum, Orbelín Pineda stepped up in the 83rd minute to restore Monterrey's lead and seal three crucial Leagues Cup points, leaving Chicago to rue their wastefulness after squandering three big chances to Monterrey's two.
How entertaining was this match?
Yellow card issued.
Fidel Ambriz comes on for Oliver Torres.
Luis Reyes is substituted for Diego Martin Rossi Marachlian.
Offside.
Jack Elliott takes a shot with his head, but it misses the target.
Diego RossiYellow CardYellow card shown to Diego Martin Rossi Marachlian.
Jorge Rodriguez comes on for Jesus Corona.
Corner awarded.
Diego Martin Rossi Marachlian takes a shot with his right foot, but it is blocked.
Substitution: Jonathan Bamba comes on for Jonathan Dean.
Orbelín PinedaOrbelin Pineda Alvarado takes a shot with his right foot and scores.
Lucas Ocampos takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Goal! The score is now 2-1.
Andrew GutmanYellow CardAndrew Gutman receives a yellow card.
Ricardo ChávezRicardo Chavez Soto takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Gerardo Daniel Arteaga Zamora takes a header shot but misses.
Anton Saletros takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Corner awarded.
Maren Haile-Selassie comes on for Puso Dithejane.
Corner awarded.
Carlos Salcedo attempts a header but misses the shot.
Ricardo ChávezRicardo Chavez Soto takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Corner awarded.
Offside.
Anton SalétrosYellow CardYellow card shown to Anton Saletros.
Philip ZinckernagelPhilip Zinckernagel takes a shot with his right foot and scores.
assist: Andrew Gutman
Goal! Philip Zinckernagel scores to make it 1-1, assisted by Andrew Gutman.
Jesus Corona takes a left-footed shot but misses.
Corner awarded.
Victor Guzman takes a shot with his head and scores a goal.
First half ends with a score of 1-0.
assist: Gerardo Arteaga
Goal! Victor Guzman scores to make it 1-0, assisted by Gerardo Daniel Arteaga Zamora.
Philip ZinckernagelYellow CardPhilip Zinckernagel receives a yellow card.
Lucas Ocampos attempts a header, but it is saved.
Lucas Ocampos has a shot, but it's blocked.
Corner awarded.
Lucas Ocampos takes a right-footed shot that hits the post.
Penalty saved! Lucas Ocampos' attempt is unsuccessful.
Chris BradyVAR decision made to review the card for Chris Brady.
Chris BradyYellow CardChris Brady receives a yellow card.
Offside.
Diego Martin Rossi Marachlian attempts a header but misses the shot.
Carlos SalcedoYellow CardCarlos Salcedo receives a yellow card.
Jesus Corona takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Lucas Ocampos takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
Hugo Cuypers has a shot with his right foot, but it is blocked.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Anton Saletros takes a left-footed shot, but it is saved.
Corner awarded.
Philip Zinckernagel takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Kick-off! The referee is Rubiel Vazquez.
In the first-ever meeting between these clubs, Monterrey and Chicago Fire clash in a Leagues Cup quarterfinal at SeatGeek Stadium — a single-elimination tie where there is no second chance. Chicago arrive as the tournament's top MLS seed with a perfect Phase One record, while Monterrey carry the added intrigue of Hugo Cuypers lining up against the club he left just weeks ago.
