Chicago Fire FC defeated Columbus Crew 2–0 on Saturday at Soldier Field, controlling the match with sustained pressure and clinical finishing.
The Fire dominated early proceedings, earning corners in the 4′ and 8′ minutes through André Franco's delivery. Andrew Gutman headed wide in the 5′ minute before Sam Rogers saw his shot blocked in the 16′ minute. Chicago continued pressing, with Leonardo Barroso's effort blocked in the 20′ minute and Gutman heading over from another Franco corner in the 21′ minute.
The breakthrough came in the 25′ minute when Andrew Gutman finished from the left wing, assisted by Jack Elliott, giving Chicago a deserved 1-0 lead. Philip Zinckernagel forced a save in the 27′ minute as the Fire maintained their momentum.
Columbus responded after halftime, with substitute Ibrahim Aliyu testing the goalkeeper in the 47′ minute. However, Chicago sealed the victory in the 70′ minute when Hugo Cuypers converted from the center of the box, assisted by André Franco, doubling the lead to 2-0.
Both teams created late chances, with Hugo Picard's header saved in the 77′ minute for Columbus, while Chicago's Hugo Cuypers continued threatening until the final whistle in the 90+7′ minute.
This story was automatically generated based on match data and real-time reporting. Content has not been reviewed by editorial staff.
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