Luka Stojanovic’s goal with less than 15 minutes remaining lifted Chicago Fire FC to a 1-0 win over the Columbus Crew at Soldier Field on Sunday evening.
It was the second win in a row for the Fire, whose unbeaten streak is now at four ahead of a six-match road trip. The Crew have now lost four straight.
Neither goalkeeper was called into action until the 23rd minute when Gaston Gimenez's attempt from beyond the box was easily handled by the Crew's Eloy Room. In the 42nd minute, Chinonso Offor had a dangerous opportunity in front of Columbus' net that was ultimately snuffed out.
Meanwhile, Darlington Nagbe put his strike inches wide of the target in the opening minutes. But the Crew failed to pose a serious first-half threat to the hosts beyond that.
The Fire saw a chance go by the wayside just past the hour mark when Fabian Herbers received a deflected ball in the box and fired it right into Room's arms. They had an even better chance in the 72nd minute, but Robert Beric's header was pushed over the bar by Room.
Chicago's breakthrough finally came in the 77th minute through Stojanovic, whose third goal in two matches made it a 1-0 Fire lead. Shouts for a handball in the box by the Crew were ultimately for naught, as Video Review confirmed the on-field call.
Despite several close calls by the Crew in stoppage time – including a great save by Bobby Shuttleworth and a shot off the woodwork – the Fire held on for back-to-back wins for the first time this year.
Goals
- 77' - CHI - Luka Stojanovic | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: There were a few nervy moments in the end, but the Fire added three points to their ledger and a second straight win at Soldier Field before a pivotal six-match away stretch during which they'll seek their first road win of the campaign. Meanwhile, the struggles continue for Columbus. After going without a loss in six straight matches, it’s now four in a row without a point for the Crew as they remain below the playoff line.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Nursing a 1-0 lead in second-half stoppage time, the Fire had to sweat this one out. Thanks to the right goalpost and a terrific stop by Shuttleworth, they avoided a late letdown to send Columbus to yet another loss.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Stojanovic had the match-winner in this one, but it was a terrific 90-minute effort from Fabian Herbers. The German midfielder provided positive spells of play all throughout a winning performance for his side.
Next Up
- CHI: Wednesday, August 18 at Inter Miami CF | 7:30 pm ET (MLS LIVE on ESPN+)
- CLB: Wednesday, August 18 at New York Red Bulls | 8:00 pm ET (MLS LIVE on ESPN+)
