The Chicago Fire all but eliminated the New England Revolution from the Audi 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs with a 2-1 win at Toyota Park on Sunday afternoon. Goals from Michael de Leeuw and David Accam paced the home team on either side of a Diego Fagundez strike.
Both teams ended the match with 10 men, as Chicago striker Luis Solignac was sent off early in the second half for a trip off the ball and New England goalkeeper Brad Knighton followed him to an early shower 20 minutes later for tripping up Accam outside the box.
New England entered the day three points behind the Philadelphia Union for the sixth and final Eastern Conference playoff position, and needed to collect points to realistically stay alive. Though the Union also lost, keeping the Revs three points adrift, they have a 12-goal deficit in differential, leaving their playoff hopes on the brink.
New England finish their season hosting the Montreal Impact, while the Fire finish away at Toronto FC.
Box Score
- 9' -- CHI -- Michael de Leeuw (Brandon Vincent, David Accam)
- 43' -- NE -- Diego Fagundez
- 80' -- CHI -- Accam (Jonathan Campbell)
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Three Things
- TOO LITTLE TOO LATE for the Chicago Fire, who have showed glimpses in the past few weeks thanks to de Leeuw and Accam. Sunday's win marks their first since September 3 and third since mid July. The Fire need another win next week and consecutive losses by the Houston Dynamo to avoid the dubious record of being the first team to finish with the league's worst record in consecutive seasons.
- OUT WITH A WHIMPER The Revolution entered the day having won four of their last five. They were playing the worst team in the league. They went up a man. And they couldn't get a result. After such a strong push to get in the backdoor of the playoffs, it all ends rather abruptly.
- ANDREW FARRELL is Mr. Reliable for the Revolution. Despite the loss, Farrell again excelled at right back both in attack and defense. The 24-year old has now started at least 32 games in four straight seasons.
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