Chicago Fire and Los Angeles FC each earned a point in an intense encounter during MLS Week 23.
With a clear intent to control the match, Chicago Fire dominated possession and found the back of the net in the 10th minute through a header from Carlos Terán. Just eight minutes later, Ryan Hollingshead leveled the score for LAFC with a well-timed header.
The dynamic continued into the second half when Jonathan Bamba restored the lead for LAFC in the 64th minute. However, the drama wasn’t over yet; Denis Bouanga converted a penalty in the 76th minute to equalize once more for Los Angeles.
Hugo Cuypers had a chance to put Chicago ahead again in the 71st minute, but his shot hit the post, denying him a goal.
The standout player of the match was Denis Bouanga, shining bright with his exceptional performance and crucial goal. On the other hand, Chicago’s goalkeeper Christopher Brady impressed by making seven vital saves throughout the match.
Chicago Fire head coach Gregg Berhalter started the game with a 4-3-3 formation, fielding Christopher Brady in goal, supported by defenders Leonardo Barroso, Jack Elliott, Carlos Terán, and Andrew Gutman. The midfield was manned by Dje D Avilla, Brian Gutiérrez, and Sergio Oregel, while Philip Zinckernagel, Hugo Cuypers, and Jonathan Bamba led the attack.
LAFC’s manager Steve Cherundolo opted for a 3-5-2 setup, with Hugo Lloris guarding the net, supported by a defensive trio of Sergi Palencia, Eddie Segura, and Nkosi Tafari. The midfield featured Mathieu Choiniere, Igor Jesus, Timothy Tillman, Mark Delgado, and Ryan Hollingshead, while David Martínez and Nathan Ordaz were up front.
The match referee was Ricardo Montero Araya, officiating the thrilling contest at Soldier Field.
Looking ahead, Chicago Fire will return home to face St. Louis City, while LAFC will host Toronto FC in their next outing.
Substitutions for Chicago Fire
85’ 2T – Dje D Avilla was replaced by Mauricio Pineda
86’ 2T – Philip Zinckernagel off for Maren Haile-Selassie; Sergio Oregel off for Kellyn Perry-Acosta
Yellow Cards for Chicago Fire:
24’ 1T – Brian Gutiérrez (Unsporting behavior)
11’ 2T – Philip Zinckernagel (Unsporting behavior)
33’ 2T – Carlos Terán (Unsporting behavior)
33’ 2T – Christopher Brady (Insulting or showing disapproval towards the referee)
Substitutions for Los Angeles FC
45’ 2T – Mathieu Choiniere substituted for Denis Bouanga
55’ 2T – David Martínez off for Son Heungmin; Andrew Gutman off for Jonathan Dean
68’ 2T – Mark Delgado off for Frankie Amaya; Ryan Hollingshead off for Artem Smoliakov
Yellow Cards for Los Angeles FC:
15’ 2T – Nkosi Tafari (Unsporting behavior)
21’ 2T – Eddie Segura (Holding an opponent to prevent them from advancing)