Fire Beat Vancouver 3-1, Climb To Fourth In Eastern Conference

CHICAGO — Chicago Fire FC moved into fourth place in the Eastern Conference with a 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Tuesday night at Soldier Field.

Jonathan Bamba, Philip Zinckernagel and Maren Haile-Selassie scored for Chicago, which improved to 13-8-6 with 45 points and moved ahead of Charlotte FC in the standings.

The Fire defeated the Western Conference-leading Whitecaps before an announced crowd of 31,381. Vancouver fell to 15-7-5 with 50 points.

Among the highlights was a reunion between former Bayern Munich teammates Robert Lewandowski, of the Fire, and Thomas Müller, of the Whitecaps. The two spent eight seasons together from 2014 to 2022, helping Bayern win the 2020 Champions League title as part of a treble that also included the German league and cup championships.

Wednesday night's match was originally scheduled for July 16, but was postponed that afternoon because wildfire smoke caused poor air quality in the Chicago area. The Fire reached the decision in consultation with local health experts, Major League Soccer, Vancouver and the city of Chicago.

Bamba gave Chicago an early advantage in the ninth minute. Midfielder Anton Salétros carried the ball through midfield before finding Bamba on the left. Bamba turned toward the top of the penalty area and drove a shot into the far bottom corner for his third goal of the season and first since March 21.

Chicago continued to press, taking more than 10 shots in the first half, but went into halftime with a 1-0 lead.

Zinckernagel doubled the advantage in the 50th minute after a passing sequence involving Bamba, Leonardo Barroso and Haile-Selassie. Barroso played the ball toward the top of the penalty area, where Zinckernagel exchanged passes with Haile-Selassie before finishing his sixth goal of the season.

Vancouver pulled within a goal in the 73rd minute when Matthias Laborda headed in a corner kick.

Chicago secured the result in the 88th minute, with substitutes Puso Dithejane and Lewandowski helping create the final goal.

Dithejane played the ball back to midfielder Dje D'Avilla, whose through ball was backheeled by Johan Gómez into Lewandowski's path. Lewandowski moved behind the defense and passed to an open Haile-Selassie, who finished for his ninth goal of the season.

Haile-Selassie's goal and assist moved him up several career lists, according to the Fire. His 22 goals for Chicago tied him for 10th in club history, while his 29 assists tied him with Jesse Marsch for seventh. His 51 combined goal contributions rank sixth.

Zinckernagel's goal was his team-leading fourth game-winner of the season.

Goalkeeper Josh Cohen earned his second victory in as many appearances for Chicago while filling in for Chris Brady, who was away with the U.S. national team.

The Fire finished with a 21-14 advantage in shots, including an 8-2 edge in shots on goal.

Tuesday's match came less than a month after Chicago drew a club-record 63,094 fans to Soldier Field for a 1-1 draw against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami. Lewandowski scored Chicago’s goal in that Sept. 9 match.

The club is also preparing for a future home at McDonald’s Park, its planned $750 million stadium scheduled to open in 2028. McDonald's announced the naming rights partnership in May.

Chicago will remain at Soldier Field to host New York City FC at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. The match will air on Apple TV, with English audio coverage at wlsam.com and Spanish coverage on TUDN Chicago 106.7-HD2 and the Uforia by TREBEL app.

Past Coverage:

• Record Crowd Watches Fire, Messi’s Inter Miami Battle To Draw At Soldier Field
• McDonald’s To Name Chicago Fire’s New $750M Stadium In Landmark Deal