Chicago Fire FC made their fast start count and then showed enough defensive resolve to see off Portland Timbers 2-1 at Soldier Field on Sunday night.
Robin Lod opened the scoring in the 9th minute, putting Chicago in front before the hosts doubled their advantage five minutes later. D’Avilla Dje Tah found the net in the 14th minute to cap a blistering opening spell and send the Fire into half-time with a commanding 2-0 lead.
Portland controlled more of the ball over the course of the match, finishing with 63 percent possession and 11 attempts to Chicago’s eight. But the Fire were sharper with their early opportunities, placing four shots on target and making their two first-half goals stand up.
The Timbers increased the pressure after the interval, with Brandon Bye booked in the 51st minute as the visitors attempted to turn possession into sustained attacking momentum. Chicago’s discipline was tested as Lod saw yellow in the 57th minute and Anton Saletros followed in the 79th.
Portland finally found a route back into the contest in the 85th minute, when Finn Surman powered home a header to cut the deficit to one. That goal set up a tense closing stretch, but Chicago protected their lead through stoppage time to secure all three MLS points. Portland substitute Vincent Janssen was booked in the 90th minute plus four as the final chance slipped away.
The result continues Chicago’s excellent run of form and moves their record to 10-2-6, while Portland leave Chicago with a 7-3-9 mark despite a spirited second-half response.
Goals
- Chicago Fire FC: Robin Lod 9′, D’Avilla Dje Tah 14′
- Portland Timbers: Finn Surman 85′
Key statistics
- Possession: Chicago Fire FC 37% – 63% Portland Timbers
- Shots: Chicago Fire FC 8 – 11 Portland Timbers
- Shots on target: Chicago Fire FC 4 – 2 Portland Timbers
- Corners: Chicago Fire FC 0 – 4 Portland Timbers
