Cucho Hernández broke a tie in the 83rd minute in his MLS debut and Derrick Etienne Jr. scored twice as the Columbus Crew overcame a two-goal, second-half deficit to defeat the host Chicago Fire 3-2 on Saturday.
Hernández took an outlet from Luis Díaz, who had two assists, and chipped the ball inside the left post over goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina as the Crew (6-5-7, 25 points) extended their unbeaten streak to six (3-0-3).
Cucho Hernandez scores in his debut to give @ColumbusCrew a late lead! pic.twitter.com/oTMeMvMnF4
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 10, 2022
The Fire (4-10-5) got goals from Rafael Czichos in the 29th and Chris Mueller in the 41st for the 2-0 lead. The Crew started their rally when Etienne and Díaz were inserted for the start of the second half. Etienne had goals in the 63rd and 75th minutes to make it 2-2. He has a team-high five goals this season. Hernández entered in the 62nd minute. The 23-year-old Colombian scored five goals for Watford of England's Premier League in the 2021-22 season before signing with the Crew on June 8 for the largest transfer fee ($10 million) in club history.
The Fire, whose 16 goals were the fewest in the Eastern Conference, took the lead on Czichos' first MLS goal in his 14th match when a line drive cross by Mueller skimmed his head.
Just like they planned it. ✅
Rafael Czichos puts @ChicagoFire ahead! pic.twitter.com/oppa6ztLbI— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 10, 2022
Mueller doubled the advantage against the disorganized defense, making a late run to the center of the box for an unmarked shot from the pass by Jhon Durán.
Chris Mueller puts it away! That's 2-0 in favor of @ChicagoFire! pic.twitter.com/SPruDzDFoL
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 10, 2022
Columbus drew to within one thanks to Etienne. Lucas Zelarayán had the pinpoint pass that split the defense, allowing Etienne an open look from the left side.
.@detienne_10 pulls one back for @ColumbusCrew! pic.twitter.com/XeBueKqLQO
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 10, 2022
Zelarayán was the catalyst for the second goal on the transition. He drew the defense before sending the ball to his right where Díaz found Etienne with a pass.
And that's a brace for Etienne!
This one's level at 2-2. pic.twitter.com/2vOaK9gZWa— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 10, 2022
After the Hernández goal, the Fire went down to 10 men in the 90th minute when Miguel Navarro was given a red card for violent conduct.
