The heat has arrived in the city of Chicago, and so has a much-needed victory. The Chicago Fire defeated Inter Miami at home by a score of 1-0 on Saturday at a lively Soldier Field, which had a crowd of 10,844 in attendance for the game, beating their previous home match numbers against the Philadelphia Union by nearly double.
⏱ ¡Rueda la pelota en el Soldier Field! @ChicagoFire vs @InterMiamiCF
Sigue toda la acción de #CHIvMIA por @TUDNUSA o aquí https://t.co/cmVRdWjlf3 pic.twitter.com/AAEe1fMWZt— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) May 22, 2021
In this match, Raphaël Wicky's side showed its best form so far this season and dominated the game from start to finish.
In the first half, the home team held most of the possession with flashy soccer and looked clearly superior. The Fire had a total of six chances (against only one by Inter Miami), with the clearest being a shot off the crossbar by Polish midfielder Przemysław Frankowski in the 21st minute.
¡Remate de Frankowski al travesaño! #CHIvMIA | 0-0 pic.twitter.com/hb8WfGaDlK
— MLS Español (@MLSes) May 22, 2021
Youngster Brian Gutiérrez made a great run a minute before, leaving the fans in awe with a spectacular tunnel to his opponent's counterpart.
“Permiso”, dijo Brian Gutiérrez. #CHIvMIA pic.twitter.com/cB7UI4f6OZ
— MLS Rollins (@MLSRollins) May 22, 2021
The second half began much like the first, with the home side maintaining possession and dominating the match. After several attempts on goal, the first and only goal of the match came from a set piece. Luka Stojanovic scored from a free kick, assisted by goalkeeper John McCarthy, who reacted very poorly to the shot.
¡Celebran Luka Stojanovic y #VamosFire, con la ayuda del arquero rival! #CHIvMIA | 1-0 pic.twitter.com/P9huQZA4UW
— MLS Español (@MLSes) May 22, 2021
Inter Miami was without one of its star players, Mexican Rodolfo Pizarro, due to injury. With the presence of the Higuain brothers, who came to Chicago after having played an excellent match in their victory against FC Cincinnati, Inter Miami had few scoring opportunities and was absolutely dominated.
The Chicago Fire's next match will be next Saturday, May 29, at home again, hosting CF Montreal, while Inter Miami will play the same day, also at home, against D.C. United.
