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The Chicago Fire are having a mini-resurgence and a statement match in Charlotte was next on deck. How would they respond? Would the momentum continue? Charlotte FC is a team on a four game winless streak that’s desperately needing a victory, especially at home, where they are notoriously hard to play.
A slower, but balanced back-and-forth first half for both teams. A few opportunities, but nothing significant. That changed in the 40th minute when Jonathan Bamba unleashed a pretty curler past Kristijan Kahlina for a 1-0 Fire lead.
In the second the Fire took over the game, in particular, Brian Gutierrez. Guti had a golden chance right in front of the goal but the weak tap in was cleared off the line. Gutierrez redeemed himself moments later with a nifty and creative move at the top of the box through multiple defenders and striking the ball into the net for a 2-0 Fire lead.
Minutes later Philip Zinckernagel waved through defenders as he’s been known to do and expertly hit one past Kahlina. It’s 3-0 Fire in a surprising route in Charlotte.
Charlotte FC did have have an answer and potential momentum changer when Patrick Agyemang added his third goal of the season on a fantastic goal. But, the Charlotte momentum didn’t last long. Andrew Gutman gets clipped inside the Charlotte box and a penalty was awarded. Guti steps up and nails it. It’s 4-1 and all but over.
The Charlotte was deflated in the waning moments after the questionable penalty call. They are on a losing streak and the body language of some players is not looking good, notably star signing Wilfried Zaha, who has not been playing up to expectation so far. They need more from him and to come off as a leader, instead of arguing with refs and fans.
The Fire closed it out and win 4-1. That was the worst home loss in Charlotte FC franchise history. An impressive result for the Fire.
Huge game for Guti with 2 goals and 1 assist. Zinc continues his terrific form. I didn’t realize how good his dribbling and skill work is. He’s consistently taking on multiple defenders and easily getting by defenders on 1v1 situations. He’s a dangerous winger that’s in great form. Good to see Bamba get on the score sheet. He’s been outstanding in setting up his teammates, but hasn’t gotten the expected goals yet.
Impressive Fire victory. The momentum is swinging back to them. They are once again looking like the team that had that hot start and beat Vancouver earlier this season. This was game one of a four game trip, not counting the Open Cup play (on the road also). The Fire won’t be back at home until mid June. Good news for them is that they have been excellent on the road so far this season.
NEXT MATCH:
Chicago continues 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play with a match against the New England Revolution in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, May 20. Kickoff at Chapey Field at Anderson Stadium in Providence, R.I., is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT.
Notes:
- Midfielder Brian Gutiérrez’s brace was the second of his career and his first since the season opening match at Columbus on February 22. His two goals and one assist matched his career-high in goal contributions, scoring once and assisting twice in the Fire’s 3-2 road victory over FC Cincinnati on October 1, 2022.
- With three goal contributions in the match, Gutiérrez passed Justin Mapp for the most in Club history before turning 22, tallying 36 in his career. He appeared in his seventh match against Charlotte FC, becoming the only Fire player to appear in all meetings between Chicago and Charlotte.
- Jonathan Bamba’s 40th minute opening goal against Charlotte was his first since tallying the opener in the Fire’s road match against the New York Red Bulls on April 5. The winger also added his sixth assist of the year, placing him in a tie for fourth in the league in the category.
- Chicago’s 4-1 victory marked the first time the Fire scored four on the road, and won by a three-goal margin, since their 4-1 victory over Toronto FC at BMO Field on June 15, 2024.
- With four goals in the match, Chicago Fire FC has totaled 11 goals all-time at Bank of America Stadium. No other visiting team has scored as many goals in Charlotte’s as the Fire, who lead Orlando City SC by six goals as the top scoring visiting club in the Queen City.
- The Fire recorded a season-high 25 shots in the effort, six more than their previous high of six against FC Cincinnati on April 20. The number is two short of a season-high 27 shots faced by Charlotte, in their 4-1 victory over San Jose on March 22 at Bank of America Stadium.
- Defenders Leonardo Barroso (Lower Body), Carlos Terán (Lower Body) and Chase Gasper (Lower Body); and midfielders David Poreba (Lower Body) and Chris Mueller (Not Due to Injury) were unavailable for selection today.
