Philip Zinckernagel scored to open a three-goal surge in the first half, and the Chicago Fire held on to defeat Charlotte 3-2 on Saturday night at Soldier Field.
The Fire scored three times in an 11-minute span of the first half and took a commanding 3-0 lead into the break.
Zinckernagel opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, followed by Brian Gutiérrez (25th) and Hugo Cuypers (33rd). Zinckernagel’s goal came at the end of a long run in which he outraced the defense, then delivered a right-footed shot from the right side of the box to the lower right central zone.
After trailing 3-0 at halftime, Charlotte rallied in the second half.
In the 56th minute, Pep Biel scored with a left-footed shot from the center of the box to the bottom left corner.
In the 59th minute, Idan Toklomati scored with a left-footed shot from the center of the box to the top left corner. Biel assisted on the play. Charlotte did not play another shot on goal the rest of the match.
Seven yellow cards were shown in the second half. The Fire drew five and Charlotte two.
Charlotte’s Kristijan Kahlina had two saves. Charlotte scored on both of its shots on goal against the Fire’s Jeffrey Gal.
Charlotte has lost three straight on the road. The Fire won 4-1 at Charlotte on May 17.
Up next
The Fire visit Cincinnati on Saturday, while Charlotte hosts Orlando City.
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