Chicago Fire FC II Triumphs Over Columbus Crew 2 in Thrilling Penalty Shootout

Chicago Fire FC II defeated Columbus Crew 2 in a dramatic penalty shootout on Friday night at Historic Crew Stadium, securing an additional point on the road and extending their unbeaten streak to five matches.

In a thrilling contest at Historic Crew Stadium, Chicago Fire FC II (6-2-5-4) emerged victorious over Columbus Crew 2 (5-5-4-3) in a penalty shootout, clinching an additional point on the road. This victory extends Chicago’s unbeaten run to five matches, having earned 13 out of a possible 15 points, and positions them in the top three of the Eastern Conference.

Nicole McCray/Undrafted

The match kicked off with a flurry of aggressive play, as both sides created numerous chances. The first 45 minutes alone saw a combined 19 shots. Fire midfielder Christian Koffi came close to opening the scoring in the fourth minute, but his powerful right-footed strike hit the left post. Moments later, a long punt from Fire goalkeeper Patrick Los set up defender Omari Glasgow for a chance, though his effort narrowly missed the target.

A water break at the 30-minute mark allowed both teams to regroup. Columbus came out strong after the pause, pressuring Los, who made two crucial saves before halftime to keep the score level.

Nicole McCray/Undrafted

The breakthrough came in the 55th minute when Fire forward David Poreba’s pressure caused a mistake from the Columbus goalkeeper, leading to midfielder Harold Osorio scoring with a one-touch strike into an empty net.

As the game neared its conclusion, Columbus equalized in the 89th minute with a well-crafted goal by forward Jayden Da, following precise passing. With nine minutes of stoppage time added, the match remained tied, leading to a penalty shootout.

Nicole McCray/Undrafted

Both teams converted their first two penalties, but Los made a pivotal save on Columbus’ third attempt. Lapkes matched him with a save of his own, keeping the shootout even. After two more successful penalties from each side, the match went to sudden death. Fire midfielder Juan Calle clinched the victory with a decisive goal in the eighth round.

The final scoreline read Columbus Crew 2 1(6) : 1(7) Chicago Fire FC II, highlighting an intense battle that showcased the resilience and skill of both teams.

Goals:

• CHI - Osorio (55’)
• CLB - Da (89’, assist by Alaouieh)

Discipline:

• CLB - Mrowka (Yellow Card, 36’)
• CHI - Glasgow (Yellow Card, 42’)
• CLB - Pearson (Yellow Card, 70’)

Lineups:

• Chicago Fire FC II: Los (GK), Glasgow (Borso, 46’), Diouf (Blake, 65’), Shannon, Konincks, Soudan, Koffi (Calle, 86’), Osorio (Prpa, 57’), Heuer, Oregel (Shokalook, 57’), Poreba (capt.)
• Columbus Crew 2: Lapkes (GK), Pearson, Almeida, Rogers, Presthus, De Libera (capt.), Gonzalez (Rincon, 75’), Brown (Williams, 85’), Mrowka (Alaouieh, 75’), Da, Adams (Rayo, 85’)

Match Stats:

• Shots: CLB 12 / CHI 19
• Shots on Goal: CLB 6 / CHI 5
• Passing Accuracy: CLB 87.6% / CHI 79.1%
• Saves: CLB 4 / CHI 5
• Corners: CLB 6 / CHI 4
• Fouls: CLB 12 / CHI 10
• Offsides: CLB 1 / CHI 6
• Possession: CLB 63.2% / CHI 36.8%

Officials:

• Referee: Nabil Bensalah
• Assistant Ref 1: Eric Burton
• Assistant Ref 2: Sharon Gingrich
• 4th Official: Tre Gaither