May 15, 2023 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Chicago Fire FC News Release
Chicago Fire FC went undefeated against midwestern rival St. Louis CITY SC last week!
Last Tuesday, Chicago Fire FC hosted St. Louis CITY SC in the Round of 32 of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament. The first matchup between Chicago and the League’s newest expansion side resulted in a 2-1 victory that guided Chicago to the Round of 16 as the Club searches for their competition record fifth championship.
In the 2-1 Open Cup victory, Chicago was lifted by a pair of goals from Swiss midfielder Maren Haile-Selassie and German midfielder Fabian Herbers. Additionally, veteran goalkeeper Spencer Richey backstopped the Fire to the Round of 16 for the first time since 2018.
Four days later, the Fire hosted St. Louis for the first time in regular season history. The Fire, hosting Chicago Sports Day, recorded a 1-0 clean sheet victory led by Rafael Czichos. The German defender would score the opening goal of the game just four minutes after coming into the match, when designated player Xherdan Shaqiri fed a ball inside the box off a set piece and Czichos extended his leg to put it past the St. Louis goalkeeper.
The match was highlighted by Shaqiri’s first assist of the season. His 12 assists are the most by a Fire player since the start of the 2022 MLS campaign. Additionally, the match saw Homegrown goalkeeper Chris Brady record his second career clean sheet after his two-save performance sealed the three points for the Fire.
Prior to the matches against Charlotte and Atlanta this week, the Fire will train at SeatGeek Stadium and the first 15 minutes of each session will be open to the media, with interviews with coaches and players occurring directly afterward. Media members interested in attending must RSVP and share any interview requests with Elizabeth Sánchez at esanchez@chicagofirefc.com at least 24 hours in advance of the training session they plan to attend. (Full schedule below).
SHAQIRI, CZICHOS, AND GUTIERREZ SELECTED TO TEAM OF THE MATCHDAY!
After a successful week against a strong St. Louis side, Chicago had three representatives as a part of this week’s MLS Team of the Matchday!
Chicago Fire FC designated player Xherdan Shaqiri, defender Rafael Czichos and midfielder Brian Gutiérrez were named as members of the team for Matchday 12 following their stellar individual and collective performances in Saturday afternoon’s 1-0 win against St. Louis CITY SC!
Shaqiri’s performance…
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