Chicago Fire FC Plays Atlanta United FC to 0-0 Draw at Soldier Field

April 28, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release

CHICAGO – Chicago Fire FC (2-4-4, 10 points) and Atlanta United FC (3-3-3, 12 points) battled to a scoreless draw on Saturday night at Soldier Field.

With the result, the Fire recorded its second clean sheet in the last three matches, with goalkeeper Chris Brady tying his season-high with five saves as he notched his 10th career shutout for the Club. The match also saw a hometown debut for defender Andrew Gutman, who returned to the starting lineup and played 67 minutes after recovering from an injury suffered during the season opener in Philadelphia on Feb. 24.

The first half was an intense affair with Chicago getting their first look at the goal in the eighth minute. Winger Chris Mueller stayed on his feet to win the ball from a defender on the right flank, sending a low pass into the box. Forward Georgios Koutsias met the ball at the top of the six-hard-box but his shot hit the crossbar and was cleared out of danger.

With both teams still tied at zero in the 31st minute, Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady ensured that the match remained scoreless when defender Brooks Lennon whipped a ball in across the box toward goal. Midfielder Saba Lobjanidze read the pass well and connected with a header to the far post but Brady dove well, pushing the ball wide with a fingertip save.

Brady once again put his fingertips to work in the 76th minute when midfielder Thiago Almada took a free kick from the left side of the field. The ball curled around and over the wall, appearing destined for the upper right corner before Brady tipped it over the net. Nine minutes later, Almada once again created a dangerous chance, sending a cross from the right side to the far post. Second-half substitute Daniel Rios connected with a header inside the six-yard-box, but Brady had read the play and was ready with the save.

NEXT MATCH: Chicago will complete its three-game homestand against the New England Revolution on Saturday, May 4. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT at Soldier Field, and the match will be broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass and transmitted locally via wlsam.com in English and WRTO 1200 AM in Spanish.

Social: Twitter – @chicagofire, @vamosfire (Hashtags: #CF97 #VamosFire) | Instagram – @chicagofire | Facebook

Notes:

Prior to the start of the match, Goalkeeper Coach Zach Thornton was inducted into the Ring of Fire, becoming the ninth person to join the Club’s Hall of Fame. Thornton is one of three players…