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MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Advance to Fifth Round of Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with Penalty Kick Shootout Win over Columbus Crew SC

June 7, 2018 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Chicago Fire advanced to the fifth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with a penalty kick shootout win over Columbus Crew SC on Wednesday evening at MAPFRE Stadium. After the two sides ended regulation 1-1 and deadlocked 2-2 after the 30-minute extra time period, the Fire emerged victorious after converting ten of their penalty kicks to the host's nine.

Columbus got on the board first in the 10th minute after Cristian Martinez broke into the 18-yard box and snuck his shot under Richard Sánchez for the opening goal of the night.

The Fire equalized just before halftime when Daniel Johnson received the ball and played it out to Rafael Ramos on the right flank. Ramos took a touch and sent a low ball into the box, which Nemanja Nikolić redirected into goal to pull the Fire level in the 45th minute.

With neither team able to find a winner in regulation, the two sides headed into the requisite 30-minute extra time.

The Fire pulled ahead in the 109th minute when defender Jorge Corrales intercepted a Crew SC pass and raced down the right flank, finding Aleksandar Katai. With a deft chip, Katai found Nikolić at the top of the six-yard box for a right-footed volley to give the Fire the lead.

Adam Jahn equalized in the 114th minute for Crew SC to force penalty kicks.

In the ensuing shootout, the Fire converted 10 of their 11 attempts and Sánchez saved two penalties to help the Fire advance.

The draw for fifth round matchups and venues will be hosted by U.S. Soccer on Thursday, June 7 at 10 a.m. CT. The draw will be available via live webstream at ussoccer.com.

The Men in Red return to MLS action when they host the New England Revolution at Toyota Park for Pride Night on Saturday, June 9 at 7:30 p.m. CT (ESPN+/Univision Deportes Chicago 1200AM). Coverage begins at 7:15 p.m. CT with a live pregame show on ESPN+ presented by CIBC.

Tickets for Saturday's match are available by calling 888-MLS-FIRE or visiting www.chicago-fire.com/tickets.

Quotes:

Veljko Paunovic - Head Coach, Chicago Fire

On the result:

"I think it was important to advance to the next round. I think it was a huge effort from the team, both teams I think did a huge effort today. I think we both tried until the end. It literally was decided by the small detail, with the PK spot. The last player had to take it, the goalkeepers in this case. I think it is good for us to get this win in the Open Cup and very important for our club. This very important competition gives us more confidence to move on not only in the next round, but in the next couple of games, the next stretch of games we have at home and on the road."

On Nemanja Nikolić's brace:

"I think it is important for his confidence and for the team to see that he is also fully recovered and that he can again be very productive for the team, fulfill all that we have in front of us, even being small goals like advancing in the first round of U.S Open Cup for us."

Nemanja Nikolić - Forward, Chicago Fire

On the match:

"It is always important thing, for us, this competition. I am happy because of the goals. I am happy that I don't feel any more problem with the ankles, its been bothering me a couple of weeks but the medical staff did a very good job last week so, now I feel okay and I am happy that we are going to the next round because in this competition we want to create something, good opportunities to build, something good from this victory. I am looking forward to the game against New England, most important the game in front of our crowd."

Richard Sánchez - Goalkeeper, Chicago Fire

On the team's mentality:

"I thought we did well throughout the game actually. Even at 1-0 we were able to tie the game. Then we were able to score in overtime. We didn't give up. I think our mentality is strong. I think we can only build up on this and continue to work hard."

On scoring the game-winning penalty kick:

"I don't recall taking a PK in these circumstances, but you do train for them. You train for them during practice and I myself train them, so it feels good. It gives me confidence. I think it gives the players confidence as well for the ones that made it and we just continue to build from this."

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