MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Earn Point in 2-2 Road Draw with Colorado Rapids

Published on June 14, 2018 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


COMMERCE CITY, Colo. - The Chicago Fire (5-7-4, 19 points) earned a point in a 2-2 draw with the Colorado Rapids (2-9-3, 9 points) on Wednesday evening at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo.

The Rapids got on the board first with goals from Dominique Badji in the seventh minute and Tommy Smith in the 15th for the 2-0 lead.

In the 21st minute Aleksandar Katai forced an own goal when he drove a cross towards goal that was knocked into the net by Rapids defender Danny Wilson.

The Men in Red equalized three minutes later when Brandt Bronico served in a long cross and found Katai open just outside the 18 yard box. The Serbian chested the ball down and sent his curling, left-footed shot past an outstretched Tim Howard, drawing the Fire level 2-2.

Next up the Fire continue its 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign when they take on Atlanta United in the Round of 16 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on June 20 at 6:30 p.m. CT.

Quotes:

Veljko Paunovic - Head Coach, Chicago Fire

On the result:

"It's disappointing. It's disappointing for many reasons. This is not the image that we want and we have to make changes. We have to make changes technically, with our attitude, and with our behavior on the road, especially early in the game. It doesn't work just saying we need to get better, but we have to because it's not good enough. Starting poorly and allowing two goals early is just too much."

Brandt Bronico - Midfielder, Chicago Fire

On the road point:

"I think a positive that we can take away from this game is that we started to get that possession soccer back at times and I think that coming back from two goals shows a lot of strength from the team to not give up."

On the assist for Aleksandar Katai's goal:

"Usually, if I see Katai running, I just give him the ball. The guy scores goals for fun. He did all the hard work. I just put the ball up there and he chested it down and scored a beautiful goal, so the credit goes to him."

Aleksandar Katai - Midfielder, Chicago Fire

On his goal:

"It's a very nice goal but it's not enough because we are going home with only the one point. It would have been nicer if we had gotten the three points."

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Chicago Fire 2:2 Colorado Rapids

June 13, 2018 - Dick's Sporting Goods Park

Attendance: 16,068

Scoring Summary:

COL - Dominique Badji (Tommy Smith) 7'

COL - Tommy Smith (Jack Price, Sam Nicholson) 15'

CHI - Danny Wilson (own goal) 21'

CHI - Aleksandar Katai (Brandt Bronico) 24'

Misconduct Summary:

CHI - Bastian Schweinsteiger (caution) 29'

CHI - Johan Kappelhof (caution) 45+1'

COL - Johan Blomberg (caution) 56'

CHI - Johan Kappelhof (ejection) 84'

COL - Danny Wilson (caution) 89'

CHI - Diego Campos (caution) 90+2'

Chicago Fire: Richard Sánchez; Brandon Vincent, Johan Kappelhof, Kevin Ellis (Alan Gordon 82'), Jorge Corrales; Aleksandar Katai, Luis Solignac (Diego Campos 62'), Brandt Bronico (Elliot Collier 75'), Bastian Schweinsteiger, Dax McCarty ©; Nemanja Nikolić

Subs not used: Stefan Cleveland, Mo Adams, Jonathan Campbell, Daniel Johnson

Shots: 13; Shots On-Goal: 4; Fouls: 11; Saves: 4; Offsides: 0; Corners: 6.

Colorado Rapids: Tim Howard, Edgar Castillo, Deklan Wynne, Danny Wilson, Tommy Smith, Marlon Hairston (Enzo Martinez 83'), Johan Blomberg (Shkelzen Gashi 88'), Jack Price, Sam Nicholson, Dominique Badji, Jack McBean (Joe Mason 80')

Subs not used: Zac MacMath, Bismark Boateng, Micheal Azira, Dillon Serna

Shots: 13; Shots On-Goal: 6; Fouls: 20; Saves: 3; Offsides: 0; Corners: 5.

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