Despite finding a goal near the end of the match, Atlanta United is now winless in six matches as they faced Chicago Fire to a 2-1 loss at Soldier Field. The club will return to action next Wednesday when they face Austin FC, and Saturday at home vs Philadelphia Union (View tickets).
Final score: Chicago Fire 2 [H. Cuypers (14' PK), R. Kouamé (86')] - Atlanta United 1 [S. Rogers (80' OG)]
What happened: After both teams shared possession in the first few minutes of the match, the home team opened the score as Hugo Cuypers converted a penalty kick in the 14th minute. The foul was committed by Alexey Miranchuk as he handled the ball with his right arm following a loose ball as two players from Chicago tried to enter the box.
Atlanta started to send bodies forward with Ronald Hernández, left, and Brooks Lennon, right, rushing through the wings, but it was Chicago who had more chances in the first half including a shot from Sergio Oregel from outside the box which was incredibly saved by Brad Guzan. A distraction on defense left Atlanta exposed following a Chicago free kick in the 36th minute which bounced off the wall, but Guzan came out of his line at the right time to block off a clear attempt by Cuypers.
Miranchuk had Atlanta's first clear opportunity on goal in the 33rd minute as he cut inside the box and had a precise shot on target from right side of the box, which was saved by Chicago's goalkeeper Jeffrey Gal. The inspiration Atlanta came with to the match faded as the match progressed and halftime came just when the 5-Stripes needed a break.
There were no substitutions in the beginning of the second half and Ronny Deila kept the same formation that started the match, although Miguel Almirón was pushed back a bit to support the efforts in the midfield and have more mobility. The Paraguayan international had a good opportunity in the 48th minute entering the left of the box but his left footed shot went wide.
Eight minutes later Almirón created a chance as he entered the box, and despite having his jersey pulled by Jack Elliott, Almirón took a left footed shot that bounced off the defender. The Paraguayan went for the reboud and took a right footed shot as he was falling down, but the ball left flying close to Chicago's goal.
Deila made his first substitutions in the 74th minute looking to provide more depth to the attack. Saba Lobjanidze came in for Hernández, while Bartosz Slisz was subbed in for Mateusz Klich, and Tristan Muyumba for Fortune. Lennon swtiched to the right back position he's used to while Saba was sent in as a left winger.
The changes allowed Atlanta to have more control and possession in the midfield and the team started pressing higher. The reward for Atlanta came in the 80th minute with the goal that tied the match.
Miranchuk sent a cross from the right wing to the center of the box looking for Latte Lath but Chicago's defender Sam Rogers ended up heading the ball into his own goal. The own goal ended Atlanta's draught scoring on away matches since March 22 at FC Cincinnati.
It seemed like the 5-Stripes were starting to gain momentum but Chicago found the back of the net again in the 86th minute as Rominigue Kouamé scored with a right foot inside the box, in the middle of several defenders. Atlanta continued to push forward looking for another goal to savage a draw, but it wasn't enough, despite an attempt by Derrick Williams following a cross from Noah Cobb that hit the post in the 90'+5'.
Key stat: 8 vs 2. Atlanta was outplayed in attack, as the 5-Stripes only managed to register two shots on target vs eight from Chicago.
Standouts: Brad Guzan managed six decisive saves in the entire match, preventing Chicago from scoring more than two goals.
Next up: Atlanta United will hit the road again traveling to Austin, Texas to face Austing FC in a cross-conference match up which also includes Atlanta United Special Olympics Unified Team's second match of the season. The first team match will kick off at 8:30 pm (MLS Season Pass on Apple TV).
The 5-Stripes will host Philadelphia Union next Saturday (7:30 pm | MLS Season Pass & the EA FC SPORTS Mobile App). View tickets.
