FC CINCY DOWN CHICAGO FIRE 2-1 AWAY AT SOLIDER FIELD

Sam Mbonu

Supporters Shield winners, FC Cincinnati earned a 2-1 win Saturday night against Chicago Fire FC at Soldier Field in Chicago. The Orange and Blue (1-0-1, 4 points) earned three points for the first time this season.

Gabonese striker, Aaron Boupendza scored his first goal of the league campaign and has scored in consecutive matches for the Orange and Blue after finding the back of the net midweek in the Concacaf Champions Cup against Cavalier FC. Boupendza, who scored five goals in 10 appearances for the Orange and Blue in 2023, registered the club’s first regular season goal of 2024.

Xherdan Shaqiri leveled things from the penalty spot late in the first half for the Fire with his first goal of the year after being held off the scoresheet in Chicago’s 2-2 opening week result against Philadelphia Union.

Offseason free agent signing Miles Robinson scored his first goal for the club, winning the match for the Orange and Blue. Luciano Acosta assisted on the goal for his first helper of the season after registering 14 assists in 2023 which was tied for the fourth most in MLS.

 AS IT HAPPENED

CIN: Aaron Boupendza, GOAL – 39’ (0-1) – Aaron Boupendza took advantage of a poor centering pass from Rafael Czichos, intercepting deep in the Chicago half. Boupendza took possession and calmly settled atop the Fire penalty area, bouncing a shot past Chris Brady.

 CHI: Xherdan Shaqiri, GOAL (PK) – 45’ (1-1) – Fire captain Xherdan Shaqiri brought the match level from the penalty spot following a VAR check for a previous foul against Brian Gutierrez by Obinna Nwobodo inside the area.

CIN: Miles Robinson, GOAL – 68’ (1-2) – Defender Miles Robinson won it for Cincinnati in the 68th minute from a Cincinnati corner kick. Luciano Acosta found Robinson inside the penalty area, and the defender was able to make good contact with Acosta’s service to put it away.

The Orange and Blue return home to TQL Stadium for the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 against CF Monterrey on Thursday, March 7. FC Cincinnati will stay at home for Major League Soccer play on Sunday, March 10 to take on D.C. United, with kickoff set for 3 p.m. ET.