It was the New York Red Bulls who got off to a hot start early at Toyota Park, a venue where they have not won in their last 14 games there. In the 10th minute, Chicago Fire captain Jeff Larentowicz fouled Matt Miazga in the box on a corner and the referee gave a penalty to New York. Sacha Kljestan's shot somehow made it past Sean Johnson on the spot kick to give the Red Bulls a dream start.
However, the Fire equalized in the 22nd minute when Kennedy Igboananike found the back of the net for Chicago. Matt Polster forced a turnover in his defensive zone and found Igboananike's strike partner Gilberto. The Brazilian found Igboananike on a through ball and he beat the goalkeeper for the equalizer. The Fire almost took the lead in the 28th minute when Gilberto had a free header from a corner, which forced a quality save from Luis Robles to keep the match level. It seemed like the half would end with no other chances until the 41st minute.
Gilberto found some space for himself down the right wing and sent in a cross that found Michael Stephens. Stephens then chested it to Patrick Nyarko, who turned around and fired past Robles to give the Fire a 2-1 lead going into halftime. It was a superb goal, and one which really should earn a nomination for MLS Goal of the Week.
New York equalized on a cheeky corner play. Lloyd Sam stepped on the ball in the corner, barely moving it and deceiving the Fire. However, by touching it he had made the play live. While everyone thought they were changing kick tackers, Sacha Kljestan picked up the ball, dribbled into the middle of the box and threw in a cross that was met by Ronald Zubar. It was a bizzare play that seemed to puzzle Chicago and the crowd.
However, the Fire rebounded in the 73rd minute when Michael Stephens whipped in a cross that found David Accam, who in turn fed the ball to Igboananike, who finished for his second goal of the game. His brace helped Chicago seal all three points and they were a crucial three points.
The three points see Chicago climb back to only two points behind the next three teams in front of them, which also puts them just two points off of the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. Chicago has a game in hand over those teams and with a win over Orlando City this Saturday climb into one of playoff spots. Montreal has three games in hand over Chicago, but they play Montreal twice before the season ends so if the Fire can pick up another win, then we will be set for a wild finish to the season.