Two goals from David Accam in 30 minutes that gave the Chicago Fire a lead that they were able to hold on to in order to advance to the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup with a 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew.
Accam's brace gives Chicago control in the first half
The game started out with both teams vying to control the tempo of the match. In the opening five minutes, both teams forced corners but weren't able to muster any clean chances. Chicago had a solid attacking trio in their starting lineup. Up top was the duo of David Accam and Kennedy Igboananike which gave Chicago a lot of speed up top. Combine that with the hard work rate of John Goossens and Chicago had a very solid attacking trio which got off to the perfect start in the 7th minute. The Fire struck on the counter when Goossens made a steaming run towards the box, pulling defenders towards him. He then passed it off to Accam on the left wing. Accam then took a couple of steps inwards and shot a laser into the back of the net. Columbus keeper Brad Stuver had no chance as the ball hit the right corner of the net to give Chicago a 1-0 lead. It was the start they needed after dropping their previous two games. Chicago made things even better in the 30th minute when Accam put the ball into the back of the net once again. This time, it was off the hustle of midfielder Nick LaBrocca who was able to keep a ball in play near the corner flag in Columbus's half. He then gave it to Rodrigo Ramos who delivered a cross right into the path of Accam, who was right in front of goal. His touch sent it right past Stuver and just like that it was 2-0 Fire.
In the first half, it was a struggle for Columbus to get any real attacking chances. A lot of that had to do with the Fire closing down striker Ola Kamara and attacker Justin Meram, two of Columbus's biggest threats. Chicago keeper Matt Lampson didn't have to make any tough saves and it was a relatively easy half for him. The best chance for the Crew came in the 45th minute when Kamara had a free kick opportunity just outside the box. But it didn't generate anything as his shot went way over the bar. With the first half ending shortly after, it was the last piece of play for both teams.
“We didn’t create enough chances, we didn’t put enough pressure on them,” said Columbus head coach Gregg Berhalter when asked about the struggles his teams went through offensively in the first half.
Chicago survives late push from the Crew
Chicago picked up first where they left off in the first half and nearly scored a third goal in the 49th minute. Once again, it was the combination of Igboananike and Accam who helped create the chance for Chicago. Igboananike got the ball on the left-hand side and delivered a cross in front of goal. It was an inviting cross but sadly it went right before he could stick a leg out and Columbus was happy to clear for a corner.
Columbus had their first chance of the second half in the 52nd minute when they were awarded a free-kick in a dangerous area. Meram floated a ball to the back post looking for a header on target. But, it was to no avail as nobody got on the end of the cross and a goal kick was given. The Crew almost scored four minutes later if not for a questionable offside call. Meram had his shot deflected inside the box and the ball ended up in the back of the net thanks to a Columbus player but he was ruled offside and the goal was disallowed.
The Fire seemed content to sit back and defend. They played well and calmly when they had the ball and Columbus was pressing. Chicago made some defensive changes and changed their formation to a 4-5-1 for more solidity in the middle of the park.
“It was a set-up that we planned,” said Fire head coach Veljko Paunović.
Columbus got right back into the game in the 79th minute when a handball was called and the referee pointed to the spot. Ethan Finley, who subbed on at halftime, sent Lampson the wrong way to make it 2-1. The goal seemed to give Columbus life as they played with more energy after the goal. They had a great chance in the 86th minute but couldn't convert, and the match ended with Chicago as 2-1 winners.