author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

That's it from me!

That wraps up VAVEL USA's coverage of Chicago Fire vs Seattle Sounders in the MLS Is Back Tournament. It's been a pleasure to bring coverage of this game to you on VAVEL. If you wish to follow me on Twitter, you can find me at @danmorgi34. Until next time, goodbye!

July 14, 2020 11:24 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

Chicago deserving winners

Chicago managed ten shots, with five of those on target. Compared to Seattle's 7 shots with only one on target. Despite the late reshuffle of the groups which saw Chicago places with teams from the Western Conference, they lead group B for now after winning their opening game of the MLS Is Back tournament. 

July 14, 2020 11:18 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

FULL TIME 2-1

Chicago Fire emerge the victors as the Seattle Sounders fail to capitalize on their early chances. Despite throwing everything at it late on, Chicago's very own Pineda put the Fire ahead who undeniably deserved the three points. 

Chicago now lead group B after earning all three points in their first fixture in the MLS Is Back tournament. 

July 14, 2020 11:15 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

90+

Nine Chicago men are defending behind the ball, making sure that Seattle don't get an equalizer. 2-1

July 14, 2020 11:11 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

90+ CHANCE

Alex Roldan delivered another brilliant cross for the Sounders in a hectic end of the game. Ruidiaz misses his chance. 2-1

July 14, 2020 11:10 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

90+

Navarro is caught on the wrong end of a defensive overhead clearance from his own team mate, there has a been a stop in play. Time is running out for Seattle, and the Fire are defending deep and well. 

July 14, 2020 11:08 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

90+

Ruidiaz flicks a chance over the bar, the Sounders still have 5 minutes of 9 from added time to find an equalizer. 2-1

July 14, 2020 11:06 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

90+

The Sounders are still giving all they can in the hunt for an equalizer and have earned a free-kick, time for a final chance at getting back in the game. 2-1

July 14, 2020 11:04 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

90' Substitution

As we enter the final minute of regulation time, Chicago bring on Collier for goalscorer Beric. 2-1

July 14, 2020 11:02 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

Substitutions

Sounders bring on Alex Roldan and Jordy Delem for Arreaga and Leerdam. 2-1

July 14, 2020 10:59 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

87'

Seattle are throwing everything at this game to try and get an equalizer, time is however running out and Chicago look well drilled. 2-1

July 14, 2020 10:58 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

83' GOAL

Chicago manage to score from the corner, as the Seattle defense miss the corner, the ball falls to defender Pineda converts with an instinctive volley. 2-1

July 14, 2020 10:56 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

83' CHANCE

Beric finds himself at the top of the box and opens his body up for a shot, which Frei manages to palm out for a corner. 1-1

July 14, 2020 10:54 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

80'

There's been a huge swing in momentum since the equalizing goal for Seattle, who look more likely to score a winning goal now! 1-1

July 14, 2020 10:52 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

76' GOAL

Jordan Morris teases a ball into the box as Bwana capitalizes from the cutback and brings the two sides level. 1-1

July 14, 2020 10:48 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

73' Hydration break

The break comes at a good time for Seattle, who will benefit from more guidance as they look to apply more pressure onto Chicago.

Chicago have defended well so far, but may well need a second to put this game to bed. 1-0

July 14, 2020 10:45 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

72'

Ruidiaz attempts an overhead kick inside the box after a cross was delivered from the right wing, however the Fire are flagged offside. 1-0

July 14, 2020 10:43 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

69' CHANCE

Mihalovic has a chance instantly as Sapong sets him up from ten yards out, however he couldn't get the ball out of his feet and is dispossessed. Almost an instant impact from the substitute. 1-0

July 14, 2020 10:40 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

68' Substitution

Chicago bring off Herebes as Mihalovic enters the field in his place. 1-0

July 14, 2020 10:39 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

66'

Ruidiaz shows his frustration as hes caught offside again for the Sounders. 1-0.

July 14, 2020 10:36 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

62' Substitute

Sounders bring on O'Neill for Gomez after the defender is suspected to have picked up an injury during his tackle earlier on. 1-0

July 14, 2020 10:33 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

Hydration break

Gomez picks up a yellow card after a clumsy challenge just before the hydration break. 1-0

July 14, 2020 10:31 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

Substitute

A second substitution for the Sounders as Handwalla Bwana replaces Ibarra. 1-0. 

July 14, 2020 10:30 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

58'

Roldan manages to cross inside the box, but his effort is cleared by Chicago. 1-0 

July 14, 2020 10:29 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

July 14, 2020 10:27 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

52' GOAL FOR CHICAGO

Beric latches onto a long ball and manages to throw off Gomez as he gets his shot away. Chicago fire lead 1-0

July 14, 2020 10:23 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

50'

Chicago are capitalizing on a sloppy opening second half by Seattle and are getting forward well. 0-0

July 14, 2020 10:21 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

Substitutes

Chicago have brought off Bornstein and replaced him with Navarro. 

As for the sounders, Morris has come on in place of Hopeau at half-time. 0-0

July 14, 2020 10:20 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

46'

We're back underway! 0-0

July 14, 2020 10:17 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

Invalid date 7:00 PM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

Half-time Chicago Fire 0-0 Seattle Sounders

The Sounders may well rue not taking their chances which came early on in the game. Chicago have grown into the game and applied pressure on Seattle in the form of set plays as the game went on. 

Seattle still look dangerous on the counter attack, it's only a matter of time before Ruidiaz and the Sounders put away their chances. 

July 14, 2020 10:00 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

45+

The Sounders are trying to probe the Chicago defense and get a goal before half-time. 0-0

July 14, 2020 9:58 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

45+

Frankowski sinks a deep cross into the box, which is headed out for a corner by the Sounders. The corner is dealt with by the Sounders- but Chicago are recycling the play well and applying pressure on the Sounders. 0-0

July 14, 2020 9:57 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

45'

Chicago are enjoying the possession as the fourth official indicates a minimum of 5 minutes added time. 0-0

July 14, 2020 9:54 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

42' SAVE

Frei punches the attempted free-kick away to launch a Sounders counterattack. Brilliant save from the keeper. 0-0

July 14, 2020 9:51 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

40'

Hopeau fouls Bornstein outside the box after the corner, Chicago have a free-kick on the left wing. 0-0 

July 14, 2020 9:50 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

39' CHANCE

Bornstein again crosses the ball into the box for the Fire, his cross is dealt with by Seattle, awarding Chicago with another corner. 0-0

July 14, 2020 9:49 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

37'

Sapong plays Beric down the wing, who runs the ball to the byline and has won a corner for Chicago - the first of the game. 0-0

July 14, 2020 9:46 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

36'

Svensson makes a great tackle to prevent Chicago from breaching the Seattle defense, Chicago are growing into the game at time goes on. 0-0

July 14, 2020 9:45 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

35'

Chicago again get the game back underway after the second hydration break. 0-0

July 14, 2020 9:44 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

32' Hydration Break

Both sides are having their second hydration break of the first half. 0-0

July 14, 2020 9:41 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

31' CHANCE

Bornstein manages to get a cross into the box which reaches Frankowski at the back post, who's tame header is saved easily by Frei. 0-0

July 14, 2020 9:41 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

28' CHANCE

Ruidiaz breaches the Chicago back four and chips the keeper, his shot goes just wide. The Sounders are pilling plenty of pressure in Chicago's defensive third. 0-0

July 14, 2020 9:38 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

25'

Chicago have pinned Seattle back very well and are looking to create chances of their own, Sapong looks to play Beric through but his pass is too heavy and cleared  by the Sounders defense. 0-0

July 14, 2020 9:34 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

24' Seattle free-kick

Pineda brings down Ruidiaz in his own half, the defender needed to make the challenge and is lucky to escape without a card. 0-0

July 14, 2020 9:32 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

22' Seattle chance

Seattle's counterattack see's the ball shifted to Hopeau on the right wing, the winger got a shot off just inside the box but went just wide. Chicago are let off again. 0-0

July 14, 2020 9:31 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

21'

Seattle's left hand side in Ibarra and Nounou are looking lively so far, full of energy on the left wing. 0-0

July 14, 2020 9:29 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

18' Seattle chance

Roldan picks up the ball in the midfield and switches the play out to Ibarra, who drifts inside from the left-wing and gets a shot away. His shot is comfortably saved by the keeper at his near post. 0-0.

July 14, 2020 9:28 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

16' Back underway

Chicago resume the action with a free-kick on the halfway line. 0-0

July 14, 2020 9:25 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

15' Hydration break

The players have their first drinks break early on, in the 30 degree heat it will be a welcomed one. It's a goood opportunity for both managers to reiterate their instructions to the players. Chicago will look to press onto Seattle more as they've shown they can lack concentration in defense. 0-0

July 14, 2020 9:24 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

13'

Ibarra is caught offside as he breached the defense early and hit his shot wide. Chicago let off there. 0-0

July 14, 2020 9:22 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

10' Even opening ten

Seattle have enjoyed more of the possession early on, but despite playing already in the MLS Is Back tournament, the defense looks shaky. Chicago are growing into the game and more than happy to hit Seattle on the counter-attack. 0-0

July 14, 2020 9:20 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

9' Chicago chance

Sapong breaches the Seattle back line and puts a tame cross into the box, which is cleared easily by the Sounders. 0-0

July 14, 2020 9:18 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

7' Seattle chance

Lodeiro picks up the ball outside the box and unleashes a powerful shot which goes well wide, a good chance for the Sounders. 0-0

July 14, 2020 9:16 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

3' Chicago early chance

Frankowski picked up the ball and lead the counter for the Fire, he riffled a cross into the box which wasn't met by anyone. 0-0

July 14, 2020 9:12 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

2'

Calvo gives away a free-kick for Seattle, who look comfortable early on. 0-0

July 14, 2020 9:11 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

1' Sounders underway

The Sounders have set the game underway and are enjoying early spells of the ball. 0-0. 

July 14, 2020 9:09 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

Kick-off!

0' We're underway! 

July 14, 2020 9:08 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

Kick-off approaching

We're getting closer to kick-off, make sure you stay tuned to VAVEL USA for all coverage from Chicago Fire vs Seattle Sounders, as it happens live.

July 14, 2020 8:45 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

Chicago Fire XI

Chicago XI: Sekulic; Bornstein, Calvo, Sapong, Meran, Frankowski, Kronholm, Hibers, Pineda, Beric, Gimenez.

Subs: Aliseda, Bronico, Casas, Collier, Mihalovic, Navarro, Omsberg, Reynolds, Slonina (G), Slonina (N), Sparrow, Stojanovic

July 14, 2020 8:17 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

Seattle Sounders XI

Seattle XI: Frei; Leerdam, Gomez, Arreaga, Nouhou; Svensson, Roldan; Hopeau, Lodiero, Ibarra; Ruidiaz (4-2-3-1).

Subs: Muse, Cleaveland, O'Neill, Roldan (A), Delem, Leyva, Atencio, Dobbelaere, Bwana, Morris, Dhillon.

July 14, 2020 8:07 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

Predicted starting XI

Chicago Fire XI: Kronholm; Broncio, Pineda, Calvo, Bornstein; Giminez; Frankowski, Medran, Herbers, Mihalovic; Beric (4-1-4-1). 

Seattle Sounders XI: Frei; Leerdam, Gomez, Arrega, Tolo; Svensson, Delem; Roldan, Lodeiro, Morris; Ruidiaz (4-2-3-1).

July 14, 2020 6:53 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

That's it for now!

That concludes my pre-coverage for now, I'll be back in a few hours time with team news and more updates. 

July 14, 2020 5:25 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

Your officiating team for the morning

Your referee for this mornings game is Rosendo Mendoza. 

He will be assisted by Kathryn Nesbit and Jeremy Kieso, with Armando Villarreal on 4th official duty. 

Allen Chapman will be watching VAR.

July 14, 2020 5:08 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

Injury News

For Chicago Fire, CJ Sapong (thorax muscle strain) and Nick Slonina (hip muschle strain) will miss through injury.

As for Seattle, they'll be without João Paulo (quad strain), Joevin Jones (adductor strain) and Will Bruin (knee injury) for the fixture.

July 14, 2020 5:02 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

Sounders aim for first win of MLS Is Back tournament

After drawing 1-1 in group B's opening game of MLS Is Back to San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle will look to get three points off Chicago to maintain their lead in group B

July 14, 2020 4:55 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

Chicago Fire's MLS Is Back tournament debut

Chicago Fire face off against Seattle Sounders in their first game in the MLS Is Back tournament. 

Whilst form is largely irrelevant for the Fire, as their last game they played was back in March against the New England Revolution - A game which Chicago drew 1-1. 

July 14, 2020 4:50 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

How to watch Chicago Fire vs Seattle Sounders Live TV and Stream

If you are wanting to watch the game on TV, your best options are ESPN or ESPN Deportes.

Alternatively, if you'd prefer to follow on the internet, VAVEL USA is your best option!

July 14, 2020 4:39 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

About MLS Is Back

The MLS Is Back tournament features a group stage and knockout rounds, much like competitions such as the World Cup. Whoever wins the tournament will earn a spot in next years Concacaf Champions League and $1 million in prize money. As an incentive for teams to perform, any points which are earned during the group stages of the competition will count towards this seasons table. 

July 14, 2020 4:33 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

Kick-off time

Chicago Fire vs Seattle Sounders will be played at Walt Disney World's Wide World Of Sport Complex, Orlando. Kick off is scheduled at 6:00AM ET. 

July 14, 2020 4:27 AM ET
author
Daniel MorganLive reporter

Welcome!

Welcome to VAVEL US' coverage of the 2020 MLS Is Back tournament: Chicago Fire vs Seattle Sounders. My name is Daniel Morgan and I'll be your host from across the pond for this game. We will provide you with all the information on VAVEL.com.

July 13, 2020 6:13 PM ET